How to Become a Private Investigator in Connecticut

Do you want to become a private investigator in Connecticut?

If so, you should first learn more about this job and what it entails.

So, read on as this guide will provide you with all the info you need to succeed.

Private Investigator Requirements and Responsibilities in Connecticut

In Connecticut, the Special Licensing and Firearms Unit of the Connecticut State Police keeps an eye on these professionals.

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This means they must have a license to work.

To get one, you need to pass a test and meet some basic criteria.

These include being at least 25 years old, being a US citizen, and having a clean record.

In the past seven years, you should have no misdemeanor convictions related to:

• Illegal possession of narcotics
• Criminally negligent homicide
• Assault,
• Threatening
• Reckless endangerment
• Unlawful restraint
• Rioting
• Inciting to riot
• Stalking

You should have no convictions for offenses involving moral turpitude.

You shouldn’t have been discharged from the military due to questionable moral character.

You must be able to post a $10,000 performance surety bond with the state.

You need to obtain a $300,000 General Liability Insurance policy.

You apply for the PI test, pass it, and gain some experience.

Training for Private Investigators in Connecticut

Some investigators take courses to learn more about the job.

If you’ve worked in law enforcement, you might not need to take a class.

You must have either five years of experience as a full-time investigator or ten years of experience as a state or municipal police officer.

It should be noted that being a security officer doesn’t count as investigative experience in this state.

Your duties involve things like surveillance and taking pictures from a distance.

While training isn’t legally required, it can help you charge more and do your job better.

Classes or degrees in law enforcement can be beneficial.

You’ll learn about the equipment you need and how to use it effectively.

PIs might have their own set of tools, like maps, computers, binoculars, cameras, microphones, and vehicles.

During training, you’ll also learn the NATO phonetic alphabet and common terms used in the field.

To become a private detective, you can attend some classes.

CT State Norwalk

This 20-hour course is designed to prepare students for a career in private investigation, covering essential techniques like:

• Problem-solving
• Interviewing skills
• Research methods
• Stakeouts
• Surveillance.

Students will also become familiar with the tools and equipment commonly used by private investigators, including an introduction to the field of cyber forensics.

Additionally, the course will cover Connecticut state laws and regulations about private investigations, as well as ethical considerations in conducting investigations.

The class will be conducted online (LRON) on Tuesdays.

There will also be an on-campus session on Saturdays in West 128.

Becoming Licensed as a Private Investigator in Connecticut

Here’s what you need to know about the fees and requirements for becoming and maintaining a private detective license:

You will also need to pay some fees as follows:

• Fingerprinting costs $50 for the state and $12 for the FBI.
• The private detective license itself carries a fee of $1,450, or $1,750 if you’re applying as a corporation.

Your application package should include:

• Two 2-inch by 2-inch photographs
• Fingerprint cards
• Your driving record for the past 3 years
• Your current driver’s license
• Military discharge records (if applicable)
• Four letters of reference
• A recent credit bureau report
• School transcripts
• Proof of citizenship or INS green card
• A letter of discharge from law enforcement (if applicable)
• Proof of experience
• Proof of incorporation (for corporate licensure)
• A letter from a psychiatric care provider (if applicable)
• Proof of firearms licensure (if required)

Keep in mind you will also need to renew your license.

Your license is valid for two years, and renewing it costs $625.

Salaries for Private Investigators in Connecticut

Private investigators in Connecticut currently bring in a median yearly salary of $54,902.

That’s a solid $4,000 higher than the national average for the field.

Those with the experience to thrive in the business can aim for the top 10%, earning around $66,402 annually.

In terms of salary, the Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk metro area boasted the highest earners in private investigations, both at the median and top 10% levels.

New Haven’s PI salaries were below the state average, while those in Hartford matched the state averages.

Have a look at the table below for a better understanding.

Regional Salary in Connecticut

Private Investigator by State