In Georgia, the state will license an individual to be a PI if they have a 4 year degree in criminal justice, have been doing PI work for 2 years, or have 2 years law enforment experience mostly as a police officer.
I am currently a P O S T certified peace officer in GA, but my background comes from a correctional/ detention enviroment. I've done this for 4 years.
Many times I hear from "agencies" that my law enforcement experience would not be recognized by the examining board.
For some one trying to make this their career it can be discomforting. Most agencies will understand that you have passed a course and merited a certificate and are trying to come on entry level.
Though also at times there is no cases to work on, or you don't possess enough experience, or don't have a license so they won't use you.
Some see it as a risk and others don't have either the resources or the time to train entry level investigators.
I'm sure there are some who will read this and have either been there, or are there now. I write this to say that joining the International Private Investigators Union can open up doors in this business in places where one may find themself stuck.
I've been blessed to undertake projects with PI firms, but I still feel stuck. I believe that many union members and their personal experiences can help us all, and that the training manuals and the placements will further that goal.
I am a new member and I wanted to extend to other new members that this is good way to start out when you seem stuck.
I believe one hundred percent that IPIU will take me where I wish to be in my career, and I recommend that anyone finding themselves stuck to join the International Private Investigtators Union and have an advocate here to to get them in the right direction.