Many people are interested in becoming a private investigator, but it’s not as easy as you might think. Rick Roy has worked in the private investigator business all his life, first for his father and now for himself. His firm, Rix Investigations, is a full-service company based in Phoenix, Arizona. Here, he discusses how to become a PI.
Most people go into private investigation because they had some prior involvement in law enforcement. For whatever reason, something made them not want to be a policeman anymore. So they chose to be a private investigator and still be on the fringes of law enforcement work.
Law Enforcement or Military
I am one of the unique ones who never went into law enforcement or the military. I grew up in a private investigation firm and that’s what I always wanted to do. I have always loved it, and I still do.
The way to do it here in the state of Arizona is you put in 6,000 hours of verifiable work in either law enforcement, military law enforcement or private investigation services. After that 6,000 hours, or approximately three years of work, you are then allowed to purchase a bond and purchase a license as your own agency. Then you just have to make the money.
Qualities of a Good Investigator
A good private investigator needs many qualities. You need to be detail-oriented and aware of your surroundings. It’s important to be in good physical shape, have a quick wit, be resourceful and able to work under pressure. You also have to be innovative in tackling new ideas.
It’s not dangerous if handled properly. I carry a concealed weapon 24 hours a day. And I have never had to use it, not against people. I had to use it to protect myself against a few animals, but that’s it. If you are always aware of what’s going on, it doesn’t have to be a dangerous job.
We hire only licensed private investigators, and while we train many promising young people, there is always constant supervision and hands-on instruction at all times. I know that you get what you pay for, and with Rix Investigations, you are paying for the highest quality without equipment rental fees or hourly fees. If price is your only priority, go somewhere else.
