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Featured Faculty: NITA Executive VP Sandra von Eschenbach
Sandra von Eschenbach has made a career within the private investigative industry, spanning a period of over twelve years.   Her current endeavors include being the co-founder of the National Investigative Training Academy, Inc. (NITA).  As Executive Vice President of NITA, von Eschenbach’s duties include all administrative oversight, compliance, marketing and curriculum development for online private investigator courses.   For the previous ten years, von Eschenbach worked for RSight Investigations, Inc. serving in a variety of capacities to include Investigative Quality Assurance Manager, Corporate Administrative Manager, License Compliance Manager, Marketing Coordinator and National... Read more...
Featured Faculty: Steve Cassell, Chief Academic Officer of National Investigative Training Academy
  Steve Cassell has been working in the private investigative industry for more than two decades. Most recently, in an effort to train, cultivate and promote the next generation of private investigators, Cassell co-founded the National Investigative Training Academy, Inc. (NITA) in 2012.   The vision and mission behind NITA was created because the investigative marketplace was lacking a complete online investigative training resource. Prospective investigators simply did not have a viable state approved, online learning option outside of the bricks and mortar classroom. NITA has evolved into the most comprehensive online... Read more...
Tips for Investigating Insurance Fraud
The total cost of insurance fraud (non-health insurance) is estimated to be more than $40 billion per year, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigations. That means insurance fraud costs the average U.S. family between $400 and $700 per year in the form of increased premiums.   There are many types of insurance fraud -- including automobile insurance fraud, workers’ compensation claimant insurance fraud, workers’ compensation premium evasion insurance fraud, property insurance fraud, provider fraud and more. It’s a good time to become a private investigator, as insurance fraud has... Read more...
Private Investigation Techniques to Access Public Data Online
In the 21st century, there has been a paradigm shift in the field of private investigations. Savvy investigators have begun to realize the value in utilizing digital technology to assist with investigations. Searching through paper phonebooks, using laminated maps to navigate, and waiting for important documents to arrive via snail mail are all things of the past. We have now molded into a fast-paced society that demands immediate results. In the field of private investigations, the Internet has played a profound role in providing PI’s with the tools they need to... Read more...
Common Private Investigator Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
One must always employ a sense of morality and common sense when carrying out their specific job duties as a Private Investigator, but sometimes it is unclear about where the line should be drawn. To avoid legal implications, it is important to get the information needed for a client while also following the letter of the law. Read on to discover 5 Common Private Investigator Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them):    Impersonating a Police officer  The number one mistake a private investigator can make, and possibly the most detrimental to his or... Read more...
6 Qualities of Highly Effective Private Investigators
  Much of a private investigator’s success is attributed to his or her ability to collect, analyze and compile information gathered from an investigation. However, successful collaboration with other key agencies, including law enforcement and legal firms, are equally important components of case resolution.   Private investigators are expected to handle all cases ethically and professionally, while maintaining sound judgment and confidentiality. An effective private investigator possesses the experience, skills and tenacity it takes to pursue a case in its entirety. Often, these investigators have continued their education through advanced... Read more...
Dealing With Invasion of Privacy Laws
Navigating invasion of privacy laws can be challenging, especially when you’re new to the  private investigative industry.  Because of the way privacy is depicted in popular culture, some people believe that a private investigator’s work is, oftentimes, on the wrong side of the law.  However, as more states and countries begin to regulate and license investigators, this perception is gradually changing.  It’s still your due diligence as a private investigator to understand and work within the invasion of privacy laws. The first way you can violate invasion of privacy laws is... Read more...
The Business Side of Setting Up Your Private Investigation Business
One option to a career in private investigation is the ability be to your own boss. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor, about 20% of private investigators are self-employed,1 but with the freedom of working for yourself, you need to be aware of certain details are either required or highly useful for your business. Three basic logistical areas that you will need to address are: license, marketing, and general business considerations. Securing Your Private Investigator's License The requirements necessary to obtain a private investigator license will vary from state... Read more...
The Private Investigation Industry and the Internet
The Internet is growing and changing at an alarming rate these days, and businesses that want to stay ahead of the competition need to adapt to these changes, and private investigators are no exception. In an industry of harsh competition and reputations built on trust, private investigators need to learn about the changes around them and how it can help them work more efficiently. Some of the changes on the Internet are easy to utilize, while others demand extra effort on part of the private investigator. For those who are... Read more...
Five Tips for Testifying in Court
If you’re a private investigator, chances are you may be called upon to testify in court.  There are a variety of reasons you may have to testify in court, and it all will really depend on the type of private investigation career you have.Tips for Testifying in CourtIn order to be a professional witness, you should know the following tips in order to be a competent and experienced investigator. Tip #1 - Only respond to questions that are asked of you.  Don’t volunteer information.  When you do answer any questions,... Read more...
Why Should You Consider a Career in Private Investigation?
Private investigation is a unique job field that separates itself from a typical career path. There is versatility in what a private investigator can do which  provides options when considering your career path. As a private investigator, many investigators enjoy the e the idea of being self employed as this grants a new level of freedom in their career. About one in four private investigators plan to be self employed within the next couple of years. However, with this level of freedom, there are bound to be risks, so what... Read more...
Private Investigation is a Growing Industry
The private investigation profession began with civilians. These civilians were investigating injustice prior to the establishment of law enforcement investigations. Now our private investigators come from a variety of backgrounds, from prior law enforcement officers, to private sector citizens. People that are unfamiliar with the work of a private investigator are often mislead into viewing their profession as it is portrayed in movies and television shows. Cheating spouses, extramarital events, tracking a particular person of interest; these are simple generalizations about what jobs and tasks private investigators undertake. The industry... Read more...
How to Find Former Employees as a Private Investigator
As a private investigator, you may be hired by companies and these companies might want you to find out information  concerning current or former employees. Employers place trust in their employees to carry out their assigned tasks and, more importantly, these employees are representatives of the company. Since new employees are essentially strangers to the employer, employers cannot entirely trust the information  received during the hiring process.  Therefore, employers hire private investigators to find more information and investigate an potential employer’s background. How Do Background Checks Locate Former Employees? During... Read more...
4 Things to Know Before Becoming a Private Investigator
Private investigators have an unconventional form of work compared to your average desk job. If you are a civil/domestic investigator, you will be working to satisfy the needs of different clients on each referral. Working for a consistent client or as part of a firm, private investigators will still be expected to satisfy clients’ current needs based on the specific client instructions on each and every case. What's Important to Know About Being a Private Investigator? Before you set your sights on becoming a private investigator, there are some things... Read more...
How Florida’s Public Records Law Can Assist With Your Private Investigations
Often, one of the best resources for private investigators is public records.  Florida has one of the loosest public record laws in the nation.  In spite of this, many Florida private investigators fail to use these resources. The public records law in Florida states that any document generated or received by a government agency, with regard to agency business, is public record.  This includes documents, books, maps, audio tapes, video tapes, emails and computer-hosted data. Sometimes getting records can be a hassle.  But, armed with the information in the Sunshine... Read more...
Build Experience & Get a Private Investigator Job
The private investigator job market, depending on your specialty, can be highly competitive.  This is particularly true when you have little, to no, practical experience.  Here are some tips to help you get a private investigator job and gain experience along the way: Get a job in a similar industry, such as loss prevention.  This can help to develop and hone the skills listed on your resume.  This can be a difference maker when looking for a private investigator job. Take online private investigator training courses to help you to... Read more...
Being a Freelance Private Investigator
After completing your private investigator training, you may find it difficult to start a freelance career in private investigations.  When searching for jobs, you should look for work that fits within your individual skill sets.  Choosing jobs you feel comfortable with will help you be more successful.  It will be easier to convince clients you are the right person for the job, and you will do your best work. For those who have just completed their private investigator license course, and are looking to pick up cases as a freelance... Read more...
Apps for Private Investigators
Times are changing, and so are the resources available for private investigators.  There are a variety of iPhone and cell phone apps designed to help private investigators – or the average consumer – use their phones to gather information. What Are Good Apps For Private Detectives? Below are a handful of inexpensive apps to assist you with your investigating needs. Contact Spy - Contact Spy is reverse phone number look up for U.S. phone numbers.  You can also enter the name of the person you are investigating to gain additional... Read more...
What Is A Due Diligence Investigation?
Due diligence investigations can have a different meaning among different industries and organizations. In private investigation, due diligence is used to analyze the character, integrity and reputation of an individual or a business. Different types of information is often uncovered, including cases of harassment, fraud, past criminal trouble, or regulatory issues. With individuals, due diligence can uncover: Work history, including affiliations and board memberships History of, and details regarding, civil litigation and criminal case history Driving history Any listings on sex offender registries Credit history (with consent) Corporate due diligence... Read more...
5 Tips for the Beginning Private Investigator
Beginning any new career can be difficult and stressful. As a new private investigator, you could find yourself under particular pressure when first starting out due to issues such as legal restrictions, ethical restraints and just general inexperience. As a beginner, taking all the advice you can get is essential to start your career in the right direction. What Are Good Tips for Becoming a Private Investigator? Get out of your comfort zone. The comfort zone is aptly named. You’re comfortable, which is good, but you typically don’t allow yourself... Read more...
Types of Background Checks a PI Can Perform
What exactly is a background check? It simply refers to an investigation of a person’s history. There are many reasons why someone would hire a private investigator to perform a background check, all primarily falling within these categories: Employment Background Investigation: Most pre-employment background checks pertain to determining if there is a history of criminal activity, seeking information on education levels and confirming the legitimacy of references. In addition to criminal background checks, education verifications and reference checks, the most common types of employment background investigations are credit checks and... Read more...
Understanding How Private Investigators Differ from Other Law Enforcement
There is a common misconception perpetuated by movies and crime shows that private investigators undermine police services and solve crimes by breaking laws themselves. In reality, however, private investigators often assist in criminal investigations and can even be found working alongside law enforcement in certain instances. Under the law, a police officer has restrictions on his or her actions that a PI may not be bound by. For this reason, police often hire private investigators when they can’t pursue the case further. In addition, the law can only step in... Read more...
Getting a Florida Private Investigator License
 How Do I Get a License to Become a Private Investigator in Florida?So, you're asking yourself, "Do I Have to Get a License to do Private Investigator Work in Florida?" Legal requirements to become a Private Investigator vary from state to state. Florida is among the states that require Private Investigators to become licensed, which is a two-step process. How Do I Become a Private Investigator in Florida? First, you’ll need to take a 40-hour Florida Private Investigator “CC” Intern Training Course that meets the State of Florida’s Division of... Read more...
Steps To Becoming a Private Investigator
Want to become a private investigator but are unsure of where to start?   First, find a school that fits your needs, including your schedule and finances. If you can’t attend classes full-time because of work or other obligations, for example, online private investigator courses are your best alternative. Online Courses also typically offer better rates over traditional courses.   Don’t just blindly sign up and pay for coursework, of course. Do your research. Confirm your school of choice is both state-approved and accredited. Look for an academy that has... Read more...
Student Agreement
This agreement constitutes a binding Contract between the Student and National Investigative Training Academy, Inc.  Methods of Payment - Full payment at time of signing enrollment agreement.   CANCELLATION AND REFUND POLICY   Should a student’s enrollment be terminated or cancelled for any reason, all refunds will be made according to the following refund schedule:   Cancellation can be made in person, by electronic mail, by Certified Mail or by termination.   All monies will be refunded if NITA does not accept the applicant or if the student cancels within... Read more...