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Degrees and Schools
Numerous schools offer degrees in police science and criminal justice. Many colleges and universities offer certificates in computer forensics. Some schools provide associate, bachelor's and master's degrees in computer forensics. The programs provide training in gathering data that has been electronically stored or encrypted on digital media such as a computer. Most computer forensic programs require students to complete an internship with local professionals, agencies or bureaus. Forensics/cybercrime degrees are also available.
Some professional organizations provide certification. The National Association of Legal Investigators offers the Certified Legal Investigator designation and the ASIS International provides the Professional Certified Investigator certification.
Classes
Students typically study the following subjects:
- Criminal law
- Forensics tools
- Computer systems and programs
- Cybercrime
- Business
- Intrusion detection systems
- Investigative techniques
Online Classes and Programs
Many schools offer online undergraduate and graduate degrees in criminal justice. Online degrees such as Bachelor in Computer Information Systems - Computer Forensics, Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Forensic Science and Bachelor of Information Technology - Computer Forensics are available. Computer forensics/cybercrime and police science online degrees are also available online.
Employment Requirements
There are no formal education requirements for most private detective and investigator positions, however many of them have post secondary degrees. Related experience is typically required for the occupation, however some individuals enter the occupation with a degree in police science, criminal justice or another subject and have no experience.
Typically, corporate investigators need to have a bachelor's degree, preferably in a business related field. For computer forensics work a degree in computer science or accounting can be more useful than a criminal justice degree. A degree or certificate in computer forensics is also useful.
Most of the work of private detectives and investigators is learned on-the-job. Most of states require private detectives and investigators to have a license. There are no licenses specifically for computer forensic investigators, however, some states require forensic investigators to be licensed private investigators.
The major employers are investigation and security services, state and local government agencies, legal services firms, employment services companies, insurance agencies, department and general merchandise stores and credit mediation establishments, including banks and other depository institutions.
How to Evaluate Schools and Programs
The answers to the following questions can help students select the appropriate school:
- Training - Does the program include an externship? Do students have a variety of externship choices?
- School's Reputation - Does the school have a good reputation?
- Job Placement - Are students provided job placement services? Does the school provide job fairs?
- Curriculum - What type of electives are offered? Can students select an area of specialization?
- Financial Aid - What types of financial aid are available? Is the school eligible to provide federal financial aid?
- Accreditation - Has the school been accredited by an agency which has been approved by the the United States Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education?
Private Detectives and Investigators Job Description
Private detectives and investigators collect information, primarily for individuals and companies. They uncover facts regarding financial, legal or personal matters. Private detectives and investigators also investigate insurance claims and fraud, assist in criminal and civil liability cases and conduct individual background profiles. They're also involved in missing persons cases, child custody and protection cases and computer crimes. Sometimes they solve mysteries by gathering and putting together clues.
Some of the common specialties are legal investigator, financial investigator, computer forensic investigator, hotel or store detective and corporate investigator.
Shown below are some of their responsibilities:
- Interview people
- Collect evidence
- Perform physical surveillance
- Abide by laws
- Perform background investigations on individuals
- Write reports and case summaries to document investigations
- Interface with police, security departments and postal officials
- Testify at hearings and court trials to present evidence
