I want to be a private investigator?

Question

If I want to be a private investigator, what do I do, how do i get money to start? Is it really a good job? Anyone want to be a partner?

Answer 1

Associations may be a good avenue to explore as well. These organizations will address many of the thoughts, questions and concerns you'll inevitably have as well as many you haven't anticipated yet. See the source box for some relevant links.

Research, research, research – this cannot be stressed enough. Read as much as you can about the industry. Here are some book titles that are relevant:

* The Complete Idiot's Guide ® to Private Investigating by Steven Kerry Brown
* The Process of Investigation, Second Edition by Charles Sennewald, John Tsukayama
* Code of Professional Conduct: Standards and Ethics for the Investigative Profession
by Kitty Hailey
* Behind the Private Eye: Surveillance Tales & Techniques by Chris Cooper

There are plenty of free informational resources out there. Check the source box for links to articles.

Hope that helps! I wish you much success & happiness in all your ventures!

Answer 2

It depends on what type of work you do. It can be boring or exciting. There are different types of private investigators. Some are general investigators. If you want to know how to become a private investigator, consider what type of investigations you might want to conduct. Corporate investigators typically need a 4 year degree. Coursework in finance, accounting, and business is often preferred. Because many financial investigators have an accountant’s background, they typically have a 4 year degree in accounting or a related field. Many computer forensics investigators need a 4 yeard degree in a field such as computer science or criminal justice. Many colleges and universities now offer certificate programs and degrees in computer forensics. Because computer forensics specialists need both computer skills and investigative skills, extensive training may be required if you want to become a private investigator of this type. Many computer forensic investigators learn their trade while working for a law enforcement agency, where they are taught how to gather evidence and to spot computer-related crimes. Many people enter law enforcement to get this training and to establish a reputation before moving on to the private sector. If you become a law enforcement officer, you will already understand how to become a private investigator. Because they work with changing technologies, computer forensic investigators never stop training. They must learn the latest methods of fraud detection and new software programs and operating systems by attending conferences and courses offered by software vendors and professional associations.

Answer 3

States have different requirements. There are different types of private investigators. Some are general investigators. If you want to know how to become a private investigator, consider what type of investigations you might want to conduct. Corporate investigators typically need a 4 year degree. Coursework in finance, accounting, and business is often preferred. Because many financial investigators have an accountant’s background, they typically have a 4 year degree in accounting or a related field. Many computer forensics investigators need a 4 year degree in a field such as computer science or criminal justice. Many colleges and universities now offer certificate programs and degrees in computer forensics. Because computer forensics specialists need both computer skills and investigative skills, extensive training may be required if you want to become a private investigator of this type. Many computer forensic investigators learn their trade while working for a law enforcement agency, where they are taught how to gather evidence and to spot computer-related crimes. Many people enter law enforcement to get this training and to establish a reputation before moving on to the private sector. If you become a law enforcement officer, you will already understand how to become a private investigator. Because they work with changing technologies, computer forensic investigators never stop training. They must learn the latest methods of fraud detection and new software programs and operating systems by attending conferences and courses offered by software vendors and professional associations.

Answer 4

In most states, you have to acquire licensing for private investigations and you can call your states private protective services or justice board to find out about licensing requirements. Some states require though you take the class you apprentice yourself to a licensed investigator. The board would probably be the same one that grants licensing to security officers and security installation techs.

Answer 5

You have to have a state licence, in many states you wil have to have training and pass a test, plus have a bond with the state.

Normally you will go to work for someone and get training.

Money to start, you save it up, get a loan, borrow it.

It can be very boring, setting and watching some place or someone for 12 to 18 hours day after day for weeks, on workers comp fruad cases. or cheating husbands.

many also do process serving, to help pay the bills.

Answer 6

mmmm check with a private investigator who is already working and ask how they got started they might even take you on and help you out for a bit while you get established..

Answer 7

Guess your gonna have to do a little detective work on finding out. I looked but didn't find much to help ya.

Answer 8

You need to take a corse on it. Then I know each state has some test's you have to take too.

Answer 9

I will join you Aqua-man
together we will fight evil with truth, justice, and the American way

ummm.... will we get to eat donuts?

Answer 10

yeah that does sound fun, i am nosey any ways. lol but dont know how to get started