Private investigators are hired by individuals to supplement the help given from a regular police force or to more subtly investigate another person’s behavior. These professionals cannot make arrests, but most of them do need to have a special license recognized by their city or area. Private investigators find concrete evidence that exposes illegal or questionable behavior in someone’s past or in their current lifestyle. They can be hired by an individual, an insurance company, an attorney’s office or by an employer wanting a detailed background check on an employee or potential job candidate. Private investigators take on cases that ferret out information about or for child custody cases, divorce cases, criminal investigations, civil court, extortion and corruption, and more. They may be hired to conduct individual investigations that need to be kept quiet or they may be needed to give extra assistance to a police force or attorney’s investigation. Private investigators need to be experienced with surveillance, interviewing witnesses and suspects, working in potentially dangerous situations and examining evidence. Former police officers, body guards or military personnel can make very good private investigators. Depending on the local laws, private investigators may or may not be armed, but they must always have a solid understanding of the criminal justice system. If any evidence they acquire was illegally obtained, then their client will not be able to use it in court.


M.B.A. in Fraud Mangement

Private investigators are self-employed, awarding them the flexibility to choose their own clients and set their own rates but also the responsibility of publicizing their business and obtaining a steady work flow. The median salary range for private investigators was between $24,180 and $47,740, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This amount largely depends on your experience and reputation, geographic location and kind of clients you are able to attract. If you are self-employed, then you will also be responsible for your own health insurance, vacation time and retirement savings.

Private investigators come from a variety of backgrounds, including insurance, the military, law enforcement and the law. If you want to attract a lot of clients, then you will need to have a lot of proven experience in gathering evidence, conducting surveillance, managing investigations and winning cases. An understanding of the criminal justice system is also a must, so earning a higher degree in this area is also a good idea.

Top 10 Criminal Justice Colleges

Search our rankings of the 10 top criminal justice colleges in the US below and request free information packets directly from the top criminal justice degree programs for your needs.

 
1.
University of Phoenix - Master's Degree. University of Phoenix provides highly rated resources that fosters independent learning and enables the student for success. University of Phoenix graduates have shown a history of success by having long careers in the field of Criminal Justice.
 
2.
Everest University Online - Master's Degree. With a career-oriented focus, a student graduating with a M.S. in Criminal Justice from Everest University Online will have the skills necessary to pursue numerous careers upon graduation.
 
3.
Walden University - Master's Degree. At Walden University, the Master's Degree in Criminal Justice degree plan can be completed completely online and at the convenience of the student. Walden University is the premiere online college for students interested in pursuing a degree in the legal and justice field.
 
4.
Colorado Technical University - Master's Degree. The university's Master of Science in Management with a concentration in Criminal Justice is designed to prepare individuals for roles in the emerging administrative and leadership sectors in the criminal justice system. Students are offered flexible courses online, allowing them to pursue this prestigious degree while maintaining other priorities in their lives as well.
 
5.
Kaplan University - Master's Degree. The wide variety of courses and flexible time schedules make Kaplan University a top rated Masters in Criminal Justice school with the following options: Master’s of Science (M.S.) in Criminal Justice, M.S. in Criminal Justice/Corrections, M.S. in Criminal Justice/Law, M.S. in Criminal Justice/Global Issues in Criminal Justice.
 
6.
Capella University - Master's Degree. Capella University Online’s top ranked job placement statistics make it a top choice by any student who wants a future in criminal justice. A Masters of Science in Public Safety - Criminal Justice, is offered.
 
7.
Saint Joesph's University - Master's Degree. Saint Joesph's University Master's in Criminal Justice program is at the forefront of education in providing a dynamic curriculum to every student. Saint Joesph's makes it easy to obtain a Criminal Justice degree online affordably and from the comfort of home.
 
8.
Virginia College - Master's Degree - At Virginia College, students are equipped with proper skills and training before graduation in order to succeed in their career of choice. Their Master's in Criminal Justice degree will prepare students for mid to upper-level management positions in the legal field.
 
9.
University of Cincinnati - Master's Degree - This highly regarded criminal justice department prepares the student with a well respected faculty, a quick degree plan, and the choice to move on to get a Doctorate. Options include M.S. Degree in Criminal Justice, M.S. Degree in Criminal Justice (1 Year Program).
 
10.
Bowling Green State University - Master's Degree. Bowling Green State University’s Criminal Justice school provides students with excellent academic training and experience. The department offers both a Masters of Science (MS) degree in Criminal Justice, and a Bachelors of Science (BS) degree in Criminal Justice.
 
11.
South University - Master's Degree. The South University Masters in Criminal Justice department allows you the option of specializing in Homeland Security. The school offers two masters options: Masters of Science( M.S.) in Criminal Justice, M.S. in Criminal Justice - Homeland Security.
 

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