According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job growth for private investigators will be faster than the average for all occupations.
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Private investigators play an important role in assisting individuals, law enforcement agencies and corporations. Some of the duties involve helping to find missing persons or performing research for legal, financial or criminal investigations. As a private investigator, you have the option of working for private citizens, attorneys, and businesses or you may decide to open your own agency.
Research
One of the major responsibilities of a private investigator is research. You could be researching legal records, family history, conducting a computer search to research a crime or conduct a background check on a job candidate. After your research, you will analyze the facts to find pertinent information for solving a case.
Interviewing
Part of the fact-finding method involves interviewing people to gather necessary information. These people may be relatives of missing individuals, someone who has witnessed a crime or has other relevant information. Through these interviews combined with your own research, you gather evidence to solve a case or present court evidence.
Surveillance
If you are hired by an individual or organization to find out the activities of a person, you will have to conduct surveillance. This involves watching a person without him being aware to see where he goes and what he is doing and report your findings back to the client. You can learn some of the techniques of effective surveillance methods in criminal justice education classes.
Job Requirements
Many private investigators learn on the job, although a background in criminal justice can be helpful. Depending on the employer, you may be required to hold a bachelor’s degree while other employers only require a high school diploma. If you wish to pursue a degree or certification that will prove useful in a private investigation career, several colleges offer online or classroom certification courses. Four-year degree programs in criminal justice or political science may also help you to advance in your career. Check the requirements for your own state to find out if a private investigator license is required. Certifications, while not necessarily required, can add to your client base by showing your knowledge in the private investigation field. The National Association of Legal Investigators offers the Certified Legal Investigator Certification while ASIS International offers a Professional Certified Investigator certification.
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