What It Takes to Be a Private Investigator
Companies and individuals hire private investigators to find information and to help them make inferences from that information. Some private investigators are self-employed while others work for businesses, such as law offices and insurance companies.
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Traits and Skills
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Personality traits needed for a private investigator include persistence and assertiveness. Investigators also need good communication skills to get information from the people they interview or for when they appear as witnesses in trials.
Training
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A private investigator does not have to have any formal training, but many choose to complete an associate or bachelor's degree in criminal justice or a related field. Some have training as police detectives. If you are working for a company, training may be provided.
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Licensure
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Most states require private investigators to be licensed. The requirements vary from state to state; check with your department of justice to know for certain what your requirements are. If you plan on carrying a handgun, you will need to check for requirements regarding carrying, as well.
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References
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