How to Become a PI or Surveillance Agent
I've always been fascinated with spy gadgets. Could I turn this into a job? A private investigator maybe?
Sorry to say, but the fascination with spy gadgets that might have been encouraged by James Bond and Q may not easily translate into a realizable dream of suave encounters, beautiful women and gambling successes. But what might work is a variation on that theme.
It once was called eavesdropping, but in this more sophisticated age it's now technical surveillance counter measures. And it is an area of investigations in which gadgetry plays a big role. It also may require you to be licensed. Most states do ask that. The qualifications and the process may vary, but there are many similarities.
photo: http://www.istock.com
To fight against espionage, companies as well as government agencies are turning to firms that specialize in detecting, planting or removing eavesdropping and other surveillance devices.
You may use bugs, which are so small they're now both audio and video capable, do computer surveillance, use high tech photography or advanced computer skills. What you do can be used to solve crimes, win court cases and bring evildoers to justice. A skill or aptitude for the technology underlying the gadgetry is a plus.
Some 'spies' investigate computer crimes, such as identity theft, harassing e-mails, and illegal downloading of copyrighted material. They provide assistance in criminal and civil liability cases, insurance claims and fraud, child custody and protection cases, or missing persons cases.
Former law enforcement officers, military investigators, and government agents, who are frequently able to retire after 25 years of service, often become investigators in a second career.
Others enter from jobs in finance, accounting, insurance, and law.
According to the government's projections, though the need is growing there will be stiff competition for jobs. Employment of private detectives and investigators is expected to grow 18 percent from 2006-2016 , with opportunities expected to be excellent for qualified computer forensic investigators.
Computer forensic investigators, a growing specialty, specialize in recovering, analyzing, and presenting data from computers. Especially for retired accountants computer forensics work can be the entry into a career that will be in demand for a long time.
You're not likely to strike gold here, as the salary ranges are modest and work hours are often irregular, and potentially dangerous. But it could be fascinating.
Reading how one woman found herself in a career that's lasted 20 years may be instructive for a PI wannabe. And lucky for us Boomers she feels being more mature is a definite plus.
There are many organizations that certify investigators. The National Association of Legal Investigators (NALI) confers the title Certified Legal Investigator to licensed investigators who specialize in negligence or criminal defense investigation and meet experience, education and continuing training requirements.
A major player in this sector is Murray Associates. Based in Oldwick, New Jersey, the 30-year-old company, which is registered as Spybusters, LLC, is seeing heightened demand for its services.
Though requirements vary, most states have some sort of certification requirements. Alabama, Alaska, Colorado, Idaho, Mississippi, Missouri, and South Dakota currently have no statewide licensing requirements.
Others are quite strict. E.g., in California investigators must meet the following requirements:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Have a combination of education in police science, criminal law or justice
- Have three years (6,000 hours) of investigative experience
- Pass an evaluation by the Federal Department of Justice and a criminal history background check
- Pass a state examination covering laws and regulations
This link to resources and research provides useful and accurate information on the field, its statutory requirements, especially in the state of California.
The state of Iowa explains it all on their Webs site ...The legal requirements are set out in Iowa Code Chapter 80A and in the Administrative rules of the Department of Public Safety. It regulates the operation of private investigative and security businesses in Iowa. http://www.dps.state.ia.us/asd/pi_licensing.shtml
In Georgia...the answers to FAQs about working as a PI are answered here.
About the only category of person who cannot receive a PI license is a convicted felon.
To get a look inside check out http://pibuzz.com/ the blog for PI magazine run by Tamara Thompson, a California private investigator.
photo: http://www.istock.com
New York private investigator Edwin Steinmetz provides a personal guide to TSCM (Technical Surveillance Counter Measures) that practically vibrates with hi-tech savvy.
And at this Web site you can find companies or individuals who are in your area or internationally. You can search by location and by specialty.
E.g., In New York ...
Below you will find a list of Workers Compensation Investigators in New York, New York who may be able to assist you.
- Management Resources LTD Of NY
- 5 Penn Plaza
New York, NY 10001 - 646-378-2263
- Investigative Solutions for Attorneys, Insurance Companies and Businesses
- Management Resources LTD Of NY has been verified by PInow.
- CMP Protective and Investigative Group, Inc.
- Wall Street and Midtown
New York, NY 10005 - 888-267-4768
- The CMP Group is committed to producing superior results through personalized Protection and Investigation solutions. We are dedicated to building strong client relationships through high quality and dependable services. We pride ourselves as professio...
- CMP Protective and Investigative Group, Inc. has been verified by PInow.
At www.PInow.com 'Verified & Approved' symbol means that these investigators have had their credentials authenticated. All 'Verified & Approved' members meet their state's minimum requirements to be a private investigator, as well as PInow.com's extensive listing requirements.
Many of the practitioners are former detectives, police officers or investigators for insurance companies or security firms.
James Bond had Q showing him around the lab but you can peruse any gadget shops in person or online.
For an up-close view of the history and artifacts of the field make a visit to the International Spy Museum, opened in 2002 in Washington, just a few blocks away from the F.B.I.s HQ. Or tune in to their monthly SpyCast; listen to interviews with ex-spies and intelligence experts.
But the work of PIs, beyond enhancing competitive intelligence or intercepting industrial spying, is used, often under sketchy (and sometimes illegal) circumstances, to get a leg up on personal information. E.g., the recent scandal involving News Corp and a couple of the newspapers they publish in England has put another dent in the shiny armor of the investigator.
There are serious downsides and drawbacks to the ability to 'eavesdrop.' The recent revelations of illicitly taped video of ESPN sports broadcaster Erin Andrews show it's all too easy to invade someone's privacy. And reviews of gadgets to do just that are readily accessible. E.g., some are profiled here.
Good Luck and keep it legal.
