How to Become a Private Investigator in Rhode Island

Even though Rhode Island has a tiny footprint in the United States, the State is bursting with opportunities for those seeking the right combination of character and skills to become a private investigator (PI).

Although the information or evidence you uncover may not always be pretty, closing a case or bringing justice and closure to clients can be highly rewarding.

Rhode Island defines PIs as those hired to conduct clandestine surveillance and investigations to solve crimes, find missing persons, or search for property.

Does this sound like the right career path for you?

If so, keep reading to learn more!

How to Become a Private Investigator in Rhode Island – Step by Step

Jumping into the PI world isn’t possible, as you must follow this process:

One: Meet the State Requirements

Rhode Island has requirements that must be met before applying for a license, including the following.

You must:

• Be a U.S. citizen or be allowed to work legally in the country.
• Have one of the following:
• An accredited criminal justice degree.
• Five years of experience in law enforcement.
• Five years of experience as an investigator.
• Hold a strong moral character.
• Not been declared incompetent because of a mental disability.
• Not having any addictions.
• Not have any felony convictions.
• Not have had a PI license revoked or denied.

Two: Complete the Necessary Training

If you are not current or have never been a law enforcement official, you must have significant experience in private security or a related field or a criminal justice degree.

For those fresh out of high school, a degree is the only path.

Potential PIs can earn a bachelor’s or associate’s degree from one of the many accredited colleges in Rhode Island or the surrounding states.

Another excellent opportunity is to complete training through an online school, which provides exceptional flexibility for those who work full-time or have family commitments.

Formal criminal justice training will also help you navigate the legal system once you are in that position.

Three: Submit Your Licensure Application

Once you have completed the necessary training or gained experience while meeting all other requirements, you can contact the local county or city to understand the specifics of applying for a PI license in your jurisdiction.

The State requires all applicants to show proof of a surety bond of $5,000 or more and pay a $150 license fee.

Four: Work as a PI

Once the State has granted your license, you will receive an identification card to carry as you work.

It is always advisable for the newly licensed to join local PI professional organizations to network, learn about the latest laws, and find jobs.

One recommended group to join is the Licensed Private Detectives Association of Rhode Island, which holds networking opportunities and has informal meetings across the State.

Five: Renew Your License

Rhode Island requires licensed PIs to renew their licenses every year at least 30 days before the expiration date.

PIs must pay a $150 fee to renew their license in the State.

PIs can continue working during the renewal process.

Although not required, experts in the field advise PIs to take continuing education classes to further refine their knowledge and learn new tricks or practical applications in the field.

Private Investigator Schools in Rhode Island

Like most other states, Rhode Island doesn’t have specific private investigator schools.

However, several colleges have criminal justice programs that deliver the knowledge and skills required to enter the private investigation field.

1 Johnson and Wales University

JWU offers a Criminal Justice Bachelor’s Degree program that prepares students for careers in the criminal justice field.

Students are required to apply ethical reasoning, critical thinking, logic, and communication skills throughout the coursework.

Curriculum topics cover complicated domestic and global criminal justice issues, conflict resolution, investigative practice and theories, and the American criminal justice system.

The program requires 120 total credit hours, which takes around four years to complete.

Contact Information

• Address: 8 Abbott Park Pl, Providence, RI 02903, United States
• Phone: +1 401-598-1000
• Website: Visit School Website

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2 Roger Williams University

The Bachelor’s Degree program in Criminal Justice from RWU gives graduates the foundation to enter law enforcement, government positions, and private investigation work.

Throughout the four-year program, students will learn about criminology, constitutional law, policing in America, American government and politics, and juvenile justice.

The curriculum also covers helpful non-criminal justice topics like public speaking, statistics, psychology, and sociology.

Contact Information

• Address: 1 Old Ferry Rd, Bristol, RI 02809, USA
• Phone: +1 800-458-7144
• Website: Visit School Website

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3 Salve Regina University

SRV’s Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice and Criminology gives students a broad-based education with components of the criminal justice system.

The result is that students are equipped with the real-world understanding and skills required to become the next influential leaders in the field.

The school boasts small class sizes for more individualized attention, and students will work with emerging technologies within the criminal justice field.

In addition to the Bachelor’s degree, students can continue their education with a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice and Cybersecurity.

The Bachelor’s degree program takes four years to complete, while the Master’s degree requires an additional two years.

Contact Information

• Address: 100 Ochre Point Ave, Newport, RI 02840, United States
• Phone: +1 401-847-6650
• Website: Visit School Website

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Schools Summary Table

	Rank	School
	#1	Johnson and Wales University
	#2	Roger Williams University
	#3	Salve Regina University

Private Investigator Salary in Rhode Island

The median annual salary for a Rhode Island PI is $54,574, with pay ranging from $43,600 to $72,958.

Factors that determine salary include experience, specialization, location, and education.

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.