What do private investigators do?

Private investigators work directly for individuals or companies who pay them for investigative services. These services can be related to a financial, legal, or personal matter. Unlike police detectives, who deal only with criminal activity, private investigators can work for personal issues like civil litigation, locating witnesses in civil suits, marital problems, and civil fraud cases. 

They can also help clients find a missing relative, investigate a suspicious spouse, find information to contest wills, or detect fraud. They can dedicate much of their time to surveillance and aren’t bound by regular working hours.

What do police detectives do?

Unlike private investigators, police detectives are members of a local, state, or federal law enforcement agency and serve the community, supported by taxes. 

They can only work within their jurisdiction to investigate crimes and identify the perpetrator. They work directly with witnesses and suspects and interview them to find clues or evidence. They also collect witness statements, write official reports, and compile the gathered information.

Private investigator vs. police detective

Educational requirements

There is no standard education requirement for becoming a PI. Degrees in criminal justice or law can help them gain in-depth knowledge and practical training.  However, some advanced positions, like corporate or financial investigators, might have to comply with rigorous educational requirements.

Whereas, for becoming a police detective, you’ll have to serve as a law enforcement officer before being considered for a promotion. You’ll b required to earn an associate’s degree in law enforcement or criminal justice. Next, you must enroll in a police training academy. A potential candidate will have to pass law enforcement classes and physical fitness tests.

Experience

Some former police officers might become private investigators after retirement, but that’s not always true. There is no official requirement to have experience as a police officer or detective to become a private investigator. 

Most states require licenses for private detectives, which typically require knowledge or experience in law enforcement. Although, the license requirements vary for each state.

Aspiring police detectives have to work as officers before becoming detectives. As most police departments’ vetting and promotion processes are stringent, a newcomer may have to serve for years to earn his detective's badge.

Salary and job outlook

Police detectives rely on regular paychecks every month, while private investigators rely on clients for payments. The median salary for police detectives in the United States is $79,870, and the median salary for private investigators is $44,570.

About Browning Detective Agency

If you need services beyond what traditional law enforcement can offer, Browning Detective Agency should be your one-stop destination. We have over 25 years of investigative experience working with military and law enforcement agencies. You can call us at (843) 818-8590 for a free consultation or more information.