Private Detective
How to Become a Private Detective
Private Detective Job Duties
Skills and Qualities need to become a Private Detective
Private Detective Salaries
Influential Private Detectives
Leading Organizations in this Field
Top Cities for Private Detective Jobs
Other Careers of Interest
How to become a Private Detective
Most states require licensure for private detectives. No formal standardized training exists, but most private detectives have a history of investigative work and some college education, particularly criminal justice or police science. In 2006, 50% of all private detectives had a bachelor's degree or higher and 18% had only a high school diploma or its equivalent. Corporate investigators, however, generally have a business related bachelor's degree. For computer forensic investigators, a computer science or accounting degree matters more than a criminal justice degree. Some universities and colleges now offer certificate programs in computer forensics, while others offer bachelor's degrees in computer forensics.
The prospective private detective should expect to have a background check run on him/her, prior to employment and possibly thereafter. Most learn the profession through on-the-job training and newly hired detectives generally start searching databases on the computer. The new worker may then be paired with a more experienced detective to learn by practical, hands on, training. Corporate investigators, however, may receive training in classroom settings. Like other computer professionals, computer forensic investigators must keep up with a rapidly changing technology.
While most states require licensing, some do not and even among those that do, standards vary considerably. California has an extremely stringent licensing requirement, while seven states have none at all. Gun laws are more standardized, however and in order to carry a handgun, all states require the private detective to obtain a permit.
Some professional organizations, such as the National Association of Legal Investigators, provide a program to designate a private detective as a 'Certified Legal Investigator', for private investigative work with lawyers. This certification involves passing a written and oral exam.
In private detection firms, advancement generally involves increases in salary or assignment responsibility, rather than job titles or positions. Corporate or legal investigators, however, work in a more hierarchical structure and can move up to supervisor. After a few years, many private detectives move on to form a company of their own.
The prospective private detective should expect to have a background check run on him/her, prior to employment and possibly thereafter. Most learn the profession through on-the-job training and newly hired detectives generally start searching databases on the computer. The new worker may then be paired with a more experienced detective to learn by practical, hands on, training. Corporate investigators, however, may receive training in classroom settings. Like other computer professionals, computer forensic investigators must keep up with a rapidly changing technology.
While most states require licensing, some do not and even among those that do, standards vary considerably. California has an extremely stringent licensing requirement, while seven states have none at all. Gun laws are more standardized, however and in order to carry a handgun, all states require the private detective to obtain a permit.
Some professional organizations, such as the National Association of Legal Investigators, provide a program to designate a private detective as a 'Certified Legal Investigator', for private investigative work with lawyers. This certification involves passing a written and oral exam.
In private detection firms, advancement generally involves increases in salary or assignment responsibility, rather than job titles or positions. Corporate or legal investigators, however, work in a more hierarchical structure and can move up to supervisor. After a few years, many private detectives move on to form a company of their own.
What does a Private Detective do?
Private detectives investigate legal, financial or personal matters for individuals.
They work for individuals not the public and may be asked to investigate computer crimes, company employees, possible future marriage or business partners or current marriage partners. They may be involved with child custody battles or child protection issues and might even act as bodyguards to celebrities.
Private detectives in the 21st century will probably spend most of their time on a computer. For example, recovering deleted information, carrying out database searches, 'googling' an individual or data mining. They may also use traditional methods such as interviews or go undercover. Private detectives also engage in surveillance using their own eyes or high tech video equipment.
Some areas of their work will find them in a gray zone between legal and illegal activities. Someday their client may want to use the data the detective gathers in court, so the private detective must be aware of, for example, local, state and federal laws regarding privacy, searches and surveillance.
Like other professionals, private detectives may specialize. Some specializations of this profession include intellectual property theft investigation, financial profiling, computer forensic investigation, legal investigation, corporate investigation, financial investigation and store detectives.
Computer forensic investigators focus on the recovery and analysis of electronic information. Legal investigators frequently work for attorneys, preparing cases and locating witnesses. Corporate investigators work for corporations to identify internal and external threats. Financial investigators, frequently Certified Public Accountants, create financial profiles of individuals or corporations, prior to their engaging in large financial transactions. Store detectives or loss prevention agents work to protect the property of the store from shoplifters.
Most private detectives work alone, but sometimes they will work with others. When a private detective provides bodyguard protection, they may be armed, but usually they are not. Some work does involve confrontation, so the element of danger can be present. Work hours will be irregular, depending on the needs of each individual case.
The US had 52,000 people employed as private detectives in 2006. Of these, about 15,600 (30%) were self-employed.
They work for individuals not the public and may be asked to investigate computer crimes, company employees, possible future marriage or business partners or current marriage partners. They may be involved with child custody battles or child protection issues and might even act as bodyguards to celebrities.
Private detectives in the 21st century will probably spend most of their time on a computer. For example, recovering deleted information, carrying out database searches, 'googling' an individual or data mining. They may also use traditional methods such as interviews or go undercover. Private detectives also engage in surveillance using their own eyes or high tech video equipment.
Some areas of their work will find them in a gray zone between legal and illegal activities. Someday their client may want to use the data the detective gathers in court, so the private detective must be aware of, for example, local, state and federal laws regarding privacy, searches and surveillance.
Like other professionals, private detectives may specialize. Some specializations of this profession include intellectual property theft investigation, financial profiling, computer forensic investigation, legal investigation, corporate investigation, financial investigation and store detectives.
Computer forensic investigators focus on the recovery and analysis of electronic information. Legal investigators frequently work for attorneys, preparing cases and locating witnesses. Corporate investigators work for corporations to identify internal and external threats. Financial investigators, frequently Certified Public Accountants, create financial profiles of individuals or corporations, prior to their engaging in large financial transactions. Store detectives or loss prevention agents work to protect the property of the store from shoplifters.
Most private detectives work alone, but sometimes they will work with others. When a private detective provides bodyguard protection, they may be armed, but usually they are not. Some work does involve confrontation, so the element of danger can be present. Work hours will be irregular, depending on the needs of each individual case.
The US had 52,000 people employed as private detectives in 2006. Of these, about 15,600 (30%) were self-employed.
What skills or qualities do I need to become a Private Detective?
Essential skills include persistence, assertiveness and creativity. A prospective private detective has to be able to think on their feet and not shrink from confrontation. Interviewing requires excellent communication skills.
How much do Private Detectives make?
If the annual salaries of all private detectives were arranged from the lowest to the highest, the median would be that point at which 50% of the salaries were lower and 50% were higher. Most salaries differ somewhat from the median, however. The best estimate of a potential salary lies in the range between the 25th percentile and the 75th percentile, known as the middle 50% of salaries. The 25th percentile is the point at which 25% of salaries are below and the 75th percentile is the point at which 75% of all salaries are below.
The median salary for private detectives and investigators in May of 2007 was $37,640 per year. The middle 50% of private detectives and investigators made between $26,720 and $55,260 per year. The almost $30,000 difference between the bottom and top end of this range probably reflects high differences in pay between the specializations in this field.
The median salary for private detectives and investigators in May of 2007 was $37,640 per year. The middle 50% of private detectives and investigators made between $26,720 and $55,260 per year. The almost $30,000 difference between the bottom and top end of this range probably reflects high differences in pay between the specializations in this field.
Who are some influential professionals in this field?
John and Patsy Ramsey hired Ellis Armistead as a private detective. Previous clients included Timothy McVeigh, Nathan Dunlap and the parents of Eric Harris of the Columbine massacre. President of Heartland Investigative Group, he has a Master's degree in Public Administration. For eighteen years Armisted had been a police officer. He was Executive Director of the National Association of Investigators.
Timothy L. Williams, President of ASIS international, works as director of Global Security for Caterpillar Inc. He has written for 'Internal Auditor', 'Security Management Magazine' and 'Security Journal'.
Timothy L. Williams, President of ASIS international, works as director of Global Security for Caterpillar Inc. He has written for 'Internal Auditor', 'Security Management Magazine' and 'Security Journal'.
What are some leading organizations in this field?
Founded in 1967, the National Association of Legal Investigators (www.nalionline.org) represents investigators associated with legal investigations. It has a membership of 650.
ASIS International (www.asisonline.org) has 36,000 members and 204 chapters around the world. ASIS provides training and certification and has a job site bulletin board.
ASIS International (www.asisonline.org) has 36,000 members and 204 chapters around the world. ASIS provides training and certification and has a job site bulletin board.
What are the top cities for Private Detective jobs?
The job growth rate for private detectives and investigators is expected to be higher than the average. Increased security concerns, computer security and identity theft are driving this growth. Having said that, employment promises to be competitive in this field, because of the influx of relatively young retirees from law enforcement and the military. Opportunities will be good for part-time store detectives and entry-level positions in detective agencies. Job opportunities will be excellent for computer forensic investigators.
Among cities with the most demand for private detectives, the top two, both with the same number of jobs, are Nashville and Chicago. Atlanta came a distant third.
Among cities with the most demand for private detectives, the top two, both with the same number of jobs, are Nashville and Chicago. Atlanta came a distant third.
Other Careers of Interest
Border Patrol AgentA border patrol agent is a law enforcement officer, and nowadays most work in association with the US Customs and Border Protection section of the...
Correctional Officer
Correctional officers oversee people who are waiting for their trial after having been arrested or who are serving time in a jail, prison, or other...
Criminologist
A criminologist studies and analyzes the nature of crime and criminals. The study of criminology is a social science and the work of a criminologist...
Customs Agent
United States customs agents are Federal law enforcement officers who are charged with enforcing over 400 custom's laws as well as laws for other...
Detective
Detectives are plainclothes officers who perform investigations to gather facts and collect evidence for criminal cases. They conduct interviews,...
FBI Agent
FBI agents work in many areas of law enforcement and are the Federal government's principle investigators. Agents are responsible for the investigation...
Fire Investigator
A fire investigator is a fire fighter who determines what started a fire. They may be looking for clues in the case of arson, when a fire is set...
Forensic Investigator
Forensic investigators help with criminal investigations by collecting and analyzing physical evidence, using science to answer questions of interest...
Gaming Investigator
Gaming investigators primarily work at and for casinos and other establishments where gambling happens. Using surveillance tools and techniques,...
Highway Patrol Officer
Highway patrol officers focus on the enforcement of motor vehicle laws, and usually have a set geographic jurisdiction in which they have authority....
Immigration Agent - INS Agent
The parent agency responsible for Immigration Agents is called the Immigration and Customs Enforcement or ICE. The primary duties of the Agents...
Judge
Judges in all capacities are responsible for applying the law to determine the legalities involved in the cases that come before the courts. Depending...
Police Officer
A police officer can be called upon for a variety of things ranging from domestic disputes, dangerous animals, as well as break-ins to homes and...
Prosecutor
Federal courts and departments determine their own qualifications for those wishing to practice law therein. Prosecutors working in the District...
Security Guard
The most common tasks of security guards involve patrolling and inspecting property in order to protect them from various threats, such as fire,...
