What Degree Do You Need to Become a Private Investigator?
Private investigators on television and in novels track down murderers and ferret out corruption, but real-life investigators are more likely to shadow cheating spouses or uncover insurance fraud. Investigators work on behalf of individuals, lawyers or companies that hire them to track down information or report on the activities of suspicious persons. The work can be difficult and boring, or exciting and dangerous. Investigators come from many different backgrounds and education levels.
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Education
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You don't need a specific degree to become a private investigator, but the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that most private investigators have some college, and many come from a law enforcement background. Degrees in criminal justice or political science can prepare you for many of the legal aspects of the job. If you decide to specialize in a particular type of investigation you will need a degree related to that specialization. For example, forensic accountants are often CPAs. Corporate investigators may have a degree in business, while investigators into cyber crime often hold degrees in computer programming.
Training and Licensing
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Most states require private investigators to hold a state-issued license. Colorado, Alabama, Idaho, Alaska, South Dakota, Mississippi and Wyoming do not require licenses, although some cities within these states may require a business license. To receive your license in states that require one, you must pass a written exam, pay a registration fee and pass a criminal background check. In most states, you cannot be a private investigator if you've ever been convicted of a felony.
You may also need a minimum number of hours of experience working under another investigator before you can receive your license. Many investigators learn on the job this way, apprenticing with an experienced investigator before setting up an agency on their own. If you carry a handgun as part of your job, you will need a license for the gun and a permit to carry it in most states. To obtain the license and permit you may have to complete a training course.
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Job Skills
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Private investigators have to be familiar with laws regarding obtaining evidence, privacy laws, wiretapping legislation and other laws that pertain to the activities of their business. A private investigator must be patient enough to spend hours on surveillance. He also should be creative and quick-thinking and not afraid of confrontation. Investigators work with technology such as computers, cameras and electronics and should be comfortable handling these. Clients expect written reports, so the investigator must have a good grasp of the English language and solid writing skills.
Where the Jobs Are
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As of 2008, 41 percent of private investigators worked for investigation or security firms. Twenty-one percent were self-employed, sometimes part-time as a second job. The rest worked for banks, corporations, insurance companies or state or federal governments. Many investigators turned to the work after they retired from the military or law enforcement. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects demand for private investigators to grow through 2018, particularly in the field of computer forensics.
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