Page 1 of 4 1 2 3 4 LastLast
Results 1 to 40 of 125

Thread: US Dept of Labor-Private Dectectives

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Aug 2003
    Location
    Arizona
    Posts
    363

    US Dept of Labor-Private Dectectives

    I thought this article was interesting. Hope everyone who reads it, gets some useful information.

    U.S. Department of Labor
    Bureau of Labor Statistics
    Occupational Outlook Handbook
    www.bls.gov OOH Search/A-Z Index
    BLS Home | Programs & Surveys | Get Detailed Statistics | Glossary | What's New | Find It! In DOL

    Printer-friendly version (HTML) (PDF)
    Private Detectives and Investigators
    Nature of the Work | Working Conditions | Employment | Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement | Job Outlook | Earnings | Related Occupations | Sources of Additional Information

    Significant Points


    Work hours often are irregular for beginning detectives and investigators, many of whom work part time.
    Most applicants have related experience in areas such as law enforcement, insurance, or the military.
    Stiff competition is expected for better paying jobs because of the large number of qualified people who are attracted to this occupation.

    Nature of the Work [About this section] Back to Top

    Private detectives and investigators use many means to determine the facts in a variety of matters. To carry out investigations, they may use various types of surveillance or searches. To verify facts, such as an individual's place of employment or income, they may make phone calls or visit a subject's workplace. In other cases, especially those involving missing persons and background checks, investigators often interview people to gather as much information as possible about an individual. In all cases, private detectives and investigators assist attorneys, businesses, and the public with a variety of legal, financial, and personal problems.

    Private detectives and investigators offer many services, including executive, corporate, and celebrity protection; pre-employment verification; and individual background profiles. They also provide assistance in civil liability and personal injury cases, insurance claims and fraud, child custody and protection cases, and premarital screening. Increasingly, they are hired to investigate individuals to prove or disprove infidelity.

    Most detectives and investigators are trained to perform physical surveillance, often for long periods, in a car or van. They may observe a site, such as the home of a subject, from an inconspicuous location. The surveillance continues using still and video cameras, binoculars, and a cell phone, until the desired evidence is obtained. They also may perform computer database searches, or work with someone who does. Computers allow detectives and investigators to quickly obtain massive amounts of information on individuals' prior arrests, convictions, and civil legal judgments; telephone numbers; motor vehicle registrations; association and club memberships; and other matters.

    The duties of private detectives and investigators depend on the needs of their client. In cases for employers involving workers' fraudulent compensation claims, for example, investigators may carry out long-term covert observation of subjects. If an investigator observes a subject performing an activity that contradicts injuries stated in a workers' compensation claim, the investigator would take video or still photographs to document the activity and report it to the client.

    Private detectives and investigators often specialize. Those who focus on intellectual property theft, for example, investigate and document acts of piracy, help clients stop the illegal activity, and provide intelligence for prosecution and civil action. Other investigators specialize in developing financial profiles and asset searches. Their reports reflect information gathered through interviews, investigation and surveillance, and research, including review of public documents.

    Legal investigators specialize in cases involving the courts and are normally employed by law firms or lawyers. They frequently assist in preparing criminal defenses, locating witnesses, serving legal documents, interviewing police and prospective witnesses, and gathering and reviewing evidence. Legal investigators also may collect information on the parties to the litigation, take photographs, testify in court, and assemble evidence and reports for trials.

    Corporate investigators conduct internal and external investigations for corporations other than investigative firms. In internal investigations, they may investigate drug use in the workplace, ensure that expense accounts are not abused, or determine if employees are stealing merchandise or information. External investigations typically prevent criminal schemes originating outside the corporation, such as theft of company assets through fraudulent billing of products by suppliers.

    Financial investigators may be hired to develop confidential financial profiles of individuals or companies who are prospective parties to large financial transactions. They often are Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) and work closely with investment bankers and accountants. They search for assets in order to recover damages awarded by a court in fraud or theft cases.

    Detectives who work for retail stores or hotels are responsible for loss control and asset protection. Store detectives, also known as loss prevention agents, safeguard the assets of retail stores by apprehending anyone attempting to steal merchandise or destroy store property. They prevent theft by shoplifters, vendor representatives, delivery personnel, and even store employees. Store detectives also conduct periodic inspections of stock areas, dressing rooms, and restrooms, and sometimes assist in opening and closing the store. They may prepare loss prevention and security reports for management and testify in court against persons they apprehend. Hotel detectives protect guests of the establishment from theft of their belongings and preserve order in hotel restaurants and bars. They also may keep undesirable individuals, such as known thieves, off the premises.

    Working Conditions [About this section] Back to Top


    Private detectives and investigators often work irregular hours because of the need to conduct surveillance and contact people who are not available during normal working hours. Early morning, evening, weekend, and holiday work is common.

    Many detectives and investigators spend time away from their offices conducting interviews or doing surveillance, but some work in their office most of the day conducting computer searches and making phone calls. Those who have their own agencies and employ other investigators may work primarily in an office and have normal business hours.

    When working on a case away from the office, the environment might range from plush boardrooms to seedy bars. Store and hotel detectives work in the businesses that they protect. Investigators generally work alone, but they sometimes work with others during surveillance or when following a subject in order to avoid detection by the subject.

    Some of the work involves confrontation, so the job can be stressful and dangerous. Some situations call for the investigator to be armed, such as certain bodyguard assignments for corporate or celebrity clients. Detectives and investigators who carry handguns must be licensed by the appropriate authority. In most cases, however, a weapon is not necessary because the purpose of their work is gathering information and not law enforcement or criminal apprehension. Owners of investigative agencies have the added stress of having to deal with demanding and sometimes distraught clients.

    Employment [About this section] Back to Top


    Private detectives and investigators held about 39,000 jobs in 2000. About 2 out of 5 were self-employed. Approximately a third of salaried private detectives and investigators worked for detective agencies, while another third were employed as store detectives in department or clothing and accessories stores. The remainder worked for hotels and other lodging places, legal services firms, and in other industries.



    Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement [About this section] Back to Top

    There are no formal education requirements for most private detective and investigator jobs, although many private detectives have college degrees. Almost all private detectives and investigators have previous experience in other occupations. Some work initially for insurance or collections companies or in the private security industry. Many investigators enter the field after serving in law enforcement, the military, government auditing and investigative positions, or Federal intelligence jobs.

    Former law enforcement officers, military investigators, and government agents often become private detectives or investigators as a second career because they are frequently able to retire after 20 years of service. Others enter from such diverse fields as finance, accounting, commercial credit, investigative reporting, insurance, and law. These individuals often can apply their prior work experience in a related investigative specialty. A few enter the occupation directly after graduation from college, generally with associate or bachelor of criminal justice or police science degrees.

    The majority of the States and the District of Colombia require private detectives and investigators to be licensed. Licensing requirements vary widely, but convicted felons cannot receive a license in most States and a growing number of States are enacting mandatory training programs for private detectives and investigators. Some States have few requirements, and 6 States-Alabama, Alaska, Colorado, Idaho, Mississippi, and South Dakota-have no statewide licensing requirements while others have stringent regulations. For example, the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services of the California Department of Consumer Affairs requires private investigators to be 18 years of age or older; have a combination of education in police science, criminal law, or justice, and experience equaling 3 years (6,000 hours) of investigative experience; pass an evaluation by the Federal Department of Justice and a criminal history background check; and receive a qualifying score on a 2-hour written examination covering laws and regulations. There are additional requirements for a firearms permit.

    For private detective and investigator jobs, most employers look for individuals with ingenuity, persistence and assertiveness. A candidate must not be afraid of confrontation, should communicate well, and should be able to think on his or her feet. Good interviewing and interrogation skills also are important and usually are acquired in earlier careers in law enforcement or other fields. Because the courts often are the ultimate judge of a properly conducted investigation, the investigator must be able to present the facts in a manner a jury will believe.

    Training in subjects such as criminal justice is helpful to aspiring private detectives and investigators. Most corporate investigators must have a bachelor's degree, preferably in a business-related field. Some corporate investigators have master's degrees in business administration or law, while others are certified public accountants. Corporate investigators hired by large companies may receive formal training from their employers on business practices, management structure, and various finance-related topics. The screening process for potential employees typically includes a background check of candidates' criminal history.

    Some investigators receive certification from a professional organization to demonstrate competency in a field. For example, the National Association of Legal Investigators (NALI) confers the designation Certified Legal Investigator to licensed investigators who devote a majority of their practice to negligence or criminal defense investigations. To receive the designation, applicants must satisfy experience, educational, and continuing training requirements, and must pass written and oral exams administered by the NALI.

    Most private detective agencies are small, with little room for advancement. Usually there are no defined ranks or steps, so advancement takes the form of increases in salary and assignment status. Many detectives and investigators work for detective agencies at the beginning of their careers and after a few years start their own firms. Corporate and legal investigators may rise to supervisor or manager of the security or investigations department.

    Job Outlook [About this section] Back to Top


    Keen competition is expected because private detective and investigator careers attract many qualified people, including relatively young retirees from law enforcement and military careers. Opportunities will be best for entry-level jobs with detective agencies or as store detectives on a part-time basis. Those seeking store detective jobs have the best prospects with large chains and discount stores.

    Employment of private detectives and investigators is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through 2010. In addition to growth, replacement of those who retire or leave the occupation for other reasons should create many additional job openings. Increased demand for private detectives and investigators will result from fear of crime, increased litigation, and the need to protect confidential information and property of all kinds. More private investigators also will be needed to assist attorneys working on criminal defense and civil litigation. Growing financial activity worldwide will increase the demand for investigators to control internal and external financial losses, and to monitor competitors and prevent industrial spying.

    Earnings [About this section] Back to Top


    Median annual earnings of salaried private detectives and investigators were $26,750 in 2000. The middle 50 percent earned between $20,040 and $38,240. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $16,210, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $52,200. Median annual earnings were $21,180 in department stores, the industry employing the largest numbers of private detectives and investigators.

    Earnings of private detectives and investigators vary greatly depending on their employer, specialty, and the geographic area in which they work. According to a study by Abbott, Langer & Associates, security/loss prevention directors and vice presidents had a median income of $77,500 per year in 2000; investigators, $39,800; and store detectives, $25,000. In addition to typical benefits, most corporate investigators received profit-sharing plans.

    Related Occupations [About this section] Back to Top


    Private detectives and investigators often collect information and protect the property and other assets of companies. Others with related duties include bill and account collectors; claims adjusters, appraisers, examiners, and investigators; police and detectives; and security guards and gaming surveillance officers. Investigators who specialize in conducting financial profiles and asset searches perform work closely related to that of accountants and auditors and financial analysts and personal finance advisors.



    This article states income from the year 2000, so apparently things have changed since then.

    Hope you enjoyed it!

    Colleen L Hayes Badge #6915

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Oct 2001
    Location
    National Office
    Posts
    540
    The report was not researched by the vast majority of successful private investigators. The report is usually based on waged earned PI's and not self employed. But for those who do contribute, the PI's are less likely to report any growth in opportunity or earnings because they typically feel threatened by increased competition on their "turf". This is one reason why IPIU keeps all earnings and oportunities off the public boards and only in the private Level 4 member boards.
    Josie

    MS. JOSIE RAY
    Federal Civil Case Manager
    Law Offices Of Attorney Services
    National Division

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Nov 2003
    Location
    Ohio
    Posts
    6
    very,very interesting reading,however i believe the wage numbers to be way off as explained.....

  4. #4

    Thumbs up Excellent Material

    I believe this information should be read by every prospective PI. It clearly articulates the requirements of the job and the potential for growth and earnings.

    I believe the information is dated 2000. Has it been updated in the last few years?

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jun 2003
    Location
    Virginia
    Posts
    38

    Lightbulb

    im learning more each day..

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Dec 2003
    Location
    Florida
    Posts
    32

    Lightbulb This is an Eye opener

    Thanks, Colleen

    This information you posted is in laymen term and really have opened my eyes to the business from a broad perspective. You don't realize how helpful this information is to me. I worked as a Loss Prevention Manager before but, I never realized that this business is so broad in the since of competition from Ex-Military and Law Enforcement personnel. However, It's good new to also understand that there is always some positions available due to the positive increase in Private Investigation jobs.

    Thanks,

    Bobby Williams, New Member

  7. #7
    Tina M Phillips Guest
    That's pretty interesting. It gives me some idea what to expect as far as my work duties and wages. I feel the information lacked some things that could have made it even more credible.

    But thanks you though. It is still informative.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Location
    Ohio
    Posts
    55

    Thumbs up

    Thanks Colleen, your article was very detailed and easily understood. A definite eye opener. I believe after lots of research into the PI field we are with the right group of people to get started in the PI industry.

    Thanks for the time you spent preparing this post.
    Ron in Cincy

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Aug 2003
    Location
    Arizona
    Posts
    363
    Hi everyone,

    I'm glad this information if helpful. Of course, things change. I will keep my eyes open for new information on this subject. Good luck to all of you.

    Colleen L Hayes Badge #6915

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Location
    Okalahoma
    Posts
    67

    Very Interesting Article

    Colleen:

    Thanks for the article. It was very enlightening. I would try to say more, but my thoughts have been covered by most of the comments by others.

    Again, thank you.
    JeryLyn

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Jun 2003
    Location
    Florida
    Posts
    920
    Colleen,

    Very interesting and informative article. I will print it and post it in my office.

    Thank you.

  12. #12

    Updated Stats

    The following statistics were updated on November 26, 2003 and can be found here:

    http://www.bls.gov/oes/2002/oes339021.htmPrivate

    Detectives and Investigators

    National estimates for this occupation: Top
    Employment estimate and mean wage estimates for this occupation:

    Employment (1) 31,170
    Employment RSE (3) 4.0 %
    Mean hourly $16.47
    wage Mean annual wage (2) $34,250
    Wage RSE (3) 1.6 %


    Percentile wage estimates for this occupation:

    Percentile 10% 25% 50% 75% 90%
    Hourly Wage $8.62 $10.57 $14.09 $20.06 $27.58
    Annual Wage $17,920 $21,980 $29,300 $41,710 $57,370


    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Industry profile for this occupation: Top
    Industries with the highest levels of employment in this occupation:

    Investigation and security services

    Employment 8,670
    Hourly mean wage $16.33
    Annual mean wage $33,970
    Employment rank 1
    Wage rank 21

    Department stores

    Employment 5,680
    Hourly mean wage $11.54
    Annual mean wage $24,010
    Employment rank 2
    Wage rank 34

    State government (OES designation)

    Employment 1,910
    Hourly mean wage $19.50
    Annual mean wage $40,570
    Employment rank 3
    Wage rank 13

    Management of companies and enterprises

    Employment 940
    Hourly mean wage $20.65
    Annual mean wage $42,950
    Employment rank 4
    Wage rank 9

    Legal services

    Employment 840
    Hourly Mean Wage $24.47
    Annual Mean Wage $50,900
    Employment rank 6
    Wage rank 5


    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    State profile for this occupation: Top
    States with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation:

    State Employment Hourly mean wage Annual mean wage Percent of State employment Wage rank within State
    West Virginia 790 $13.46 $28,000 0.116% 341
    Maryland 1,000 $14.58 $30,320 0.041% 412
    Hawaii 220 $12.26 $25,490 0.040% 381
    Michigan 1,590 $14.24 $29,620 0.036% 455
    Florida 2,550 $15.96 $33,200 0.036% 318

    Top paying States for this occupation:

    State Employment Hourly mean wage Annual mean wage Percent of State employment Wage rank within State
    New York 1,630 $21.63 $44,990 0.020% 270
    Washington 640 $21.56 $44,850 0.025% 258
    New Jersey 650 $20.76 $43,180 0.017% 294
    Connecticut 210 $18.61 $38,710 0.013% 309
    Iowa 250 $18.48 $38,450 0.018% 204


    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Metropolitan area profile for this occupation: Top
    Metropolitan areas with the highest concentration of workers in this occupation:

    MSA Employment Hourly mean wage Annual mean wage Percent of MSA employment
    Kalamazoo-Battle Creek, MI MSA 380 $8.68 $18,050 0.187%
    Parkersburg-Marietta, WV-OH MSA 80 $12.37 $25,730 0.123%
    Lafayette, LA MSA 150 $13.11 $27,270 0.092%
    Austin-San Marcos, TX MSA 480 $18.13 $37,710 0.074%
    Tallahassee, FL MSA 110 $15.01 $31,220 0.071%

    Top paying Metropolitan areas for this occupation:

    MSA Employment Hourly mean wage Annual mean wage Percent of MSA employment
    Yakima, WA MSA (6) $25.50 $53,050 (6)
    New York, NY PMSA 970 $25.50 $53,050 0.024%
    San Francisco, CA PMSA 340 $24.63 $51,220 0.034%
    Newark, NJ PMSA 210 $23.83 $49,570 0.022%
    Seattle-Bellevue-Everett, WA PMSA 370 $22.57 $46,940 0.029%
    Employment estimate and mean wage estimates for this occupation:

    RSE (3)
    Employment (1) 87,030 2.1 %
    Mean hourly wage $25.07 0.6 %
    Mean annual wage (2) $52,150 0.6 %

    Percentile wage estimates for this occupation:

    Percentile 10% 25% 50%
    (Median) 75% 90%
    Hourly Wage $14.64 $18.43 $24.50 $31.16 $37.56
    Annual Wage (2) $30,450 $38,330 $50,960 $64,800 $78,120

  13. #13
    Join Date
    Mar 1992
    Location
    National Office
    Posts
    4,241

    Re: Updated Stats

    Originally posted by Ken Rohrer
    The following statistics were updated on November 26, 2003
    I suspect the report is based on W-2 wage earners and not self-employed.

  14. #14
    Join Date
    Dec 2003
    Location
    Pennsylvania
    Posts
    111
    Thanks Colleen
    This puts a better look for this type of job,that I what to get in to.
    Pat

  15. #15
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Location
    texas
    Posts
    34

    Significant Points

    This information has truly help me to understand the difference path we can take in the Private Investigation field. The requirements for the difference area, are well paid. Glad to be a part of this group.
    Barbara Hardin

  16. #16
    Temistocles Tatis's Avatar
    Temistocles Tatis is offline *** Certified
    Distinguished Member:
    Private Investigator Member
    Join Date
    Mar 2002
    Location
    Florida
    Posts
    1,152

    Post A very interesting article.

    It's really has been an over all of our carrer. I'm going to use
    many of those information and add it to my recollection.
    Thanks a lot.

    Sincerely, Temistocles Tatis.

  17. #17
    Join Date
    Feb 2004
    Location
    Georgia
    Posts
    35
    I personally believe that I have been immensely educated by the information provided in this forum. And am definately happy about the monitary benefits that we will be privy to. Thank you all for the information.
    James M. Cary Jr

  18. #18
    Join Date
    Feb 2004
    Location
    New York
    Posts
    6

    Smile Re: Updated Stats

    Thanks for the info Ken. For those of you that may be unfamiliar with internet addresses, the url should read as follows:

    http://www.bls.gov/oes/2002/oes339021.htm

    Rather than:

    http://www.bls.gov/oes/2002/oes339021.htmPrivate

    When you click the link as it appears above you will receive an error message that the page does not exist. Cut and paste the link into your browser without the word private at the end.
    I hope that was helpful as my first posting.

    Jon

  19. #19
    Join Date
    Feb 2004
    Location
    Indiana
    Posts
    3

    Thumbs up

    Thank you Colleen, This is exactly what I was looking for.

  20. #20
    Join Date
    Oct 2003
    Location
    Texas
    Posts
    37

    RE: US Dept of Labor-Private Dectectives

    For those interested, the most recent version of this article is at:

    http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos157.htm

    At the bottom it shows a Last Modified date of Feb 27, 2004.

    Best Regards,

    Carleton

  21. #21
    Michael Hudson -'s Avatar
    Michael Hudson - is offline Licensed Private Investigator
    Private Investigator Forum Member

    2006 to 2007 Member of:
    International Private Investigators Union (IPIU)
    Join Date
    Jul 2003
    Location
    Alabama
    Posts
    46
    Information well received. However, based on own experience, I beleive the earnings potentional could be a little higher. If you are self employed, the more you put intop your business with the leaset amount of overhead can plance you far beyond the figures presented.

  22. #22
    Eloisa Mooney's Avatar
    Eloisa Mooney is offline Certified

    Distinguished Member:
    Private Investigators Forum
    Join Date
    Apr 2004
    Location
    Colorado
    Posts
    1,036
    Very informative document. I am only an infant in my journey here but am already wow'd.

  23. #23
    Join Date
    May 2004
    Location
    Oklahoma
    Posts
    23
    Colleen,
    Thanks for the article. It was very informative and very interesting!!

  24. #24
    Join Date
    May 2004
    Location
    Ohio
    Posts
    538
    This is great! I love all these stats!

    Julie Mercer

  25. #25
    Join Date
    Apr 2004
    Location
    Florida
    Posts
    17

    Sure Can Use Some Addditional Info!

    I know like many others, that I am in route to becoming a licensed PI & marvel at the range of information & opportunity available to us. Of course, the discussion focusing on income potential caught my eye! It will be a while until I get to Level 4 status where more specific income opportunities both for W-2/1099 empoyees & the self-employed are available. But for now, to help frame my expectations, it would be greatly appreciated if a few "experienced" & veteran PIs could give us newbees your general overview & opinion about earnings for the "average" performer, perhaps 2,5 & 10 years into the career. I'll be relocating to Florida by the beginning of August, so that info from a Central Florida professional would be especially helpful!

  26. #26
    Join Date
    Jul 2004
    Location
    Connecticut
    Posts
    4

    Great Information

    Thank you for posting that great informational article. As someone who does'nt know much about the field yet, I have now learned about the different types of investigative genras I can possibly go into.

    Rebecca

  27. #27
    Michael Hudson -'s Avatar
    Michael Hudson - is offline Licensed Private Investigator
    Private Investigator Forum Member

    2006 to 2007 Member of:
    International Private Investigators Union (IPIU)
    Join Date
    Jul 2003
    Location
    Alabama
    Posts
    46

    Smile Dept of Labor Detectives

    I commend you on your effrots and time taken to compile the information portrayed in your article which is very accurate and well portrayed and very informative. Michael

  28. #28
    Join Date
    Jul 2004
    Location
    Michigan
    Posts
    62
    hello to everyone, Thank-you for the information, and the updated version. It is very helpful. I am going to go to the website and do a little more reading. Thanks again.

  29. #29
    Join Date
    Dec 2003
    Location
    Pennsylvania
    Posts
    111
    This information was very helpful to me thank you.

  30. #30
    Join Date
    Jul 2004
    Location
    Indiana
    Posts
    113

    Lightbulb Article

    Thanks for supplying that really interesting articel. I enjoyed reading it and learned a lot from it. It was helpful in answering some personal questions.

  31. #31
    Join Date
    Jun 2004
    Location
    California
    Posts
    60
    Thanks, I did find this article interesting!

  32. #32
    Join Date
    Jul 2004
    Location
    Illinois
    Posts
    53
    Thanks for the post. Lots of statistics and something to look forward to as time progresses.

  33. #33
    Join Date
    Aug 2004
    Location
    Arkansas
    Posts
    5

    Interesting

    Interesting article. Thank you.

  34. #34

    Article

    What an interesting article. Looks like expansion is/will be great for the future. I am really excited about going into this field where their are so many different opportunities.

  35. #35
    DJ Moran --'s Avatar
    DJ Moran -- is offline Sr. Moderator:
    (On Leave of Absence)

    Certified Distinguished Member
    Private Investigators Forum
    Join Date
    Aug 2004
    Location
    Ohio
    Posts
    4,298

    Arrow Very Interesting

    This is all very interesting, thanks for all the statistics. This was all great information. It puts everything into perspective. Again, Thanks. Sincerely DJ
    ______________________
    Sr. Moderator/ IPIU
    "DJ"

  36. #36
    Join Date
    Aug 2004
    Location
    California
    Posts
    3
    Thanks for the updated salary info.

  37. #37
    Denise Damazio's Avatar
    Denise Damazio is offline Certified

    Distinguished Member: Private Investigator Member
    Join Date
    Jul 2004
    Location
    Texas
    Posts
    725
    Excellent information. I also believe the earnings could be a little higher depending on how hard you work at it. I know when I dive into something I don't quit until I have the answers I am looking for.

  38. #38
    Join Date
    Aug 2004
    Location
    Washington
    Posts
    2,283
    Colleen,

    This was very well written and oh so informative! But, now I'm sha-shaking in my computer chair. Here's why: I went to Florida to learn about business opportunities in Public Records Research such as criminal records, Social Security # verification,
    pre-employment background checks etc. When I got home, I had on-line training in
    the use of databases such as Avert,TRW, CIC, CDB and Metronet.

    Now, I have never worked in law enforcement, the military or the government. I do
    not hold any degrees. Am I justified in feeling so excited about this or am I barking up the wrong tree?

    Appreciate any help, links, encouragement
    Cleo

  39. #39
    Join Date
    Aug 2004
    Location
    Kansas
    Posts
    590
    I feel this statistical information is based on the average PI! There will be more people that will accel to higher levels and there will be people who are content with a certain salary range. Yes the more money you make the happier you THINK you are but coming from the IT arena and making VERY good money then finding yourself un-employed you realize that money is not HAPPINESS! To some it is to some it is not. I started my own company in hopes to make it big in due time. I am getting into the PI arena because I feel now is the time to take the opportunity.

    I know I have the dedication, motivation and skill sets to make this dream a REALITY!

    Now as my Missouri friends always say: Show ME!

    Trust me on this ---> I Will!
    "Keep On Keepin On!"

    Steve McAtee
    Badge# 10053

  40. #40
    Join Date
    Aug 2004
    Location
    Washington
    Posts
    2,283
    Hey Steve,

    Loved your post! I'm in the same boat...but now I have a paddle. I just want a job
    that is fulfilling and not boring. If you're good at what you do, the money will come.

    Thanks!
    Cleo

Page 1 of 4 1 2 3 4 LastLast

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •