If you want to become a private investigator I believe you already know who a private investigator is. Private investigators are usually hired to locate missing persons, obtain confidential information, and sometimes hired to participate in solving crimes. Most of the private investigators works in private firms but there are those who are hired to work for the government.
Duties of a private investigator
- A private investigator can conduct some background checks on the people they are hired to investigate.
- A private investigator studies a crime scene and try to see if there might be something that was left out in the report.
- If there is any clue left out, a private investigator has a duty to report the clue to the relevant authorities.
- A private investigator has a duty to testify in a court of law if called upon.
- Private investigators can uncover facts about financial, legal and personal matters.
Most private investigators uses the most recent technologies when doing their investigations and that’s why they are usually very effective. Their tools can even recover deleted files. Sometimes private investigators are required to interview people who are related to the case in question. For example if there is a case in Manchester that is about a missing child, a private investigator Manchester will interview some of the last people who were seen with the kid.
Traits that you should have as a private investigator
- Common sense, it goes without saying that you need to have common sense to become a private investigator.
- Confidence, as a private investigator, you will be needed to be face some tough situations so confidence is required.
- Problem solver. You need to be able to solve problems if you want to become a successful private investigator.
- Honest and dependable. A client is going to trust you with his secrets so you need to be honest and a person he can count on.
- You need to be discreet as private investigator.
Steps for becoming a private investigator
You really don’t need to go to school to become a private investigator. There is no formal education required to become a private investigator, although a degree or diploma in criminal justice will be an added advantage. Most private firms prefer hiring people with a diploma in criminal justice or degree. Also if you have some experience in the field of law enforcement it will be added advantage in this line of duty. You can join a private firm and learn from the best instead of going to school.
Basic steps to becoming a private investigator
- At least have a diploma in criminal justice or some experience in law enforcement (it is not mandatory)
- Obtain a working license from your state or town you want to work in.
- Obtain a license for weapons if you are going to need any.
- Apply for a known private investigation agency, attend the interview and pass.
- Leave your fingerprints so that a background check can be conducted on you. Most agencies need to conduct a background check before they hire a person.
- If you pass everything and your background check proves you are worth hiring, you will be hired and you are going to receive more training from the experts.
NB: Even though a degree or diploma is not a must, it will make you more hirable.
Does a private investigator make good money?
To start with, if you are planning to become a private investigator because of the money I will recommend you find a new line of duty. I am not trying to say that private investigator does not earn good money. All am saying is that becoming a private investigator should be more of something that comes from the heart instead of venturing in this line of business because of money. If you do that you will be satisfied with salary that you be given. For example a private investigator, Manchester can earn up to eighty thousands per year. While the lowest paid can earn up to thirty five thousand dollars per year.