How to Become a Private Investigator in Nebraska

Have you ever imagined yourself tracking down missing persons and conducting undercover investigations using the latest technologies like spy cams, drones, and night vision goggles?

If so, becoming a Private Investigator in Nebraska might be the ideal career for you!

Nebraska’s Private Investigators work with investigation firms and as independently licensed investigators to support their clients’ personal and professional investigations.

Larger cities like Omaha and Lincoln have an ongoing need for licensed PIs to help them recover lost items, find missing relatives, conduct background checks on potential employees, and beyond.

Gain more insight into the role of Nebraska’s PIs, get the inside scoop on some of the area’s top Private Investigator schools, and find out what it takes to become a licensed Private Investigator in Nebraska using the comprehensive career guide below.

How to Become a Private Investigator in Nebraska: Step by Step

Step One – Meet Basic Requirements

Private Investigators in Nebraska must be of legal age to provide services.

The state requires its investigators to be at least 18 years old and to have a minimum of a high school diploma or its equivalent to become eligible for advanced PI training and apply for a  Nebraska Private Investigator license.

Basic Requirements for Private Investigators in Nebraska:

• Must be a US citizen or a Legal Resident
• Licensing Applicants Must Be at Least 18 Years Old
• Must Have a Clean Criminal Background
• Must Demonstrate Good Moral Character

Step Two – Get Private Investigator Education or Experience

While the state of Nebraska doesn’t specifically require a college degree to work as a Private Investigator, having adequate education can help to further your career.

Earning an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and law enforcement fields can train PIs on the latest industry best practices, regulations, and techniques needed for success on the job.

Former law enforcement agents and those with a military background may be eligible to earn credits for previous work experience.

Most local PI employers and the state licensing authority will require new investigators to demonstrate competency in the field by earning a college-level degree or by accumulating the required number of investigative hours to earn licensure and work for existing PI firms.

Incoming investigators should note that state licensing requirements and some local firms may require proof of completing a minimum of 2500- 3000 hours of investigative experience.

Step Three – Complete Mandatory State and Federal Requirements

The role of a Private Investigator requires that licensed individuals have a clear background with no instances of moral turpitude or financial crimes in their past.

As such, new licensing applicants are required to undergo federal and state criminal background checks that can include fingerprinting and multi-state criminal records searches.

Background checks and criminal investigation fees are typically paid by applicants along with their licensing application fees.

Step Four – Apply for a Private Detective License

Nebraska’s legal landscape makes it one of the few US states that offers multiple licensing types for Private Investigators.

NE PIS can contact the Secretary of State’s Licensing Division to apply for one of the following available license types:

• Licensed Private Detective
• Licensed Private Detective Agency
• Licensed Plain Clothes Investigator

The State of Nebraska requires PI licensing applicants to complete state-mandated testing for Private Detectives administered by their offices.

This mandatory testing is offered for successful candidates meeting all application requirements on the third Wednesday of each month.

Licensing Application Requirements for Nebraska Private Detectives

• Completed Application Form
• Completed Citizenship Attestation Form
• Background Check Fees
• Fingerprint Cards
• Authorization for Release of Information
• Passport Size Photos of Applicants
• Proof of Work Experience or Qualifying Education
• Minimum $10,000 Surety Bond

Step Five – Start Working as a Private Investigator

Once you have completed all the steps above and any additional steps required by the Secretary of State, you will be issued a renewable license in the category selected on your licensing application.

Licensed Private Investigators in Nebraska can work independently or with an agency.

Nebraska Private Detective Licenses Must Be Renewed Every Two Years.

Private Investigator Schools in Nebraska

Nebraska currently has limited options for seeking Private Investigator education within the state.

However, a few online trade programs offer national training options where local students can take web-based training courses.

Students can also opt for distance-based bachelor’s and associate degree programs in criminal justice, law enforcement, and related fields.

Local agencies like the Nebraska Association of Licensed Private Investigators offer information, education, and advocacy support for local PIs.

1 Wayne State College

Wayne State College is a Nebraska-based school offering online criminal justice education for aspiring local professionals seeking to boost their existing credentials with a Bachelor’s degree.

Their degree programs train students on the fundamental and practical skills needed to work in fields like law enforcement, investigations, corrections, forensics, and court-related roles.

Students who complete the 36-hour recommended series of courses are awarded a Bachelor of Arts or Sciences degree, depending on their selected major.

WSC also offers criminal justice minors for professional students.

Courses Offered

• Criminal Law and Procedure
• Nature and Causes of Crime
• Nature, Role, and Function of Police in Society
• Prisons and Correctional Institutions
• The Criminal Justice System

Contact Information

• Address: 1111 Main Street, Wayne, Nebraska - 68727
• Phone: 302-375-7000
• Website: Visit School Website

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2 University of Nebraska - Lincoln

The College of Public and Community Affairs at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln offers a variety of options for criminal justice education.

Their school of Criminology and Criminal Justice has offerings for CJ education leading to Bachelor’s degrees, Master’s degrees, and advanced Doctoral degrees in Criminal Justice.

The Lincoln campus works closely with the Omaha campus to provide a series of similar courses and criminal justice research opportunities leading to college degrees and a strong foundation for CJ students.

Their 120-hour program teaches students the foundations of criminal justice and offers a CJ minor and a minor in Victimology and Victim Services.

Courses Offered

• Criminal Justice Internships
• Police and Society
• Survey of Criminal Justice
• Survey of Corrections
• The Criminal Court System

Contact Information

• Address: 310 Nebraska Hall, Lincoln, Nebraska - 68588
• Phone: 402-472-3677
• Website: Visit School Website

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Schools Summary Table

	Rank	School
	#1	Wayne State College
	#2	University of Nebraska - Lincoln

Private Investigator Salary in Nebraska

Private Investigator salaries in Nebraska fall between average earnings of $31,144 and $68,780 per year.

The average annual salary for Nebraska’s Private Detectives is just under 50 thousand dollars per year, at $49,102 annually.

Entry-level investigators, those working in rural areas, and those with fewer years of field experience may find themselves on the lower end of the earnings scale.

PIs seeking to increase their salaries can gain more field experience, formal education, and seek national certification or specialization options.

Regional Salary

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About Tina Wolf Tina Wolf has been working as a writer for several years. She enjoys researching and writing about the government and history as well as other legal topics. With extensive legal knowledge she verifies accuracy to the highest standards.