Online Training for Private Investigators
There are many programs available online for those wishing to become private investigators. However, in most states the final word comes from the state agencies that grant private investigator (PI) licenses based on oral and written exams. Some states or cities where PIs get their licenses may require specific experience in the field in addition. When deciding to become a private investigator online, make sure the program will help you to be licensed by the state you will be conducting business in.
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Types
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Some online detective courses require that for some part of the program you are on site with instructors taking workshops. Those that have you take an exam before admission or offer live student support (rather than automated emails and online, automatic enrollment) are more likely to walk you through what you need to do to be certified in your state. Many states require that the PIs they license get online continuing education as new information and technology develops. Make sure if you are a beginner in the field you are signed up for the right courses.
Specialization
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Online training for private investigators can be toward a very general certification program. Other schools have specialty certificates such as preparing PIs for work as a security specialist, in protective intelligence or focusing in dignitary, executive and personal protection.
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Coursework
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Coursework in the programs will usually cover overall investigative observation skills and how to cultivate background information and research (such as using courthouse records and writing investigative reports.) PI training will focus on tracking and locating missing persons---including the best places to look and developing, investigating and tracking leads. Investigators online learn witness statement strategies, how to conduct surveillance and counter-surveillance, collect evidence, aid in legal investigations and testify in court. Investigators that assist with business crime investigations are trained to see warning signs of false worker's compensation claims and staged collisions that impact insurance fraud.
Career Training
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Groups like the National Association of Legal Investigators (NALI) can help career growth by certifying qualified people (after written and oral examinations) as certified legal investigators. This honor usually goes to professionals who work the majority of their cases in criminal defense or negligence cases and gains them more assignments.
Outlook and Salary
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Once an aspiring investigator completes their online education and gets licensed, the next challenge is to gain employment. The Bureau of Labor Statistics says that there are many varied opportunities for PI work but that it is also competitive to get these jobs because of the number of qualified people. The 2008 the salary range for PIs was $41,760 to $76,640.
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