How to Become a Private Investigator in Kansas

Perhaps you’re curious about what it takes to be a Private Investigator (PI).

This unique job, also known as an inquiry agent or private detective, could be a great career option for individuals who are driven, disciplined, and committed to a career that combines a wide range of talents, including criminal justice, business, and psychology.

This career path requires strong interpersonal communication skills for interacting with a wide range of people, conducting interviews, and proficiency with a video camera.

It also involves a commitment to fact-checking and being available for work depending on a case’s timetable.

All of these skills, gifts, and techniques help a PI gather evidence in cases where a private investigator offers investigative law assistance, often working with lawyers in both criminal and civil cases to help bring justice to bear.

How to Become a Private Investigator in Kansas

Potential PIs will want to investigate whether they meet the qualifications to practice the profession in Kansas.

• High School diploma or equivalency
• A U.S. citizen, 21 or over
• Free of any felony convictions
• No misdemeanor convictions in the previous 10 years
• Mentally competent to fulfill the functions of a PI
• Good moral character

Experience

Kansas requires 4,000 hours of investigative experience, which can be earned by working for a licensed investigation agency or completing an apprenticeship with a private investigator (PI).

Pass the State Exam

Candidates must pass the Private Detective Licensing Act Exam as part of the application process. Candidates will have:

• Met all qualifications
• Completed a training program
• Gained the mandated work background and experience
• Apply to take the state exam (covering Kansas laws, regulations, investigative techniques, and standards of ethics).

Licensure

After passing the state exam (Congratulations!), the next step is the Application for Licensure in Kansas.

Candidates must apply for a private investigator license from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI).

Applications for the Kansas Licensure are submitted to the Attorney General.

Candidates must complete the following:

• Complete the application.
• Pass the Private Detective Licensing Act Exam.
• Pass a background check.
• Proof of insurance coverage, a surety bond, or a cash deposit.
• Education minimum attainment documented.
• Five personal references, known for at least five years, who are U.S. citizens.

Once the application is approved, the candidate receives their private investigator’s license.

Private Investigator Schools in Kansas

Candidates may want to explore a school or training program to acquire the necessary skills to become a successful private investigator.

While there is no mandated set of classes, certification, or degree in a related field can provide an opportunity to gain skills, knowledge, and techniques for carrying out duties safely and effectively.

A formal certification or degree can help candidates in several ways, from the satisfaction of gaining recognized mastery to bolstering the confidence of prospective employers or clients; it also provides an opportunity to network with others in the PI community.

There are many ways to approach the position in Certification classes and degree programs.

Some areas that are complementary to the role:

• Criminal Justice
• Law Enforcement
• Psychology/Sociology
• Public Administration
• Business Management

1 Wichita State University

The School of Criminal Justice offers Bachelor’s and graduate-level degrees.

Criminal justice students can participate in cooperative educational experiences and internship programs, which offer employment opportunities with criminal justice agencies at the federal and local levels.

Not to mention, students have the opportunity to experience engaging speakers from the industry, network, and schedule tours of various agencies.

Contact Information

• Address: 1845 Fairmount St. Wichita, Kansas 67260
• Phone: (316) 978–3456
• Website: Visit School Website

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2 Fort Hays State University

Bachelor of General Studies Degree

Bachelor of General Studies, with an emphasis on Justice Studies, 21 credit hours of coursework in criminal justice.

Required: 6 credits

JUS 101: Introduction to Criminal Justice (3 Ct. hrs)

JUS 200: Criminology (3 Ct. hrs)

Graduates often enter into:

• Law Enforcement — including a private investigator.
• Courts — Preparation for law school and practice.
• Corrections — From juvenile detention officer to community corrections officer.

Contact Information

• Address: Rarick Hall 101 / 600 Park St. Hays, KS 67601
• Phone: 785 628–4234
• Website: Visit School Website

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3 The University of Kansas - Edwards Campus

Enjoy the opportunity to achieve a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of the Arts in Criminal Justice, focusing on a 12-hour concentration in law and society, leadership and ethics in public service, critical criminology, and crime analysis and intelligence.

Contact Information

• Address: 12600 Quivira Road Overland Park, KS 66213
• Phone: 913 897–8400
• Website: Visit School Website

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4 The University of Kansas - St. Andrews Office Facility

Jayhawk Global/The Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center (KLETC), established by the Kansas Legislature in 1968, is the state’s central law enforcement training facility.

KLETC educates and trains many of the state’s municipal, county, and state law enforcement officers while supervising the training at eight authorized, certified academy programs run by the Kansas Highway Patrol and local law enforcement agencies.

Contact Information

• Address: 1515 St. Andrews Dr. Lawrence, KS 66047
• Phone: 785–864–6779
• Website: Visit School Website

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5 Butler Community College

Students learn about criminal investigation, criminal and constitutional law, and criminology.

Professional instructors skilled in law, corrections, and court proceedings teach a dynamic curriculum.

The hands-on techniques and internships expose students to real-world environments!

Contact Information

• Address: 901 S Haverhill Rd, El Dorado, KS 67042
• Phone: 316 321–2222
• Website: Visit School Website

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6 Donnelly College

The career of a PI is an excellent fit for individuals who are organized, detail-oriented, and able to communicate professionally.

PIs must learn to research, write professionally, and fact-check.

They also need to possess excellent video and photography skills. Interpersonal communication skills are vital, as are patience and adaptability.

For these reasons, a Business Degree is an excellent fit!

Contact Information

• Address: 608 N. 18th Street Kansas City, KS 66102
• Phone: (913) 621–8700
• Website: Visit School Website

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Schools Summary Table

	Rank	School
	#1	Wichita State University
	#2	Fort Hays State University
	#3	The University of Kansas - Edwards Campus
	#4	The University of Kansas - St. Andrews Office Facility
	#5	Butler Community College
	#6	Donnelly College

Private Investigator Salary in Kansas

The average annual salary for a PI in Kansas is $49,000, with a pay scale ranging from $32,000 to $69,000 per year.

Regional Salary

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About Sarah Klein Sarah Klein is a freelance editor and writer specializing in pharmaceutical litigation and products liability. Sarah holds a J.D. and focuses almost exclusively on writing legal blogs that spotlight consumer safety issues.