Is the Life of a Private Investigator For Me?
WHAT IT MEANS TO TAKE A CHANCE
As a student, pursuing a career can be scary. Whether it is a new career or a career change, any sort of change brings us out of our comfort zones, which is just not, well, comfortable. Between the cost of pursuing a dream, the time one needs to invest, and the experience one needs to obtain, there can be a lot of ‘what ifs’ involved.
Have you ever taken a chance that you regret? Even if the chance you took didn’t turn out as planned, it’s likely that you still learned a valuable lesson from your experience. We all have moments like this in our lives, where we take a risk and don’t necessarily end up where we wanted to be. Despite this, the unintentional lessons we learn are often invaluable and help shape our future choices and decisions.
BECOMING A PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR
When wondering how to become a private investigator, there are a few considerations that should be ‘investigated,’ if you will.
- Is the career the right fit for me?
- Do I have what it takes?
- Do I want to attend college/university or complete basic training and obtain on-the-job experience?
- Will the investigator training facility offer what it takes?
If the answer to 3 of 4 of these questions is a ‘yes,’ you’re on the right path! (The other is just preference.)
IS BECOMING A PI RIGHT FOR ME?
Being a private investigator is not what it seems to be when considering how the career is portrayed in the media. While a fulfilling and exciting career, like anything, it has its ups and downs. There are sometimes long and tedious days, and there are times where the case may become frustrating, as you don’t always find the answers you’re seeking.
That said, knowing that you have become a part (however small!) of a client’s ability to move forward with their lives is the underlying reason a person should want to become a private investigator.
DO I HAVE WHAT IT TAKES?
Being a private investigator involves a range of activities that may be unfamiliar or uncomfortable. Surveillance is one such task that can be difficult for some, as it requires staying focused and being able to blend in with one’s surroundings without drawing attention.
It requires a high level of discipline and concentration, as well as the ability to remain calm under pressure. Additionally, private investigators must be able to conduct research and analyze data, as well as evaluate evidence and interview witnesses.
They must be adept at problem-solving and have excellent communication and interpersonal skills. In order to be successful in this profession, one must be able to think on their feet and make quick and accurate decisions.
It may be a difficult yet essential task to alter your persona in order to carry out a particular mission. This may require you to create a false version of yourself and remember all the details of your fabricated identity. It is important to be prepared and keep your story consistent in order to be successful.
Being the bearer of bad news can be an incredibly difficult task. It requires a certain level of emotional detachment, as it is important to be able to deliver the news impartially and without judgment. It can be especially difficult when the news is related to sensitive issues such as adultery or the death of a missing person or when sought-after information is not attainable.
In such cases, it is important to remain professional and to try to maintain a sense of empathy and understanding for those affected by the news. Being a private investigator can be an incredibly exciting and enjoyable career if you have a passion for research, law, and assisting others. You will have the opportunity to work on a variety of cases, from criminal investigations to civil litigation, and you will get to work with a wide range of people, from law enforcement to attorneys.
As a private investigator, you will need to have strong analytical and problem-solving skills in order to be successful in the field. You will also need to be comfortable working independently and have a good understanding of the law and legal processes. Additionally, you will need a strong moral compass and a commitment to providing honest and reliable results. With the right skills, determination, and enthusiasm, being a private investigator can be a rewarding and satisfying career.
WILL THE BASIC TRAINING INSTITUTION OFFER WHAT IT TAKES?
As with anything in life, be careful to analyze training facilities carefully, especially if researching online private investigator courses in Ontario. In order to successfully become a private investigator in Ontario, you must complete a 50-hour pi course that is regulated by the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services (MCSCS) through a licenced private investigation firm.
This course should cover basic principles surrounding the Private Security and Investigative Services Act, Provincial and Federal statutes, Criminal and Civil Law, etc. Many agencies provide a choice between classroom-based or online instruction. Once the course has been completed, you will then receive a training completion number, which is used to write the provincial test for the Ontario Private Investigator Licence.
DO I WANT TO ATTEND COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY OR COMPLETE BASIC TRAINING AND OBTAIN ON-THE-JOB EXPERIENCE?
Researching how to become a private investigator reveals two paths.
You can obtain an education at the college or university level.
Alternatively, you can complete basic private investigator training and gain experience on the job.
As with any career, which path you choose depends on which direction you would like to take your investigation career. Choose to go ahead with basic training and on-the-job experience. It should cost around $200. The training should be at least 50 hours long.
Once the training is successfully completed and the provincial exam is written, you need to apply for your private investigator licence. At this point, you are ready to start applying to firms!
The private investigation industry is not for everyone. However, it is a career that more people should consider. It is highly gratifying! (And who hasn’t done a little investigating on their own?!)
For more information on how to become a private investigator, don’t hesitate to contact us at The Smith Investigation Agency. We have offices in Ontario across many major cities. These include:
– Toronto
– Brampton
– Hamilton
– London
– North York
– Kingston
– Ottawa
– Barrie
– North Bay
– Sudbury
– Scarborough
– Timmins
– Thunder Bay
– Windsor
