How to Start a Private Detective Business

Because there are no specific educational requirements to start a private detective business, much of the learning required will have to be obtained on the go, while working to establish the business and an ongoing clientèle. Also known as PI's, private detectives fill a number of roles, and this will affect the paperwork and information required to start a business in the field.

Suggestions

1. Find out what the requirements are in your state. Some states require PI's to be licensed, while others consider the profession more of a standard business and don't oversee its inner workings. In states where a license is needed, you may also need to pass a background check and maybe show proficiency in the use of a gun before you are allowed to open a PI business.
2. Obtain a license if required by your state. This may be necessary if you plan on doing surveillance and invading privacy (such as in the case of tapping phones or shadowing). Some states, like California and New York, require registration with the state before you can operate a private investigator business, while others, like Alabama, have no licensing prerequisites.
3. Get proper training. Because there are no official degrees for this career, training and education is mostly up to you. Hundreds of schools offer online training that covers everything from investigative services to gear and technology to surveillance. You will also need a good understanding of paperwork, such as filing out statements and writing investigative reports.
4. Establish yourself in the field. If you're an absolute beginner, it may make sense to partner up with somebody more experienced or to work as an apprentice for another firm before opening your own. This will give you a better outlook of the opportunities available and will teach you insider secrets regarding searches, investigations and increasing your profits.
5. Set up a website advertising your business and explaining what services you offer. This will allow you to reach potential clients beyond your immediate neighborhood, which could mean an additional source of income, as many cases could be handled by researching via the Internet or phone. You will also need to come up with a list of areas you want to specialize in. While this shouldn't prevent you from covering other investigative areas as well, having a few specific areas in mind will make you look more like an expert.

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How to Become a Private Investigator in Alabama

Private Investigators receive payment to locate missing persons, conduct background checks, seek information about organizations, collect evidence for trials, protect clients or their property from danger and perform other investigative services. Individuals, attorneys, businesses, government agencies and others hire these professionals.

Suggestions

1. Get an education. Individuals do not need to meet minimum educational requirements to become private investigators. However, detective agencies and clients prefer hiring professionals who have completed some college coursework or a college degree program in criminal justice, police science or another related field.
2. Get proper training to perform investigative work. One way to do this is to obtain an entry-level position with a private detective agency and learn the necessary skills on the job. Alternatively, you can obtain investigative skills through jobs in law enforcement, accounting, law, insurance, finance, journalism and other fields.
3. Find a mentor. As you begin your career in Alabama, whether you are a novice or experienced detective, work closely with experienced private investigators. They can help you learn about laws and other aspects of conducting investigations in Alabama.
4. Contact the police department of the city in which you wish to work to learn if a professional license is required. If you must obtain a permit, you may be asked to submit your fingerprints, undergo a background check and fulfill other requirements.
5. Obtain the proper state business licenses if you intend to open a private investigator agency. For information about state business licenses, contact the Alabama State Department of Revenue. Its address is 50 North Ripley, Montgomery, Alabama 36132. Its phone number is 334-242-1170. You can also visit its website at ador.state.al.us.
6. Continue developing your skills and knowledge in your field. You might take continuing education courses, enroll in workshops given by professional organizations or read books and other materials on your own.
7. Stay up-to-date with changes in legal requirements for private investigators. In 2010, for example, the Alabama legislature introduced a bill that would require private investigators to possess a state license. It would involve passing an examination and completing a minimum of continuing education to maintain the license.

Tips

• Network with other private investigators to learn about jobs.
• Join professional associations, such as the Alabama Investigator's Association, which offer opportunities to help you improve your skills and knowledge.
• Enhance your credibility by obtaining professional certification in the areas in which you work. For example, if you conduct legal investigations for attorneys, you might seek professional certification from the National Association of Legal Investigators.
• If you are interested in enrolling in a private investigator training program, research your options thoroughly. Be sure the program is legitimate. Ask professional investigators for suggestions.

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