And while stories about fictional private investigators arent necessarily accurate, its still an interesting and exciting field.
This is a field that pays well and doesnt require a four-year college degree.
There is some variation among the states about requirements for private investigators.
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An interest in criminal justice helps but isnt necessary.
This is a career area that is growing.
Good news for a job that averages more than $59,000 a year.
You will find out below how some private investigation jobs can be flexible.
Some specialties in private investigation require extensive knowledge of certain fields.
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States will generally accept a mixture of education, experience and internship experience toward required hours for a license.
Read on to find out how to become a private investigator.
What Characteristics Does a Private Investigator Need?
Private detectives rarely creep around old buildings with magnifying glasses like Nancy Drew.
Instead they spend a lot of time researching and following up on details.
Private investigators have to be pretty friendly, and comfortable talking to a variety of people.
On the flip side, a mistake in your data collection could torpedo a case.
If you think you have these qualities, then you should definitely research how to become a private investigator.
What Does a Private Investigator Do?
Private investigation employment breaks down into a few basic categories.
They might work for lawyers or for businesses and large corporations.
A licensed private investigative agency is used by individuals, lawyers, and businesses.
Lawyers
Law firms hire private investigators to discover whether people are cheating in some fashion.
It could be on a spouse or involving health insurance, workmans compensation, non-compete agreements, and more.
Or they might have private investigators on retainer.
Having a strong corporate compliance background can help corporate private investigators.
Agencies
Individuals also hire private investigators to get information.
They might be worried about a straying spouse or a missing child.
They may be concerned about certain activities, but dont want to go to a law enforcement agency.
Insurance Companies
Insurance companies will hire private investigators to look into claims.
Private investigators of all types talk to the targets friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers.
What Are the Different Types of Private Investigators?
They develop sources and a broad understanding of the tools that are available for their private investigation field.
Some of the specialty areas might be perfect for you.
Corporations often have internal investigating departments.
These departments may hire private investigators to fill special needs.
Decide whether you want to work on your own or for a company or agency.
Some private investigator agencies specialize in certain fields, or need specialists like those listed below.
List of Private Investigator Specialties
These are the main types of private investigator jobs.
A license is required to do them.
This investigator/analyst does background checks on potential employees.
They follow up on submitted information.
For high level jobs, they may conduct interviews.
This requires good organizational and writing skills.
Good for someone with corporate leadership background.
A cybercrime investigator works to recover data on computers if hacked, destroyed, or damaged.
Plus, they test/investigate cybersecurity breaches, conduct other digital investigations, and write the investigation reports.
May do phone inquiries.
Usually the first step in an investigation.
A jot down of insurance fraud investigation.
Internal fraud investigators usually work for a company or organization.
External fraud investigators are brought in, either by an outside party or the organization.
These investigators may be looking at any facet for fraud.
Skip tracers look for people who have skipped town, or disappeared without a trace.
People might be ducking debt, avoiding court, or family matters.
Some skip tracers / private investigators may find people remotely or have to travel.
They find, follow, record and report the actions of the surveillance target.
A high school diploma or GED is almost always required.
Alabama doesnt require any schooling, but it is helpful to take criminal justice courses for the state exam.
You usually have to be a citizen or legal resident and be at least 21 years old.
Often you’re free to get your private investigator intern license earlier.
For example, in Florida, the required age to get an investigator intern license is 18.
This can be through traditional colleges and universities, or through private investigator academies.
Once you pass your exam, it is likely that you wont have any problem getting employment.
Some states require that you post asurety bond.
It is more difficult to qualify if you have been convicted of a felony, or misdemeanors ofmoral turpitude.
Be aware that states have different requirements for expungement.
Here is how to become a private investigator.
Many colleges and universities offer programs which meet the requirements to get a private investigator intern license.
There are online academies inGeorgia.
A growing field of investigation is cybersecurity.
There are an increasing number of hacks of business and government data.
Various programs offer certification in cybersecurity, often costing around$1,000.
The average salary though in this field is higher, at just under$80,000.
Many states also require ethics courses.
Most courses cost between$99-129 to qualify.
The cost varies state to state.
Colleges and universities can teach you the necessary background knowledge for being a private investigator.
Interning teaches you how to do the job.
Almost every state requires private investigator interns licenses.
Not every state has a private investigator intern license.
Forty-five states require a license to be a private investigator.
It is vital that before you become a private investigator you research your state.
Previous law enforcement personnel or military police can use some of their experience to count.
Getting an associate or bachelors degree in criminal justice (or similar) also counts.
When you are ready to take your states licensing exam, you submit to a variety of processes.
States often require confirmation of employment from a private investigation agency.
About half of the states require a $5,000-$10,000 surety bond.
While private investigators dont have to carry weapons, many do.
There are a variety of situations you might find yourself in, and some of them could be dangerous.
Some private investigators who used to work in law enforcement might already have concealed weapons or other firearm permits.
Weapons permits and licenses also vary by state.
Being a private investigator may be beneficial in some states when applying for a concealed weapon license.
Most states require additional coursework and bonds for private investigators who carry weapons.
Maintaining your license is essential in working as a private detective.
License renewal is an average of two years in the United States, and generally costs around $200.
You will be expected to take continuing education courses.
States like North Carolina, Texas, and Oregon require ethics courses as part of continuing education.
The state of Washington requires annual renewals, so double-check you check your states rules.
Private investigators get paid well without having to spend years in college.
It is an especially good second or post retirement career.
The Penny Hoarder contributor JoEllen Schilke writes on lifestyle and culture topics.
(Can you sense my millennial sarcasm there?)
You know which ones were talking about: rent, utilities, cell phone bill, insurance, groceries…
