In contrast to other occupations, resourcefulness, life experiences and people skills would matter more to some private investigators than having certification. However, taking a course at a college would add credibility. Many people assume a private investigator drives around all day following cheating spouses, but, those types of cases are only a small part of the overall picture of what a PI does. They can focus on cases relating to fraud, reuniting adoptees with their biological parents, background checks and more. Here are some important steps to take before starting a private investigation business.
Be Familiar with Licensing Laws
Most U.S. states, and the District of Columbia, require PIs to have a license. Only seven states — Alabama, Alaska, Colorado, Idaho, Mississippi, South Dakota, and Wyoming — have no statewide licensing requirements. PIs who want to carry weapons must adhere to the regulations of their particular state. Applicants might need to provide some or all of the following documents:
- Letter of reference
- Official FBI background check
- Fingerprint card
- Bond
- Private investigation license fee
- State, city or county business license
Learn the Art of Private Investigation
The first step to learn how to be a private investigator is to get an education. People who have backgrounds in criminology, psychology and law enforcement would have an edge over those who don't. Private investigation courses can teach the fine points of how to handle specific types of cases, surveillance, skip tracing, and securing evidence for use before a court.
Getting a job at an established investigative agency will give novice PIs the chance to ask lots of questions and observe how professionals do their work. After spending some time learning the ropes and getting a number of contacts, private investigators will be better prepared to start their own businesses.
Determine the Area of Specialization
Not all private investigators are cut from the same cloth. Some locate missing persons; others will focus on corporate investigations. When running an independent private investigation company, it's important for the PI to offer a service that isn't widely available in the community. These are a few areas of specialization:
- Marital and infidelity investigations
- Legal investigations
- Computer forensic investigations
- Counter surveillance investigations
The Business Side of a Private Investigation Company
The success of every business will depend, at least partially, on marketing. PIs need to do more than top notch investigative work. Unlike retail businesses, which might be boxed-in to a specific part of a city or state, private investigation firms can have a statewide, nationwide and even worldwide client base. Joining an association or a chamber of commerce can help. It might expose the agency to advertising and/or publicity sponsored by that group, such as trade magazines.
Local advertising can be accomplished in more ways than one, and will reach many people at the same time. Newsletters, printed in-house or elsewhere, can strengthen credibility and educate readers about what a particular agency can do for them. Business cards can be handed out from store to store, and there's always the internet. Be economical with equipment at first. A computer, printer, camera, and tape recorder would be all that's needed. Advanced gadgets can wait until bigger clients come along with more money.
The Life of a Real Private Investigator
In the world of television and movies, private eyes are often seen performing unethical, and sometimes illegal acts to obtain information and solve crimes. Some of the things they do, like breaking in to somebody's house or capturing a suspect, would land a real PI in serious trouble. Private investigators must know the law of their particular jurisdiction and operate within the boundary of the law, or they might end up in jail.
Private investigation is hard work but this type of business is recession proof. For example, in tough economic times when people default on loans and banks can't find the people the money was loaned to, the services of a PI will be used. A private investigation business will thrive if the owner can see new business opportunities and capitalize on existing ones.
Reference:
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition, Private Detectives and Investigators
Scott Hayden - Since joining Suite101 in early 2007, I've contributed articles about travel, history and health. My speciality is writing about workplace ...
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