How to Be a Private Eye in Texas

Computer forensics specialists recover lost files and investigate system infiltrations.

Private eyes, or private investigators, are individuals or organizations hired to obtain information for their clients. A private investigator may have to find proof that a person's spouse is being unfaithful, locate a missing person or investigate insurance claims. It is a diverse field of work, and it can easily be thought of as appealing. Getting started as a private detective in Texas requires a license, as stated in the Private Security Act in the Texas Occupations Code, as well as suitable experience.

Instructions

1. Decide whether you want to start your own agency or work for somebody else. If you wish to start your own agency, you must meet the requirements to be a manager or find somebody who does. The Texas Private Security Bureau requires managers to have a minimum of six months' experience in investigation (with supporting qualifications) or a bachelor's degree in criminal justice. Working for somebody else is a lot easier if you are low on experience and training; you can move on to having your own agency later.

2. Pick a specialty. Many private investigators have a specialty, such as legal, corporate or financial. Legal investigators work for lawyers and legal firms and assist in compiling information pertaining to a case; corporate investigators are hired by companies to investigate either internal or external foul play; and financial investigators are often certified accountants who develop financial profiles of individuals or companies. The specialty you choose determines your career path, and thinking about what exactly you are interested in doing is vital.

3. Take a course. Having qualifications is favorable when looking to become a private investigator. A bachelor's degree in criminal justice or police science is ideal, but any courses you can find relating to either are fine. If you have chosen a specialty, take a course relating to it. For example, if you wish to be a computer forensics investigator (working with lost computer files and unauthorized access), you should get a qualification in computer science instead of criminal justice.

4. Find a job as an investigator. Gaining experience in investigations is important to your career. If you have chosen a specialty, working within that specialty would be a bonus. You can qualify for a manager role with the Texas Private Security Bureau if you have three consecutive years of investigation experience, without needing specific training. The only requirements to work for somebody else as an investigator are that you should be over 18 years of age, have a good criminal history (no felonies or class A misdemeanors, and no class B misdemeanors in the last five years), be mentally sound and not be a registered sex offender. Most jobs will require some form of qualification, however.

5. Go to the Texas Private Security Bureau's website and fill in the relevant forms. To apply to start a licensed private investigation company, you have to qualify as a manager and take an exam on the relevant legal and administrative rules. See Resources for more information.

References

• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Private Detectives and Investigators
• Texas Association of Licensed Investigators: Texas Licensing Requirements

Resources

• Texas Online: Company License Application
• Texas Department of Public Safety: Instructions for Original Company Licence Application
• PI Education