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Private
investigator school offers formal training in the areas of criminal
justice, surveillance, computer forensics, research, and
investigation. Learning about espionage tactics and fraud is another
area of private investigator training, and although a formal
education is not required to enter the field, it is preferable by
most employers. Many private investigation companies employ
independent private investigators, and experience within the field
helps build expertise in addition to basic training. Private
investigators are commonly hired to research and investigate
disputes, manage personal injury cases, or intercept drug
operations.
Job Description and
Responsibilities with a Private Investigator License
Attending a private
investigator school and training program allows students to gain the
hands-on skills and knowledge to become successful in the field.
Private investigator licenses qualify an individual to work with a
private investigation firm, or work independently as a contractor. A
position in private investigation often includes the following job
tasks:
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Searching
computer databases, public records, and running credit reports
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Reviewing
transactions
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Testifying at
hearings and court trials
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Exposing
fraudulent claims
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Writing case
reports and summaries
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Documenting
investigations
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Analyzing
information about suspects and crime
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Monitoring
industrial and commercial properties
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Conducting
private investigations on a paid basis
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Monitoring and
reviewing processes, materials, and surroundings
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Compiling and
auditing events, actions, and objects
A private
investigator license is required to practice in the majority of
States and the District of Columbia. Private investigator licenses
are available only after an extensive background check and passing a
written examination.
Private
Investigation Skills and Types of Projects
Since private
investigation involves extensive critical thinking and analysis
skills, it is important for a private investigator to acquire formal
training whenever possible. Private investigation schools allow
students to gain experience, and become proficient in observation,
perception, analytical thinking, and research. These are all
important attributes within the field.
Private
investigation training encourages skills such as:
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Active listening
and attention
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Social
perceptiveness
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Reading
comprehension
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Strong judgment
and decision making
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Active learning
and strong oral comprehension skills
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Mathematics and
application
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Logic and
reasoning
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Inductive
reasoning
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Strong reaction
time
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Assertiveness
How to
Become a Private Investigator
Learning how to become a private
investigator will take some time and research, and there are many
online training programs available. While a home-study course
provides the knowledge and basic training in private investigation,
a formal private investigator school can provide a higher level of
interaction, feedback, and extensive training in communications.
Private investigator schools train students on how to conduct in
depth research and investigation, how to handle personal injury
cases, and how to conduct effective interrogations.
Completing private investigator training
can take as little as ten months, or as much as two years; the
length of study depends on the type of course or program a student
enrolls in, and if this is a self-paced private investigator
training program or one that is connected to an associate or
bachelor's degree program in criminal justice. After attendance at a
private investigator school, students can move on to obtain private
investigator licensing. Private investigator licensing is required
in almost all states, and requires completing an examination and
passing a series of background and credit checks.
After receiving a private investigator
license, the private investigation candidate can pursue a career
with a company or offer their services independently. Private
investigator training allows students to learn the skills and
abilities they need for a long-term career, and continuing with
private investigation training with supplementary courses can help
increase experience in different industries.
Obtaining Private Investigator
Licensing
In order to obtain private investigator
licensing, the candidate must first check statewide licensing
requirements. Only seven states do not have licensing requirements:
Alabama, Alaska, Colorado, Idaho, Mississippi, Missouri, and South
Dakota. Many states also have mandatory private investigator
training program requirements for private detectives and
investigators, and the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services
is usually involved with the outlining the requirements.
In most cases, the candidate must be at
least 18 years of age, pass a criminal history background check, and
receive a qualifying score on a 2-hour written examination. They may
also need to obtain a firearms permit.
Ongoing
Private Investigation Training
Ongoing private investigation training
through classes and courses can help improve and develop key skills,
and most corporate investigators must have at least a bachelor's
degree in a business-related field. The National Association of
Legal Investigators (NALI) provides certification based on
competency in the field, and candidates must pass both a written and
oral examination to receive licensing through this professional
organization.
Private
Investigator School Curriculum and Courses
Private investigator school programs often include courses
such as:
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Finding Jobs in Security
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Public and Private Records Sources
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Undercover Investigation
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Surveillance
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Interviewing and Interrogation
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Statement and Confessions
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Computer Investigations
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Auto Repossession and Lock Picking
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Report Writing
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Domestic Investigations
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Photography Techniques
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Criminal Investigation
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Bodyguard Training
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Internal Security
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Background Investigations
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Hospital Security
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Shoplifting
Earning Potential
and Employment Prospects in Private Investigation
With the fear of crime, stricter rules and regulations in the civil
and professional communities, and the increases in computer-related
crime, the demand for private investigation professionals is on the
rise. Private investigation careers are also becoming more
attractive with increasing retirement in law enforcement and
military careers. Detective agencies and stores that hire private
investigators independently offer the most promising opportunities,
and the employment of private investigators is expected to grow
faster than average through 2014.
Median salaries of private detectives and investigators were
$32,110 in 2004, and this varies significantly depending on the
geographic area, employer, certification, and specialization.
Related occupations include:
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Security guards
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Bill collectors
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Police detectives
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Appraisers
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Claims adjusters
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