How to Become a Private Investigator
Your idea of a private investigator, also known as a private detective or PI, is probably based on movies, television, and novels. As you might expect, those depictions don’t always show the reality of life as a PI. However, in both fiction and reality, investigators conduct systematic examinations that seek to answer questions, often involving crime.If you’ve ever considered the possibility of becoming a private investigator, then read on. We’ll tell you:
What Does a Private Investigator Do?
A private investigator is a detective who carries out investigations on behalf of private clients. The ultimate goal of a private investigator is to obtain information, as specified by the client. An investigator may conduct different types of investigations in different areas. Examples are outlined in the next section, but almost all investigations will include one or more of these basic tasks:
Types of Investigations
The field of private investigations covers many different types of investigations, but the two overarching types are criminal and civil. In a criminal investigation, a PI gathers evidence in order to solve a crime, while a PI in civil investigation gathers evidence for a civil trial. Some investigators choose to specialize while others choose to offer multiple services. Here are some of the more common types of investigations and techniques an investigator may use:
A check into a person’s personal or professional history to assess character/identity
Often done before hiring an employee, making financial transactions, electing public officials
Done for both civil and criminal investigations
Techniques Used:
- Conducting internet research
- Doing social media surveillance
- Doing interviews
- Searching physical records
A form of insurance that provides wage replacement and medical benefits to employees injured in the course of employment
An investigation conducted to see whether a worker is making a false claim, or whether a corporation is denying a legitimate claim
May involve civil or criminal action
Techniques Used:
- Reviewing employee, witness, and supervisor statements
- Reviewing medical reports
- Reviewing employment history and other records
- Conducting interviews/taking depositions
- Conduction social media surveillance
- Gathering evidence
An investigation conducted to identify and collect evidence regarding physical injuries received by one or more parties caused by an intentional or negligent act
Techniques Used:
- Interviewing injured parties
- Interviewing witnesses
- Reviewing police reports, medical records, and other relevant documents
- Checking for previous claims
- Reviewing social media
A reconstruction of an accident in order to determine what happened: the cause, location, and circumstances
Determines who’s at fault in order to establish or reduce liability
Techniques Used:
- Inspecting an accident site
- Inspecting vehicles involved as appropriate
- Interviewing witnesses
- Reviewing photographs and documentation
- Using computer software tools for analysis or to recreate a scenario
- Collecting evidence for a court case
An examination of circumstances surrounding a missing individual
Techniques Used:
- Reviewing school and work information
- Interviewing the person reporting the individual as missing
- Determining when, where, and with whom the individual was last seen
- Circulating physical descriptions and photographs of the missing person
- Interviewing family, friends, and business associates
- Checking social media
- Obtaining items that may contain DNA
- Utilizing media outlets as appropriate
An investigation that involves objective observations of a child’s well-being, including assessment of a child’s treatment by their parents
Often part of a divorce, separation, or custody case
Techniques Used:
- Making background checks on custodial parties
- Interviewing family members, neighbors, and other relevant parties
- Conducting surveillance (in-person, audio, video)
- Reviewing social media accounts, documents, photographs, and public records
- Examining living conditions
Infidelity: An investigation of an unfaithful spouse or partner
Techniques Used:
- Interviewing the client
- Conducting surveillance
- Gathering evidence (photographs, audio, video)
Spousal Abuse: An investigation into abusive conduct between intimate partners who are married, dating, or residing in the same residence
Techniques Used:
- Taking photographs
- Making police reports
- Interviewing witnesses
- Obtaining a protective order if necessary
An investigation of a corporation or business to uncover wrongdoing by management, employees, or third parties
Wrongdoing may involve finance, R&D, electronics, or corruption
Techniques Used:
- Conducting surveillance
- Doing security penetration checks
- Using accounting and other types of forensics
- Investigating legal, financial, commercial, and technology, personnel
Identification of fraudulent acquisition and use of a person’s private identifying information
Includes financial identity theft, criminal identity theft, cloning (assuming another’s identity), medical identity theft, child identity theft
Techniques Used:
- Reporting to banks, credit card companies, local law enforcement, FTC, and other applicable parties
- Placing fraud alerts at credit reporting agencies
- Closing any new accounts opened in a client’s name
- Removing bogus charges and asking for a letter confirming removal
- Obtaining official copies of the fraudulent application
An investigation of a location associated with a crime
Techniques Used:
- Helping law enforcement to secure a scene as to prevent the contamination of evidence
- Collecting, preserving, and packaging the physical evidence
- Maintaining detailed reports about the evidence
- Testifying in court about evidence from the crime scene
An investigation of specific crimes such as theft, homicide, sexual, kidnapping, assault
Techniques Used:
- Interviewing
- Reviewing police reports and relevant documents
- Gathering evidence
- Conducting surveillance
Backgrounds and Traits of Private Investigators
Private detectives work in a variety of settings. According to PInow.com, a network of private investigators, the breakdown of places of work is as follows:
| Private Investigator Workplaces | |
| Law Firms/Attorneys | 78% |
| Individuals | 55% |
| Private Companies | 41% |
| Corporations | 35% |
| Other | 11% |
Private investigators come from all walks of life. However, they often have certain similar traits and abilities.
| Private Investigator Backgrounds | |
| Former Law Enforcement | 51% |
| Have a Bachelor’s Degree | 22% |
| Former Military | 21% |
| Legal Experience | 13% |
Skills and Traits of a Private Investigator
Good private detectives have a keen eye and the ability to notice small details. These skills are referred to as near vision — the ability to notice details at close range — and far vision — the ability to notice details at a distance. Another essential trait is the ability to use inductive and deductive reasoning. Inductive reasoning refers to combining information to form a conclusion, including information and events that are seemingly unrelated. Deductive reasoning refers to applying general rules to specific problems to find solutions. Effective communication skills are also important, both in written and oral form. PIs also need to be able to listen well and evaluate expressions and body language. Today, good research and computer skills are also important, along with the ability to use the many online investigative tools to find credible information, which can be the key to solving a case. Strong intuitive senses help a detective discern when something is off. Patience and persistence are also important traits for any detective.
Career Outlook and Salary Information for Private Investigators
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the mean annual wage for PIs in May 2022 was $59,400. At that time the top paying states for private investigators were:
| Top Paying States | |
| Oregon | $72,150 per year |
| New York | $70,350 per year |
| Virginia | $68,620 per year |
| New Hampshire | $67,420 per year |
Career Outlook
The outlook for private investigators is good: Employment for PIs is projected to grow 5% to 8% through 2032, which is significantly faster than the growth averages of other occupations. The five states with the highest employment level of private investigators are California, Florida, Texas, New York, and Illinois.
2022 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and employment figures contained here reflect national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed November 2023.
Steps to Becoming a Private Investigator
Most people have no idea how to become a private investigator. Here’s what you need to know: The steps needed to become a private investigator vary from state to state, so it’s important to check with your state’s licensing authority to find out what’s required. You’ll find the basic steps typically include:
In addition to these steps, on-the-job training and working with a mentor can be invaluable. This is true for all phases of your career — before, during, and after getting your degree.
Private Investigator Schools
People who become private investigators tend to have a strong interest in criminal justice, so getting an associate or bachelor’s degree in criminal justice is a good starting point for this career. These degrees will provide a solid foundation for moving into a wide range of positions. When you’re considering a private investigator school, you’ll want to evaluate the strength of their criminal justice programs.
Associate Degree
Since many law enforcement agencies now require at least some college in order to be considered for employment, individuals interested in becoming investigators often choose to get an associate degree in criminal justice knowing it will help them gain an understanding of the criminal justice system. It typically takes two years of full-time study to earn this degree. A benefit of getting an associate degree in criminal justice is that the credits earned for your associate degree can usually be applied toward a bachelor’s degree, which might be required for a job you want or a step necessary to advance your career. As you earn your degree you’ll gain a strong understanding of criminology, psychology, the criminal justice system, law, procedures, and how to conduct good investigations.
Bachelor’s Degree
A variety of career paths and higher level jobs may be available to you if you hold a bachelor’s degree. You’ll often find that some employers, such as corporations and federal agencies, require a bachelor’s degree, preferably in criminal justice. On average, a bachelor’s degree requires 120 credit hours, which takes four years as a full-time student to complete, or an additional two years if you hold an associate degree in criminal justice.
Online Programs
There are a number of online criminal justice degree programs. Some programs offer internship opportunities; others will require you to seek out these opportunities, such as a summer internship with a law enforcement or government agency, on your own. Here are a few things to think about when considering an online program:
Pros
Cons
Getting a Private Investigator License
Most states require that private investigators be licensed. Licenses are regulated by professional boards, state police departments, and other state agencies. Requirements vary by state. In some instances a license may be required only at the city or county level. Common requirements for obtaining a PI license include:
In addition to state PI license requirements, private investigators who have their own practice are subject to applicable business laws.
While you’re here, check out other fields like police detective.