Become a Private Investigator

Interested in Becoming a Private Investigator?

Private Investigators work to solve crimes for government agencies. Specific duties vary according to the investigator's department, which could be homicide, anti-terrorism, narcotics, robbery or fraud. To become a Private Investigator, or P.I., one must work up the ranks starting from police officer.

Degrees for Private Investigators
Most investigators gain entry-level experience from police work, but applicants with a bachelor's degree in criminal justice have the highest chances of employment to become a Private Investigator. Acceptance into a police department is followed by training at an academy from 12 weeks to one year. To excel in this career, focused coursework in criminal justice, law enforcement and police science is necessary, but so is the determination to solve mysteries and uncover facts.

Preparing for Private Investigation Work
Private Investigators are officers in plain clothes who work to solve crimes. Trained investigators handle high-stress situations, so preparing to work as a Private Investigator requires special training in some of the following areas:

• Gathering facts and collecting evidence
• Conducting interviews and observing
• Examining key data
• Participating in raids

Private Investigators can be promoted in the same way as police officers, including to the ranks of sergeant, lieutenant, captain, deputy chief and chief. Whether you're looking to become a Crime Scene Investigator or detective, starting a degree program in criminal justice can be a great first step toward advancing your career.

Interested in Becoming a FBI Agent?

The Federal Bureau of Investigation is responsible for enforcing Federal statutes and issues of national security. FBI special agents investigate cases regarding corruption, terrorism, drug-trafficking and other matters concerning domestic or international organized crime.

Degrees for FBI Agents
Applicants to the FBI must possess a bachelor's degree as the minimum requirement, and though many areas of study apply, criminal justice, law enforcement and information technology are some of the most popular choices. Other requirements include fluency in a foreign language, great physical condition and successfully passing a thorough background check that includes a drug screen.

Preparing for FBI Work
Training to work for the FBI can come in a number of forms depending on the area of focus. The selection process is rigorous, so preparing to work as an FBI agent requires special training in some of the following areas:

• Foreign espionage
• Terrorists attacks
• Public corruption
• Civil rights violations
• Cyber attacks and other high-tech crimes

Agents for the FBI earn approximately $61,000 to $70,000 per year, and with additional experience and education, they can move into executive positions with annual salaries over $90,000 per year.

Interested in Becoming a Crime Scene Investigator?

A crime scene investigator works at the physical scene of a crime to determine responsible parties. CSIs collect various forms of information used as evidence to reconstruct the crime scene for investigation and discovery purposes that lead to arrests and convictions.

Degrees for Crime Scene Investigators
In most cases, a bachelor's degree in criminal justice is required to work as a CSI. Not all Crime Scene Investigators are police officers; some are hired from civilian ranks with the right type of investigative skills.

Preparing for Crime Scene Investigator Work
A Crime Scene Investigator is responsible for collecting, securing and transporting important evidence at any time of day or night. They must be in good physical condition as the job requires lifting, bending, and, in some cases, crawling or climbing to investigate. Some of the specific duties of the investigator may include:

• Responding quickly to secure a crime scene from contamination
• Collecting fingerprints, samples of DNA from blood, hair and skin
• Identifying clues to reconstruct the scene
• Prepare detailed written reports

CSIs help to solve crimes in the areas of murder, sexual assaults and robberies. Are you up for the challenge of working as a Crime Scene Investigator?

Interested in Becoming a Forensic Scientist?

Forensic scientists play an integral role in the criminal justice system as they handle collecting, preserving and analyzing crime scene evidence to help solve crimes. In addition to laboratory science expertise, a forensic scientist should also be organized, methodical and have a keen eye for detail.

Degrees for Forensic Scientists
Forensic scientists are employed by a wide range of law enforcement agencies; most require at least an associate degree while others require bachelor's degrees and even post-graduate degrees. Common degrees of forensic scientists include those in criminal justice, chemistry, biology and forensic science.

Preparing for Forensic Science Work
Forensic science contains many specialties including DNA analysis, handwriting, criminalistics, geology and more. Generally, though, forensic scientists work both in the field at crime scenes and in the laboratory to carry out their job duties, which can include:

• Ballistic analysis
• Reconstruction of crimes
• Typing and dispersal of bloodstains
• DNA analysis of hair, skin cells or residual bodily fluids
• Collection and identification of fingerprints and shoe prints

The U.S. Department of Labor predicts that the field of forensic science will grow "much faster than average" through 2016, particularly in state and county crime labs.

Interested in Working in Criminal Justice?

Individuals with degrees in criminal justice are in high demand, but enforcing justice in the legal system, keeping the peace and obtaining retribution for victims comes in many forms. Find a wide variety of careers in criminal justice below.

Law Enforcement

• Analyst: Collect facts, evidence and other material related to crime and put them in order to develop a case, explain a problem or describe crime trends.
• Police: Serve the community by enforcing federal, state and local laws while preserving the peace.
• Probation: Evaluate the progress of convicted offenders' efforts at rehabilitation and monitor compliance with the terms of their sentences, reporting their findings to the court.
• Records: Help law enforcement agencies identify, capture and process suspected criminals.
• Sheriff: Uniformed law enforcement officials who works at the county level of state government.

Court

• Bailiff: Tasked with providing general security for the courthouse and its staff, maintaining appropriate courtroom decorum and taking charge of juries when the court is not in session.
• Court Clerk: Responsibilities include maintaining the records of the court, issuing licenses and assisting officers of the court in research.
• Court Reporter: Create verbatim transcripts of courtroom proceedings and other events.
• Paralegal: Work under the direction and authority of attorneys performing work of a legal nature without engaging in actions that are restricted by law solely to attorneys.
• Records: Process, file and distribute court records.

Corrections

• Corrections Officer: Supervise prisoners in various locked facilities and maintains security in these institutions.
• Prison Personnel: Manage prison, administrative and custodial staff.
• Records: Review, process and file judgments, sentences and records of inmates.
• Warden: Supervise prisoners in various locked facilities and maintains security in these institutions.

Private Sector

• Business Support and Security: Patrol assigned areas of businesses while remaining vigilant of criminal activity.
• Home Security: Patrol assigned areas of estates and individuals while remaining vigilant of criminal activity.
• Private Investigator: Hired by people to investigate private matters, such as a cheating spouse or missing person.
• Records: Process, file and distribute records for businesses and employers.

Public Safety

• Child Protective Service: Arrange and deliver personal, psychological or social services intended to protect children and families at risk.
• Community Safety: Reduce crime in the community through special training, monitoring and patrolling.
• Home Security: Patrol assigned areas of estates and individuals while remaining vigilant of criminal activity.
• Human Services Worker: Work to help improve the overall quality of life for individuals in group homes, halfway houses, community centers and various programs.
• Records: Process, file and distribute records in the area of public safety.
• Victims Advocate: Actively promote the health and welfare of victims' rights.

Federal Government

• Agent (ATF, CIA, DEA, FBI, ICE): Work in federal law enforcement to safeguard the country and gather intelligence.
• Customs Agent: Enforce immigration and customs laws, safeguard U.S. commercial aviation and protect federal facilities.
• Secret Service: Provide personal protection, guard U.S. financial systems and investigate financial crimes.
• Treasury Agent: Collect taxes from businesses according to laws and determine tax liability.
• U.S. Marshal: Serve warrants issued by Federal courts, seize and dispose of property under court orders and arrest people wanted by the law.

Other Professions:

• Animal Control Officer
• Bailiff
• Border Patrol Agent
• Corrections Officer
• Court Clerk
• Crime Scene Investigator (CSI)
• Customs Agent
• Detective
• Dispatcher
• Federal Bureau of Investigation Agent (FBI)
• Fingerprint Specialist
• Forensic Scientist
• Game Warden
• Highway Patrolman
• Homeland Security Agent
• Immigrations Officer
• Law Enforcement Officer
• Parole Officer
• Police Officer
• Prison Warden
• Private Investigator
• Probation Officer
• Secret Service Agent
• Security Guard
• Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT)
• State Trooper
• US Marshal
• Victim's Advocate

Detectives can be promoted in the same way as police officers, including to the ranks of sergeant, lieutenant, captain, deputy chief and chief. Whether you're looking to become a private investigator or crime scene investigator, starting a degree program in criminal justice can be a great first step toward advancing your career.

Earn Your Degree Online in Criminal Justice

Accelerate your career with an online degree in criminal justice. Find certificates, associate, bachelor's and master's degree programs that emphasize fairness in the apprehension, prosecution, defense and incarceration of those charged with criminal offenses.

Degrees in Criminal Justice
Most criminal justice positions require a minimum of a bachelor's degree to qualify for employment, but some entry-level positions can be obtained with a certificate or an associate degree. If you're ready to seek justice for citizens and retribution for victims, choose an online degree program in criminal justice from the list below.

Associate Degrees in Criminal Justice

• Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice

Bachelor's Degrees in Criminal Justice

• Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration
• Bacehelor of Science in Organizational Security and Management

Master's Degrees in Criminal Justice

• Master of Science/Administration of Justice and Security