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- Becoming a Private Investigator in Connecticut – Step-by-Step
- Schools
- 1 University of New Haven
- 2 Central Connecticut State University
- Schools Summary Table
- Private Investigator Salary in Connecticut
- Conclusion
- Find Private Investigator Career Guides by State
- Frequently Asked Questions
If you dream of owning your own business, setting your hours, solving mysteries, and helping others, being a private investigator could be the career for you.
Connecticut has strict requirements for becoming a licensed private investigator, but the journey is rewarding and filled with opportunities.
Becoming a Private Investigator in Connecticut – Step-by-Step
Let’s dive into the steps you need to take to make your dream a reality.
Step 1: Understand the Requirements
Before you jump into the application process, it’s crucial to understand the basic requirements for becoming a private investigator in Connecticut.
Here are the key points:
Age and Character Requirements
To become a licensed investigator in Connecticut, you must be at least 25 years old.
Additionally, you need to have a “high moral character,” which means no felony convictions.
If you have a misdemeanor conviction within the last seven years, you may be ineligible.
Misdemeanor crimes that can prevent licensure include criminal assault, drug possession, threatening, negligent homicide, unlawful restraint, and reckless endangerment.
Dishonorable discharge from the armed forces can also make you ineligible, although it depends on the specific circumstances.
Step 2: Gain Experience
Experience is a crucial component of becoming a licensed private investigator in Connecticut.
There are several ways to meet the experience requirement:
Five Years of Investigative Experience
You need at least five years of full-time investigative experience.
This can include:
- Working as a private investigator for a licensed firm
- Serving as a police officer for 10 years
- Working as a detective for a federal, state, or local police department for five years
- Working in any other recognized full-time industry-related investigative role for five years
If you have completed a training program or course in private investigation or a related field like criminal justice, this can count toward one year of experience.
This is a great option for those who are just starting.
Step 3: Register as an Employee (Optional)
If you’re not ready to become a licensed private investigator but want to gain experience, you can start by working as an employee of a private investigator firm.
Here’s how:
Registration with the State
Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection: You need to register with the Division of State Police Special Licensing and Firearms Unit.
Application Process: Include a photo, five years of employment history, and any criminal history.
You’ll also need to submit fingerprints and undergo a background check.
Application Fee: The fee is $40.
Employer’s Role
Once registered, your employer will provide you with a private investigator identification card.
This card will contain your name, photograph, and fingerprint, as well as your employer’s business name, address, license number, and expiration date.
Remember, you are not allowed to wear or possess a badge or shield.
If you wish to carry a firearm, you’ll need to complete the security officer application, which has additional requirements.
Step 4: Apply for a License
The application process for becoming a licensed private investigator in Connecticut is detailed and thorough.
You’ll apply with the Commissioner of Emergency Services and Public Protection.
You’ll need to provide:
- Driver’s License: Submit a copy
- Military Records: If applicable
- Motor Vehicle Abstract: For the past three years
Character References and Other Proof
- Character References: Obtain four letters from non-family members
- Police Department Discharge: If previously employed by a police department
- Credit Bureau Report: Include this in your application
- Education Proof: Provide proof of high school or college education
- Psychiatric Letter: If under psychiatric care, submit a letter from your psychiatrist
- Proof of Citizenship: Proof that you are a legal resident or citizen of the U.S.
Financial Obligations
- Surety Bond: Post a $10,000 surety bond.
- General Liability Insurance: Obtain a $300,000 General Liability Insurance Policy.
Documentation from Previous Employment
- Employer Letters: Your past employers should send letters directly to the Special Licensing & Firearms Unit detailing your experience.
Fee Structure
- Licensing Fee: $1,450 for an individual/private detective for two years.
- Agency License: $1,750 for an agency license for two years.
Step 5: Maintain Your License
Once you have your license, maintaining it is essential.
Here’s what you need to know:
License Renewal
- Validity: Licenses are valid for two years.
- Renewal Applications: These are sent 90 days before expiration.
- Renewal Fees: These apply and need to be paid to renew your license.
Register Employees (if running an agency)
- Registration: Immediately register any hired investigators with a $40 fee and submit the necessary forms.
- Staff Changes: Notify the Special Licensing & Firearms Unit of any staff changes within five business days.
Prohibited Activities
- Badges and Shields: Detectives cannot wear or possess badges or shields.
- Notifications: Any changes must be reported promptly to maintain compliance.
Schools
Program: Private Investigator Career Diploma
Program Details:- Study at your own pace, anytime with 24/7 access
- Flexible, affordable tuition with personalized payment options
- Accredited both regionally and nationally
- Support from experienced instructors every step of the way
1 University of New Haven
The University of New Haven provides a Master of Science in Investigation.
This is a great choice if you already have a Bachelor’s degree in another field.
The program takes as little as one year of full-time study.
You’ll earn a total of 30 credit hours, and the program can be completed completely online.
The program requires a total of 10 courses.
The University of New Haven offers flexibility, allowing you to choose many of your courses for a tailored experience.
The university recommends that you choose from the Criminal Investigations or Financial Crimes concentrations, but other options are available.
Contact Information
- Address: 300 Boston Post Rd, West Haven, CT 06516, United States
- Phone: +1 203-932-7000
- Website: Visit School Website
2 Central Connecticut State University
Central Connecticut State University offers a Detective Certificate.
This program consists of 4 courses for a total of 12 credit hours.
The program is open to both new and current students, and evening classes are available.
Students can choose from the following courses:
- Death Investigations
- Sexual Assault Investigations
- Police-Involved Shootings and Crime Scene Analysis
- Interview and Interrogation
- Expectation of Privacy
- Financial Crime Investigations
Contact Information
- Address: 1615 Stanley St, New Britain, CT 06050, United States
- Phone: +1 860-832-3200
- Website: Visit School Website
Schools Summary Table
| Rank | School | |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | University of New Haven |
| #2 | Central Connecticut State University |
Private Investigator Salary in Connecticut
Most private investigators earn between $45,002 to $67,402, with salaries ranging from $35,260 and $78,054.
| Item | Percent |
|---|---|
$41.4K |
|
$55.1K |
|
$73.5K |
Average Salary in Connecticut
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Bridgeport | $53,044 |
| Stamford | $47,104 |
| New Haven | $50,200 |
| Hartford | $56,484 |
| Waterbury | $56,002 |
| Norwalk | $59,716 |
| Danbury | $57,936 |
| New Britain | $56,273 |
| West Hartford | $56,270 |
| Greenwich | $62,467 |
Regional Salary
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT | 70 | $66,340 | $31.9 | $116,220 | $38,610 |
| Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT | 110 | $69,210 | $33.28 | $91,350 | $37,440 |
| New Haven, CT | 60 | $61,420 | $29.53 | $82,930 | $36,900 |
| Norwich-New London-Westerly, CT-RI | 30 | $72,430 | $34.82 | $122,130 | $39,480 |
| Waterbury, CT | 30 | $65,170 | $31.33 | $79,330 | $40,130 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Conclusion
Becoming a private investigator in Connecticut is a rigorous but rewarding process.
From meeting age and character requirements to gaining experience and completing the application process, each step is designed to ensure you are well-prepared for the challenges of this career.
Whether you start as an employee or go straight for your license, the path to becoming a private investigator is filled with learning and growth.
With the right education and experience, you can build a successful and fulfilling career in this exciting field.
Find Private Investigator Career Guides by State
- AL Alabama
- AK Alaska
- AZ Arizona
- AR Arkansas
- CA California
- CO Colorado
- CT Connecticut
- DE Delaware
- FL Florida
- GA Georgia
- HI Hawaii
- ID Idaho
- IL Illinois
- IN Indiana
- IA Iowa
- KS Kansas
- KY Kentucky
- LA Louisiana
- ME Maine
- MD Maryland
- MA Massachusetts
- MI Michigan
- MN Minnesota
- MS Mississippi
- MO Missouri
- MT Montana
- NE Nebraska
- NV Nevada
- NH New Hampshire
- NJ New Jersey
- NM New Mexico
- NY New York
- NC North Carolina
- ND North Dakota
- OH Ohio
- OK Oklahoma
- OR Oregon
- PA Pennsylvania
- RI Rhode Island
- SC South Carolina
- SD South Dakota
- TN Tennessee
- TX Texas
- UT Utah
- VT Vermont
- VA Virginia
- WA Washington
- WV West Virginia
- WI Wisconsin
- WY Wyoming
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be a U.S. citizen to become a private investigator in Connecticut?
While you must be a U.S. citizen or a legal resident alien, legal residency is also acceptable.
You’ll need to provide documentation to prove your status.
How long does the licensing process take in Connecticut?
The licensing process can take several months, including the background check and application review.
It’s important to start early and ensure all your documents are in order.
Can I carry a firearm as a private investigator in Connecticut?
Yes, but you need to complete additional training and obtain a security officer license.
This involves a separate application process and meeting specific requirements.
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