Private Investigator Training
Because there are no uniform educational requirements to become a private investigator, those interested in a career in this field have a variety of options to train and earn their way in, from independent training to course work.
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Features
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Hundreds of online schools offer private investigator courses. Content and information offered vary widely, but most cover types of investigative services, skip tracing, surveillance, gear and industry ethics. Good courses will also offer at least a chapter on how to set up your own business, how to deal with clients and the ins and outs of handling investigations that will stand up in court.
Considerations
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Much of the work of a private investigator has to do with paperwork, so those training in this field need to learn how to take statements in automobile accidents, as well as worker's compensation and witness evidence. Depending on the type of work, private investigators may also need to deal with retainer and subcontractor agreements, writing investigative reports and file preparation.
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Misconceptions
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Legal activities for private investigators vary by state, making it essential to be educated in the laws of his state. This includes learning when taping and recording conversations--both in person and by telephone--is legal, what the limitations in the use of force are, whether guns can be carried and what the limitations regarding search and surveillance are.
Identification
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When training to become a private investigator, first decide whether you will specialize or cover a wide variety of cases. The largest areas in which private investigators are employed include: searching for debtors, lawsuits that need to be backed up by evidence, false insurance claims, infidelity and divorce, theft and fraud and defaulted loans.
Expert Insight
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No license at all is required in Alabama or Alaska, but California, Florida and New York have specific requirements to be met before a license can be issued. In other states, such as Massachusetts, you need to join a special committee or organization before you can be granted a license.
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Resources
- Photo Credit Sophie Montreal
