STEP 2. Licensing and Legal Requirements of Becoming A Private Investigator
We're assuming now that by moving on to read this next step you are serious about being a private investigator. Well done! We're glad we haven't put you off. Now we'll look at the requirements of becoming a private investigator from two angles.
1. Character - the personality and behavior of a PI
2. Legal - State or Country legal requirements
Character - Personality and behavior of a private investigator
What should the character of a private investigator be? It's fairly safe to assume that all states and countries (where licensing is concerned) require an individual to have no criminal record. But what does that really mean?
We know from experience someone doesn't have to have a criminal record to be a criminal - they just haven't been found out. We know from experience there are bad apples in any profession without criminal records that perhaps should have one. We know this isn't a perfect world, but nevertheless, someone wanting to become a private investigator should have a high sense of ethics.
Here's our list of qualities ALL private investigators should have:
Ethical: A private investigator needs to be highly ethical, being able to act rationally in difficult situations and not be swayed into unethical, bad practices.
Inquisitive: A PI should have an enquiring mind and be able to sift through data logically, making sense of what they find.
Tenacious: An investigator has to be able to push through barriers that prevent ongoing investigation.
Resourceful: An investigator needs to be a solver, coming up with solutions where there seem to be none.
Further personal abilities and skills a private investigator should possess are:
- Excellent communication in both spoken and written form
- Excellent observation skills
- Strong analytical skills
- Highly confident (but not arrogant)
- Ability to work with others and alone
- Able to be patient and show empathy
Now, if you were put off from becoming a private investigator because you think you don't have, or are lacking in these qualities; don't worry! The purpose of this guide is to get YOU to look at YOU. Its purpose is to help you to see; firstly - do you really want this as a career, and secondly - what you need to become, and do, to achieve it. If you found qualities in yourself that you are lacking, or weak in, then you can work on and improve them as you train. A truly great detective is one who knows their weak points and does something to improve them self.
Legal - State or country legal requirements for becoming a PI
If you want to know how to become a private investigator you will certainly need to know the legal requirements. As with other licensed professions, legal regulation is designed to protect public citizens against unauthorized or unqualified private investigators. It also serves to enforce high professional standards among those that are licensed. Depending on what State or Country you live - or plan to operate in as a private detective - will determine what legal requirements are needed. States requiring licensing will have their own specific licensing process and will vary from State to State. This process will generally include:
For licensing; the minimum requirements needed to become a private investigator are usually:
- Age (minimum age usually between 18 and 25)
- Citizenship (a permanent resident, passport holder)
- Criminal Record (No criminal record)
- Mental State (mentally stable)
- Drugs (free from drug use)
To get your private investigator license you will generally need to:
- Achieve the minimum licensure requirements
- Achieve the required education and/or experience for licensure
- Complete a background check
- Complete a license application and provide the necessary documentation
- Pass a private investigation course of examination
- Maintain your license through continued education and license renewal
To get the exact private investigator licensing requirements for your State see our table below: