Former law enforcement officers and military personnel often find the field of private investigations attractive for various reasons. They may already possess some qualifications necessary to be a Private Investigator and subsequently have an easier time becoming licensed—but does that make them better Private Investigators?
The answer: not necessarily. Law enforcement officers may benefit from their previous experience. Still, the most successful Private Investigators are resourceful and know how to legally and ethically obtain information that will help their clients.
At the National Investigative Training Academy, Inc. (NITA), we provide online, state-approved pre-licensing and continuing education courses to become a Private Investigator. Each class was developed by experienced experts who have forged wildly successful careers within the investigative industry. They provide the tools, techniques, and resources necessary to be effective in the investigative arena’s private sector, whether or not you have law enforcement in your background.
3 Benefits Former Law Enforcement Officers Enjoy as Private Investigators
While former law enforcement officers don’t necessarily make better Private Investigators, this industry is one that many with policing and military experience in their background choose. Below are the benefits that former law enforcement officers enjoy that provide insight into why the private investigative industry is an appealing option.
1. Previous Knowledge of Investigation Techniques
A law enforcement officer who has spent years interrogating suspects will undoubtedly have interviewing and detective techniques to benefit their investigative career. However, without a badge’s authority, gathering information, investigating, and interviewing is conducted in a different manner in the private sector of professional investigations.
2. Familiarity with Investigative Resources
In law enforcement and some government agencies, officers have access to databases with the FBI or the National Crime Information Center that Private Investigators cannot access. However, previous experience using social media and other public records to obtain information and unfold an investigation will undoubtedly be advantageous to a former law enforcement officer entering the private investigations field.
3. Previous Investigative Industry Experience Helps
Law enforcement officers who have worked in security, bail enforcement, or cases involving murder, abduction, or violent crimes will surely benefit from previous experience in this environment. However, without first-hand experience in these situations, previous policing experience may not help those beginning a new career as a Private Investigator.
Private Investigators Are Effective Because They Know How to Obtain Information—Not Because of Their Credentials
Private Investigators must possess the skill and know-how to obtain information legally and ethically for their clients. Any information collected from an inside scoop or access to non-public data from previous law enforcement experience would not be admissible in court. Using any information that was not collected legitimately could damage a client’s best interests.
Often, the most renowned investigative firms such as Guidepost Solutions, Kroll, and K2 Intelligence are founded by and employ individuals without previous law enforcement experience who have often spent their careers in the private sector as investigators, lawyers, and journalists. While former law enforcement officers indeed benefit from their previous profession, having this experience is not required to be a better or more successful Private Investigator.
Learn Essential Skills to Become a Private Investigator with NITA’s Online Training Courses
No matter what background you may have, a career in the private investigative field is a rewarding one. The training courses at National Investigative Training Academy, Inc. (NITA) are state-approved and expertly developed by industry experts who teach the skills necessary to be an effective and successful Private Investigator.
Access pre-licensing and professional development courses facilitated online where you can learn at your own pace on your own time. NITA’s online training courses are available for immediate online enrollment and will guide you towards your goal of becoming a licensed and a successful investigative professional.
Our enrollment counselors are here to answer any questions you might have about our state- and board-approved status, pre-licensing training, or professional development programs.
