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Still want to be a Private Investigator?
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Well, then, let's see how we can help you.
To be a private investigator, you have to be able to work on your own and be your own boss. Not everyone can do that. Can you? Have you ever done it before?
You have to be able to present yourself well to your potential clients, and market your own business. That means you have to prove to a potential client that you can do the job (better than anyone else), you "always get your man", and that your fees are (competitive, higher than most because you're the best in the field, lower than anyone because you're just getting into the business, lower than others because you think the fees charged by others are too high for the services they're providing...)
You have to have a general understanding of those areas that might affect your duties. If you choose to do surveillance or clandestine work, then you'll need to be familiar with criminal laws governing the privacy rights of others. In Texas, you'll need to be familiar with jurisdiction, venue, Rules of Civil Procedure, statute of limitations, writs, subpoenas, the Civil Practice and Remedies Code, and a few dozen legal words and phrases you'll frequently encounter.
You have to have a general understanding of the law, to understand what you can and can't do... what you will be empowered to do under existing law, and what the law prohibits you from doing.
As a New Investigator... |
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PI-CEU
P.O. Box 8040
Fort Worth, TX 76124 |
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All new investigators are required to first work with another person who already holds a Texas PI license. That's so you can are able to gain from the other person's experience and knowledge. That other person is expected to "show you the ropes."
You'll have to become familiar with laws governing the collection of state sales tax (which most private investigators not only do not charge, but may not even know they're supposed to collect it from their clients, and pay it to the state).
You'll have to keep your own financial records, and pay your own federal income taxes, including self-employment tax.
If you decide to have other people work for you, you'll have to learn to deduct their employee contributions, and pay their taxes for them.
Starting your own business
As you branch out on your own, it's a good idea to check with the local Chamber of Commerce for "how to start your own business" courses. Such courses are also available at no charge on video-tape from the local library, and in booklets from the IRS and the Texas Comptroller.
Consider joining a professional organization, either state or national. It's a good place to start networking with other people in the profession, and to learn from their experiences. Some organizations are better than others, so attend a few meetings as a guest... see how well you're received by its members, and what it has to offer members of the profession. You'll have to pay annual dues, but for those dues you may get some good training... through seminars, courses, and the "war stories" by other process servers. If you stay active in the organization, you'll find they'll give you as much as you're willing to put into them.
Start networking... call other investigators in your area (search here by county), and meet them informally at the courthouse or "for coffee", go out to lunch together, meet for happy hour. Ask them for advice. Ask what they'd do if.... You won't earn a dime, but you'll learn a lot, you'll have fun, and the amount you spend will have far greater benefits.
And, as you stay in the profession, Texas law requires you to take continuing education courses that are intended to help you keep abreast of changes to the law, and techniques of the profession. (continue)
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