I have a degree in Criminal Justice, what do I have to do to get a job as a Private Investigator?

Question

I'm currently a stay at home mom, and I'm looking for something that I could do with my degree, BUT be there for my child. I really want to be a PI, but don't know where to start. Suggestions???

Answer 1

Get a license. To do that you must fulfil the requirements of your state! Go to your state laws on line!

Thede are ours

106-F:6 Application for License; Confidentiality. – All information provided by an applicant for a license under this chapter, other than the application date and the business address of the applicant, shall be kept confidential, unless such information is requested by a law enforcement agent engaged in the performance of his authorized duties. An applicant for any license issued under this chapter shall include the following in his application:
I. The name and address of the firm applying for a license, or the name and address of the applicant if an individual, and all partners, officers and major stockholders.
II. The name of the person primarily responsible for managing and conducting the business in this state.
III. The name of at least 3 unrelated persons to whom inquiry can be made concerning the applicant's character as to integrity and reputation for honesty.
IV. The applicant's record of felony convictions and misdemeanor convictions.
V. Information as to whether any prior or similar licenses have ever been issued to the applicant and if so, whether such licenses were ever revoked or suspended, in this or any other state.
VI. In the case of an applicant for an armed security guard or armed private detective license, 2 sets of the applicant's fingerprints taken at state police headquarters.
VII. Two photographs of the applicant taken at state police headquarters to be used for a photo license card issued by the commissioner of safety identifying the private detective or security guard holder and by whom he is employed.
VIII. In addition to the requirements of paragraphs I-VII, applicants for private detective licenses shall meet the following qualifications:
(a) Be a resident of the United States.
(b) Be at least 18 years of age.
(c) Have no record of violent misdemeanors, or theft, fraud, or felony convictions.
(d) Except for employees, possess:
(1) A minimum of 4 years' experience as a full-time law enforcement officer with a federal, state, county or municipal police department; or
(2) An associate of science degree or bachelor of science degree in criminal justice or fire service from an accredited college or university, and employment as a full-time investigator for a private detective agency for at least 2 years; or
(3) A minimum of 4 years' employment as a full-time investigator for a licensed private detective or private detective agency; or
(4) A minimum of 4 years' experience as a full-time firefighter and certification by the International Association of Arson Investigators.
(e) Provide verifiable documentation of his qualifications at the time of application for a license.
Source. 1977, 582:1. 1981, 389:4. 1987, 124:6, I(a); 205:1. 1990, 146:4, 5. 1991, 308:34. 1992, 139:3, eff. July 3, 1992.

Answer 2

You could become a lawyer with your degree????? NO, just a thought. I have the same undergrad degree, I am an attorney and a mom. It is hard but I can at least schedule my docket around my kids activities if necessary.

Answer to you Q: Most states require you to obtain a license. You are on the right path with your edcuational b/g.The first thing you need to do is contact the licensing dept. in your state, each state has different requirements, most likely. Where I live, it is a crime to operate or hold yourself out to others as a P.I. w/o a license. You may be required to pass a written exam. In my state you must complete so many (amount unknown to me right now) hours of expereince training. I do not know what state you live in, but some of the best P.I.'s I have ever worked with ALL went to a short course @ a training acadamy called DTI. I am not sure where it is located, but I believe they now have at home on-line courses(as do so many other sites) you google "private investigator school training" you will be bombarded with hits. As an attorney I have noticed a patteren, every time I am really impressed with certain skills an investigator has, whether it is surveilanve, excellent report writing, administering a polygraph, locating those who do not want to be found, interviewing witnesses, trial prep, etc. When I ask them if they have any special or formal training beyond what is required, nine out of ten times I hear about this DCI, (e-mail me & I will get more info on it for you.) Check the the justice dept, they usually offer classes as well. Most states require that you pass a background check, criminal history, and that you be qualified to have a weapons permit. In addition you may not be a convicted felon.

Answer 3

I'd pass with crook justice. There are special varieties of personal investigators. Some are average investigators. If you wish to understand how to emerge as a personal investigator, don't forget what style of investigations you would wish to habits. Corporate investigators quite often desire a four yr measure. Coursework in finance, accounting, and trade is traditionally desired. Because many monetary investigators have an accountant’s heritage, they quite often have a four yr measure in accounting or a similar area. Many laptop forensics investigators desire a four yr measure in a area similar to laptop technology or crook justice. Many faculties and universities now present certificates methods and levels in laptop forensics. Because laptop forensics gurus want each laptop capabilities and investigative capabilities, broad coaching could also be required in the event you wish to emerge as a personal investigator of this style. Many laptop forensic investigators be trained their exchange whilst operating for a legislation enforcement company, wherein they're taught find out how to accumulate proof and to identify laptop-similar crimes. Many humans input legislation enforcement to get this coaching and to set up a fame earlier than relocating directly to the personal sector. If you emerge as a legislation enforcement officer, you are going to already recognize find out how to emerge as a personal investigator. Because they paintings with replacing applied sciences, laptop forensic investigators by no means give up coaching. They need to be trained the present day approaches of fraud detection and new program methods and working techniques through attending meetings and guides supplied through program providers and official institutions.

Answer 4

Hey I also have a degree in CRJ - I went to law school but my best friend and cousin also have the same degree one is an investigator for the Bexar county medical examiners office in San Antonio Texas my cousin is an evidence tech. for the police Dept in San Antonio..........so there are some other options for you. I guess I went around your question but these are some very interesting alternatives. Good Luck!!!

Answer 5

If you have a degree in Criminal Justice, and do not know the answer to that, you had best try to get a job on a garbage truck.

Answer 6

The first thing you need to do is find out what state licenses are required and and/or contact a private investiative agency and see if they would hire and train you.

Answer 7

Check out the website for Homeland Security. You can also look for jobs with the state.