Become a Private Investigator

The world of the private investigator may have been glamorized by such television shows as “Magnum P.I.” and “77 Sunset Strip.” What television scripts usually don’t delve into is the hours of legwork, homework and just plain persistence that everyday private investigators must demonstrate to be successful at their jobs.

A private investigator is involved with investigating crimes, investigating the identify, business affairs and backgrounds of particular individuals, investigating the location of lost or stolen property, investigating the suspicious causes of fires, accidents and injuries, as well as securing evidence for use in court in criminal trials.

The demand for professional private investigators is expected to rise by more than 20% through 2010.

If you enjoy puzzle solving and searching for clues, there is most likely a place in the field of private investigation for you.

Before you can hang out your shingle as a bona fide “P.I.”, there are certain legal and educational steps you must take. All United States with the exception of Colorado, Idaho, Missisippi, Missouri, South Dakota and Wyoming require that you obtain a license in order to be considered a licensed private investigator and operating within the bounds of the law. Some major metropolitan areas also require you to obtain a city license in order to do business as a private investigator.

In California, for example, requirements to become a private investigator involve being at least 18 years of age, undergoing an FBI and DOJ (Department of Justice) criminal history background check, having three years of investigative experience or a degree in criminal science or law or a combination of the two; successfully passing a two-hour multiple choice exam; and securing a license from the state’s Bureau of Security and Investigative Services. If you plan on carrying a gun on the job, you must also apply and successfully obtain a firearm permit.

Many people find a good route to becoming a licensed private investigator is to first becaome an employee at a reputable private investigation firm while taking coursework in criminal science at their local community college. As an employee of a P.I. firm, they can then be registered as a private investigator by the state and can ultimately pursue the requirements of becoming a licensed private investigator. Insurance companies, security companies and busy private investigation agencies are all good places to get hired and start earning the experience you will need to apply for a professional state license.