Is the nine-to-five grind just not working for you? If you have an inquisitive nature, then perhaps you might be interested in becoming a private investigator. Unlike your typical Monday through Friday job, private investigators often put in long and sometimes inconsistent hours. If you absolutely like having your weekends off, then this might not be the profession for you. However, if you really enjoy the unpredictability of a good mystery and getting to the bottom of things, then this could be a great profession for you. Are you unsure of where to even begin? Here are some tips:
State Licensure
Every state agency regulates and distributes licenses differently, so inquire about the regulations in the state that you live in. Some states may not have any private investigator licensing but require private investigators to license their actual business and follow some types of regulations.
Are you a private investigator and are moving to another state? Depending upon the state that you are licensed in and the state that you are moving to, you might be able to receive reciprocity.
Meet The Minimum Requirements
Each state includes different requirements in order to become a private investigator, so check to see what the minimum requirements are in your state. Generally, the age in which you can become a private investigator ranges from 21 years old to 25 years old. You must also be a US citizen or at least a US resident, and you need to have either a high school diploma or a GED certificate. If you have any felony convictions or have been dishonorably charged from the military, then you are not eligible to become a private investigator.
Pass The State Exam
Depending upon the state in which you live, you might have to pass a state exam in order to obtain a private investigator license. These exams generally cover the regulations and rules that the state enacts for private investigators.
Undergo Firearms Training
Some states allow private investigators to carry firearms, but they must complete a mandatory firearms training in order to obtain certification. Some of the organizations and companies that offer these training programs include Smith and Wesson, SIG Sauer, police academies, the NRA, and the FBI.
Maintain Your State Licensure
As with any type of state licensure, it is up to you to renew your license, which is generally up for renewal every two years. Not only will you have to renew your application, but you will most likely have to undergo a background investigation as well.
Learn How To Edit Surveillance Videos
So far, we’ve covered the mandatory steps in becoming a private investigator. Although this is not mandatory, without decent video editing skills, you will struggle as a private investigator. Investigation Video Editor created the best video editing program specifically for private investigators. Our private investigator software allows you to produce the highest-quality video footage for your clients. With our private investigation software, you will even be able to edit video time stamps. We even offer a free download of our pro video editing software, so try our private investigator tools today.
