Read time 6 minutes
Published on Jul 29, 2022
Speak with a University Counselor today.
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Grand Canyon University. Any sources cited were accurate as of the publish date.
We're here to help.
If you enjoy research and solving puzzles, you might enjoy becoming a private investigator (PI), also known as a private detective. Now is a great time to consider entering this career field. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, an estimated 3,000 new jobs are expected to open for private detectives and investigators from 2019 to 2029.1 Before embarking on your journey to become a PI, it is a good idea to learn a bit more about what the role of a PI entails.
Influenced by popular movies and TV shows, many people assume that most PIs work for themselves in their own agencies. In reality, some PIs are employed by government agencies, while others are employed by companies in the finance and insurance sectors.
The specific job responsibilities and areas of focus can vary from one agency to the next. In general, however, a PI may do any of the following:
Some PIs also specialize in a single area. For example, some may exclusively do corporate investigations, while others primarily handle background checks within the criminal justice system.
The educational requirements for a private investigator can vary from one agency to the next. However, it’s common for investigative agencies to require job applicants to hold a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, such as criminal justice or justice studies.
A justice studies degree is particularly helpful because it provides a thorough overview of criminal and civil laws. PIs are often called upon to conduct investigations of wrongdoing, so a basic understanding of laws is a must-have. Furthermore, PIs need to be mindful of staying on the right side of the law themselves as they conduct their investigations. Any evidence obtained through illegal means will be rejected by the courts.
Another reason a bachelor’s degree in justice studies is helpful for aspiring PIs is that it strengthens their critical thinking and analytical reasoning skills. For instance, you may take courses on threat assessment, behavioral analysis and community planning. During your studies, you may review case studies that apply effective solutions to real-world problems. These can be helpful in dealing with challenges that arise in your criminal justice career.
While you are working toward your bachelor’s degree, you can simultaneously begin acquiring or strengthening the key skills and characteristics needed for this profession.
Another important trait of an effective private investigator is objectivity. It is important for an investigator to review evidence impartially, without preconceived ideas about the conclusion.
Many private investigators come to the profession after having already acquired work experience in a related career. For example, many PIs have served in the military or law enforcement. Others may have worked as process servers, paralegals or claims adjusters. Working for a bill collection agency can also lead to work as a PI.
Although not every PI agency requires prior work experience in a related field, many do. Furthermore, related work experience may be necessary to acquire a license in some states.
Before you can legally work as a PI, you will likely need to obtain a PI license from the state in which you plan to work. Nearly all states require PIs to hold appropriate licensure. Requirements vary from one state to the next, so check licensure requirements from the start as you begin your journey to become a PI. For example, in Arizona, an individual must document three years of relevant, full-time work experience before obtaining a license.2
For those considering becoming a private investigator, there are many rewarding perks and benefits in working within this career field. Here are some advantages of pursuing a career in private investigation:
In hiring a private investigator, there are many benefits they can bring to the table that can help the client and the communities around them. Here are some examples of the benefits in hiring a private investigator:
If you are the type of individual who enjoys learning new challenging skills, believes in justice, and wants to help people, a career as a private investigator may be right for you.
You can begin working toward an exciting career in private investigation by earning your undergraduate degree at Grand Canyon University. The Bachelor of Science in Justice Studies from the College of Humanities and Social Sciences is ideally suited to this career field, as it covers key topics such as threat assessment, criminal procedure and criminal law. Click on Request Info at the top of your screen to get started today.
1COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 may be atypical compared to prior years. The pandemic may impact the predicted future workforce outcomes indicated by the Bureau of Labor Statistics as well. Accordingly, data shown is based on 2019, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Private Detectives and Investigators.
2Arizona Registers of Contractors, Getting a Contractor’s License, in December 2021.
