How Do I Become a Private Investigator?
Key Takeaways
Private investigators perform diverse investigative work including missing persons cases, background checks, computer crime investigations, and insurance fraud detection. A Criminal Justice degree paired with internships and state licensing can launch a PI career in under 2.5 years.
- Criminal Justice degree provides foundational knowledge for PI work with accelerated completion in 2.5 years through year-round programs
- Internships with PI firms teach surveillance techniques, information searches, video editing, and agency procedures
- State licensing requirements vary but typically include background checks, exams, and sometimes prior investigative experience
- Continuing education keeps PIs current on investigative technology, laws, and emerging investigation methods
- Private investigators use skills in background checks, surveillance, and documentation verification across multiple industries
In the movies, a private investigator sits in a dingy office, chain smoking, drinking lousy coffee, and making wisecrack remarks to his assistant until a prospective client walks through the door. In real life, a PI is just as likely to be solving crimes sitting in front of a computer as by pounding the pavement, working with law enforcement agents, or sneaking up on people and taking furtive photographs while wearing gumshoes.
Private investigators do a lot more than dig up dirt on cheating spouses. They find missing persons, conduct background checks for companies on prospective employees, investigate computer crimes, insurance fraud, and other white collar crimes, and they verify peoples' documentation. There are some things a private investigator really can't do such as break the law, hack into phones or computers, and act like action heroes.
Insurance fraud is a major niche for private investigators. People illegitimately file claims for disability and other compensation for injuries at work or on private property. These people take funding away from those who really need it. PIs may be required to investigate someone who is claiming they can't get out of bed, when actually they are down at the bowling alley or tennis courts once or twice a week.
Private investigators also get to work with a lot of cool equipment. A list of PI gear in a PI's surveillance vehicle might include:
- Video camera for surveillance and documentation
- Audio recorder for taking detailed notes or recording interviews and statements
- Tripod or monopod for taking steady photographs and videos
- A power converter that plugs into your car
- Car desk for when you aren't working at home
- Laptop computer
- Video editing software
- Spy cameras
- Measuring tape/measuring wheel
- Night vision scope for seeing better at night
- Thermal camera
How does someone become a private investigator?
Most private investigators have a high school diploma and several years of work experience. Most states require private investigators and detectives to have a license.
There are several pathways to becoming a private investigator. An internship with a PI firm can give you experience at searching for information, practice at surveillance techniques, schooling on how to perform telephone pretexts, edit surveillance video, and become acquainted with that particular agency's way of doing things.
Getting a criminal justice degree
Another option is to pursue a Criminal Justice degree. If you enroll in a program with a year-round program, within just two and a half years, you could find yourself working as a private investigator. If that doesn't turn out the way you expect, a criminal justice degree will give you other marketable skills and prepare you to work for:
- Law enforcement agencies
- Homeland security
- Border protection
- Corrections
- Fraud investigations
- Public and private security
How can formal education be an asset to an individual PI?
The curriculum of a criminal justice degree is designed to give students an understanding of:
- Court structure and the legal system
- Principles of security and surveillance
- Law enforcement policies and procedures
- Technology to investigate, track, solve, and prevent crime
How can formal education in benefit the PI profession?
Knowledge begets knowledge, and your continuing education as a private investigator will have reciprocal benefits to the industry itself. By continually learning from recognized experts and keeping up to date with developments in investigative technology, laws, and methods, you will be helping the profession as a whole to maintain the highest standards of practice. You may even find yourself teaching classes and imparting your own wisdom to eager students.
What is the first step in becoming a private investigator?
Are you interested in becoming a private investigator? If you want to earn a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice, consider ECPI University for your education. With accelerated courses and a year-round schedule, you could earn your degree faster. For more information about this exciting program, connect with an admissions advisor today.
It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!
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