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A dedicated PI licensing board, often operating under a larger state licensing authority, is typically in place to regulate and oversee the licensing process for individual private investigators and PI firms.


  • Step 1. Learn About State Licensure.
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  • How to Be a Private Investigator (with Pictures) - wikiHow;

For example, although there are no state licensing requirements in Alabama, a number of cities in the state, including Birmingham, Montgomery and Mobile, have their own licensing processes. Not all individuals are eligible to become private investigators. Although minimum requirements for licensure differ between states, candidates for licensure must be of a certain age, which is usually between 21 and Perhaps the largest difference between states lies with minimum requirements for education and experience.

A common requirement for licensure is experience, although it should be noted that many states allow candidates to substitute education for experience. Related private investigator experience may include working as an adjuster, risk manager, claims investigator, director of security for a company, director for a licensed security service, or as a law enforcement officer for a federal, state or local police department.

How to Become a Private Investigator | How to Become a Private Detective | PI Education

Some states require candidates to pass a state exam before they can achieve licensure as a private detective. Before you rush out and buy yourself a magnifying glass and deer stalker, you should perhaps ask the question: So what has attracted you to this line of work? Private investigators are both male and female and can be of any age. I suppose if we did all fit the stereotype, it would rather defeat the object. This industry does not suit everyone. If you are looking for a nine-to-five, 40 hour a week job, then I suggest you stop reading now. The work of a private investigator can often be mundane, sometimes involving routine elements which serve only to eliminate issues.

Typically, you will need to pass an exam, and sometimes a short training course. Private investigators can examine everything from arson to identity theft. If you can, draw on particular experience or skills to specialize in one or more areas. This can lead to more full-time employment opportunities, or create a reputation that attracts clients.

Here are a few common specialties: Computer skill can make you desirable as a computer forensics investigator, recovering and analyzing deleted emails and other digital data. Accounting experience prepares you for corporate jobs involving fraud, embezzlement, asset recovery, and other financial transactions.

For starters, you'll need reliable transportation and a decently fast computer. You can't track someone down with the local library computers and the city bus. You'll probably also want a good camera, recording equipment, and — depending on the job — camouflage clothes. Guns are not as common as you might think in most types of PI work. If your region allows PIs to carry weapons, and you're willing to accept more dangerous jobs, consider firearm training and a weapons permit.

Depending on your exact experience, you may be able to land a full time job in one of the specialties listed above.


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  6. Working for a detective agency is another option, and the on-the-job training it provides can be invaluable even if you have law enforcement training. Seek clients among insurance companies and attorneys as well as private individuals. Although one in four PIs are self-employed, we don't recommend starting a business until you have at least a few years of experience.

    Know what's legal and what isn't. As a PI, you're toeing the line when it comes to the tactics you're employing to catch your perp. Just because you're a PI doesn't mean you can break the law. Stay safe and employed and get familiar with the laws. Pretexting the act of pretending to be someone else to obtain information is generally viewed as only unethical.

    However, it is illegal in the US if you pretend to be a government official or use your identity to obtain phone or bank records. Wiretapping is generally illegal.

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    Surveillance is typically legal especially if the police have been notified. Breaking and entering is definitely not legal. Citizen arrest laws vary by area. There are about fifteen professional certifications that you can earn to prove your qualifications in various subfields of investigation.

    These typically require at least two years of experience and passing an exam. A "certificate" is not a professional "certification. The training can be useful, but it does not carry the same cachet. Yes, but mostly on rare occasions.

    Want to Be a PI? What Are the Odds?

    This usually occurs on cold cases, which are ones that weren't solved by the police. Not Helpful 0 Helpful Criminal Justice or Law Enforcement work great for becoming a private investigator. Not Helpful 0 Helpful 9. You should ask the city Department of Public Safety to find out more about your area's requirements. Not Helpful 1 Helpful The short answer is "yes. Also, licensed private investigators can do surveillance on legitimate cases without being arrested for stalking, and can access certain databases the general public cannot. That said, everyone starts somewhere.

    No experience means you have to be aware that many potential clients will want someone with years of experience. Not Helpful 4 Helpful Can being a previous drug user hinder your ability in becoming a private investigator? It will if you were criminally charged and you want to work for a company.

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    You also need to pass a drug test at many P. Not Helpful 8 Helpful A private investigator without a car would not find employment. Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0. How do I work as a secret private investigator?