3 answers
michaela
Student
3
Questions
Asked
754 views
how much schooling do i have to do to become a PI (Private Investigater)
i just need to know the basics for schooling # la #law-enforcement #forensic #criminal-justice
Login to comment
3 answers
Stephen Brunner- Murphy
Retired Police Detective
6
Answers
Corvallis, MT
Updated
Stephen’s Answer
Michaela,
The requirements to be a Private Investigator varies from state to state. Most states, including MT where I am, require you to obtain a license from the state to be a P.I. They also have different levels of license including trainee, armed, and others. I would recommend looking at your state's website to learn about the requirements. From a practical standpoint, and as a retired Police Detective, I would strongly recommend working in security or as a police officer for a period of time prior to taking a position as a P.I. Get a high school education, and learn about the benefits of an associate's or bachelor's degree in those fields at the departments you are looking at working for. You might also see what Private Investigators are in your area and contact them to see if they will give you a tour or allow you to do an internship during the summer or school year. Be willing to take those steps if you're truly interested. As long as you're willing to work hard, you'll be able to have any career you want! Good luck!
The requirements to be a Private Investigator varies from state to state. Most states, including MT where I am, require you to obtain a license from the state to be a P.I. They also have different levels of license including trainee, armed, and others. I would recommend looking at your state's website to learn about the requirements. From a practical standpoint, and as a retired Police Detective, I would strongly recommend working in security or as a police officer for a period of time prior to taking a position as a P.I. Get a high school education, and learn about the benefits of an associate's or bachelor's degree in those fields at the departments you are looking at working for. You might also see what Private Investigators are in your area and contact them to see if they will give you a tour or allow you to do an internship during the summer or school year. Be willing to take those steps if you're truly interested. As long as you're willing to work hard, you'll be able to have any career you want! Good luck!
thank you for the response I really appreciate it and honestly the town I live in is so small I don't know if we have any PI's in it but I will definitely look into that.
michaela
Hilary Hanna
Work with forensic populations on mental health issues
23
Answers
Oregon, Illinois
Updated
Hilary’s Answer
I went through a university to get my law enforcement and justice administration degree. It isn’t mandatory but is extremely important that you know the rules of law both state and nationally In order to be an effective and law abiding private investigator.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Jason Flint
Crisis Response and Workplace Experience
51
Answers
Alpharetta, Georgia
Updated
Jason’s Answer
Most PI firms will hire right out of college if you have a good range of skills. You may be doing investigations, surveillance operations, mystery shopping or research that goes into background checks to start, all of which a BA in Criminal Justice will prepare you for. The more specialized you become through your education, the more likely it will be that you land a higher tier role like a forensics officer or crime scene investigator.