Introduction
In order to become a Private Investigator, it is necessary to possess a higher education degree and obtain a license in the area of practice (Criminal justice jobs: Careers you can pursue with a criminal justice degree). In addition, other minimal requirements regarding citizenship, age, conviction status, or other individual factors may be present, depending on the place the person works.
Training
Firearms and non-firearms self-defense training is a requirement to be prepared for this job (How to become a private investigator: Requirements and duties). This allows the investigators to work with potential suspects and criminals, as well as investigate potentially dangerous areas. In addition, it is necessary to maintain the license and study continuously.
Salary Expectations
On average, the salary differs considerably depending on one’s location, and other circumstances, such as the specific part of the city they live in. According to Forbes, a private investigator’s income can range from $68,570 to $41,750 annually (DePietro, 2022). Both these sums of money represent a modest but fulfilling living, although the actual quality of life will change from city to city.
Duties and Responsibilities
The main objective of a private investigator is to fulfill the wishes of their clients. In particular, this usually involves finding information of different kinds, for legal, financial, or personal reasons (Private Detectives and Investigators: Occupational Outlook Handbook 2022). A private investigator may help to track down a former spouse who does not pay child alimony, or research an individual for another person.
Career Advancement
Typically, the work of a private investigator does not contribute to being promoted to other positions. However, it may prove useful in securing jobs in the legal, or law enforcement fields.
Retirement Eligibility and Special Benefits
The job of a private investigator does not make an individual eligible for retirement or special benefits, including sick leave or other forms of financial support.
Conclusion
The main challenge of working as a private investigator is that the job is removed from other positions that work within the same sphere (Private investigation: A second career – former law enforcement professions 2017). Compared to a police investigator, or a law enforcement officer, a private investigator has to rely on themselves alone.
References
Criminal justice jobs: Careers you can pursue with a criminal justice degree. Gwynedd Mercy University. (n.d.). Web.
DePietro, A. (2022). Here’s how much money private investigators make in every state. Forbes. Web.
How to become a private investigator: Requirements and duties. (n.d.). Web.
Private investigation: A second career – former law enforcement professions. El Dorado Insurance Agency, INC. (2017). Web.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2022). Private detectives and investigators : Occupational Outlook Handbook. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Web.