If you are looking to be your own boss while making a living from your investigative skills, a career in private investigation is a great choice. It’s also a job that requires a strong sense for purpose, especially when you are responsible for finding evidence that can overturn a conviction and exonerate the wrongfully accused. Your GA private investigator is a fraud examiner, an analyst, and proud member of ASIS and ACFE. Our membership in the Georgia Association of Professional Private Investigators – GAPPI is equally important. We are here to help. We are available to help you at 678-463-89393 or email us at [email protected]
Grosse, like many Georgia PIs before becoming a private detective, had a career in the FBI and U.S. Army before moving into private investigation. Former soldiers, officers, cops, COs and court officials are all familiar with private investigation. It’s not uncommon to find PIs who have worked in private security, or even the day-to-day world.
Choose your career path
You can choose to work for yourself or for another private investigator in Georgia. It is more difficult to work for yourself and will require a license, years of experience in private or law enforcement, as well as a university degree. There are also greater financial risks, such:
- Exam fee $125
- $400 application fee
- One of the following is recommended:
- $25,000 bond
- Policy of $1 Million Liability Insurance
- A net worth of at least $50,000
Registering to work for an established company is a great way to get started in private investigation. Simply meet the minimum requirements and then your employer will register to work under the Board of Private Detective and Security Agencies.
Respecting the Basic Requirements
Private detectives who work in Georgia must be registered as employees of private detective businesses, whether they are sole proprietors, managers of their own companies, or agencies. Your employer, or you if the business owner, registers you with Secretary of State’s Board of Private Detective and Security Agencies.
You will need to meet the minimum requirements for private investigator registration.
At least 18 years of age
Integrity and good moral character are important
You must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident or a legal alien to work in the U.S.
There are no convictions for felonies or crimes involving arms, but considerations will be made case-by-case
You have not been convicted of any fraud or dishonesty
Education Qualifications
Georgia Private Investigator School Requirements
You will need to have a four-year criminal justice degree or another related field in order to apply for a license to operate your private investigation business.
These certificate and degree programs can be found in Georgia online as well as at campuses-based schools.
- Law Enforcement
- Criminal Justice
- Forensics
- Psychology
- Business
- A Foundation for the Future
Even if you’re just starting out as a private detective registered with another company, you will have more options and a stronger foundation if you have a solid educational background. Your employment prospects and future career opportunities will be enhanced if you can demonstrate that you have key skills in this field.
Basic Training
You will need to take a basic training course in order to become a Georgia private detective. This course must be completed within six months after you are hired. It must also be offered by a state-approved provider.
- 70 hours of classroom instruction, including:
- History of the industry
- Criminal law
- Search and seizure
- Crime scene investigation
- Interviewing suspects and witnesses
- Surveillance
You will need to complete the Firearm Training Curriculum For Handguns course if you plan to carry a gun. It is important to be familiar with all the laws in your state and those pertaining to private investigators.
Georgia: Working
Private investigators must complete 16 hours of continuing education each year through an agency approved. This can be done by the agency where you are registered. You can also consult professional associations.
A professional association such as the Georgia Association of Professional Private Detectives (GAPPI), or the Investigative Security Professional Association of Georgia, is a great way to get support from colleagues, increase your network opportunities, and keep up-to-date with the latest developments in your field. You can also get tips from professional organizations about how to become private detective in Georgia.
