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Posted: 8/29/2014 6:20:49 PM EDT
I'm considering a career change and interested in being a PI. yes, I know it's not like the movies and actually a lot more boring, but I still think it could be a good fit.

problem is, I don't know anyone who does it and don't know really where to begin to get my foot in the door.

I know the state licensing and training requirements but that's basically it, anyone on here do it or know someone who could point me in the right direction?
Link Posted: 8/29/2014 6:44:08 PM EDT
[#1]
Link Posted: 8/29/2014 7:08:04 PM EDT
[#2]
Not Richmond, but NOVA.  Not a whole lot going on since the economy tanked.  My mom owns the business, PI and security, stepdad handles running most of it.  I'm registered to help when/if needed which is pretty much never.  Most of the business is process service for lawyers and then occasionally domestic cases for the lawyers.  There are also some contracts for background checks.  Used to do it for the Redskins.  We only have a handful of people that we'll call on to work for us when we do have cases requiring surveillance.
Link Posted: 8/29/2014 7:13:56 PM EDT
[#3]
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Quoted:
Not Richmond, but NOVA.  Not a whole lot going on since the economy tanked.  My mom owns the business, PI and security, stepdad handles running most of it.  I'm registered to help when/if needed which is pretty much never.  Most of the business is process service for lawyers and then occasionally domestic cases for the lawyers.  There are also some contracts for background checks.  Used to do it for the Redskins.  We only have a handful of people that we'll call on to work for us when we do have cases requiring surveillance.
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yeah I get the impression that it's largely a part time affair, which I'm ok with, but it seems like it's pretty difficult to get into due to lack of demand

I'm not interested in starting my own business to do it, but working as an independent sub for a company would be fine
Link Posted: 8/30/2014 12:05:41 PM EDT
[#4]
The problem with just getting your PI registering and not starting a business is the lack of work.  Most PI firms have a couple of guys they regularly use and are only looking for additional help if they take on too many cases or their regular guys are out of town, etc.  I did it for several years to help fill in the cracks with my other job and I will say it was fun, but as stated above, it is very boring at times. My advice is don't get into it unless you bring some huge added value to the table (above and beyond your PI registration of course) such as being a retired police detective or something. Otherwise, there are just too many people in the business and your resume will quickly go through the shredder.
Link Posted: 8/30/2014 8:17:01 PM EDT
[#5]
I'm a registered PI in Richmond. Most of everything in the area is insurance work, which is boring as hell. I spoke with a firm earlier in the year about doing some work for them, and the work suddenly dried up.

My advice, forget it.
Link Posted: 8/30/2014 11:58:19 PM EDT
[#6]
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Quoted:
I'm a registered PI in Richmond. Most of everything in the area is insurance work, which is boring as hell. I spoke with a firm earlier in the year about doing some work for them, and the work suddenly dried up.

My advice, forget it.
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well ok

I had no idea so many people were registered to do it

I bring a computer security skill set to the table if that's worth anything
Link Posted: 8/31/2014 10:22:30 AM EDT
[#7]
Possibly, do you have any computer forensic skills? (wife thinks husband is cheating and wants the computer checked for e-mails, photos, etc.) or (employer/family member thinks employee is looking at child pornography, etc.). You can certainly use that to make a name for yourself.
Link Posted: 8/31/2014 1:05:39 PM EDT
[#8]
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Quoted:
Possibly, do you have any computer forensic skills? (wife thinks husband is cheating and wants the computer checked for e-mails, photos, etc.) or (employer/family member thinks employee is looking at child pornography, etc.). You can certainly use that to make a name for yourself.
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yes I can do all of that, but it still doesn't sound like anyone is hiring
Link Posted: 8/31/2014 2:19:52 PM EDT
[#9]
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Quoted:

yes I can do all of that, but it still doesn't sound like anyone is hiring
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Quoted:
Quoted:
Possibly, do you have any computer forensic skills? (wife thinks husband is cheating and wants the computer checked for e-mails, photos, etc.) or (employer/family member thinks employee is looking at child pornography, etc.). You can certainly use that to make a name for yourself.

yes I can do all of that, but it still doesn't sound like anyone is hiring


The money in that field isn't in PI work, but in LE and contractors. ICE is the biggest fed agency WRT child porn and that sort of thing, surprisingly. Not sure why. Them and the FBI do a lot of forensic computer work. Lots of local agencies falling under federal task forces as well. There are two in VA, NOVA ICAC in obviously northern Virginia, and SOVA ICAC headquartered out of Bedford Sheriff's Office.
Link Posted: 9/3/2014 4:03:19 PM EDT
[#10]

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Quoted:


Not Richmond, but NOVA.  Not a whole lot going on since the economy tanked.  My mom owns the business, PI and security, stepdad handles running most of it.  I'm registered to help when/if needed which is pretty much never.  Most of the business is process service for lawyers and then occasionally domestic cases for the lawyers.  There are also some contracts for background checks.  Used to do it for the Redskins.  We only have a handful of people that we'll call on to work for us when we do have cases requiring surveillance.
View Quote


A friend tried PI work many year ago, and would say the same.  It was unpleasant and paid little... He only lasted a few months.



 
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