How to Become a Private Investigator in Maine

Being a private investigator is a rewarding career, and you can have a lot of fun too.

While exciting, this job also has its own set of requirements.

Next up we will look at the requirements for private investigators in Maine.

Private Investigator Requirements and Responsibilities in Maine

In Maine, the Maine State Police keeps an eye on these pros.

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To work their magic, investigators need a license.

To get one, you have to pass a test and meet some requirements.

Here’s the checklist:

• Be at least 21
• Hold American citizenship
• Keep your record clean
• Apply for the PI test
• Pass that test
• Get some hands-on experience

Lots of candidates decide to enroll in a program to get the experience and education needed.

But if you’ve got a law enforcement background, you might skip the class.

You’ll need at least 100 hours of experience under your belt.

Here’s what’s on the to-do list:

• Keep an eye on folks solo
• Capture events from a distance
• Snap good pics from afar
• Know what your clients need

Private Investigator Training in Maine

To dive into the world of private investigation in Maine, you’ve got 3 options:

• Rack up 60 college credits in private investigation or complete a 1,200-hour investigative assistant program.
• Put in three years as an Armed Forces or federal investigator, or serve 3 years in law enforcement.
• Accumulate 6 years of experience, with at least two years in a criminal justice role and either an associate’s degree or 60 credit hours in a PI-related field.

While Maine doesn’t rubber-stamp any specific training courses, getting educated can only help.

Some PIs opt for degrees in:

• Criminal justice
• Security management
• Investigation

The next step you should take is to learn where you can get trained in Maine.

The following school has an accredited program that is worth looking into:

Southern Maine Community College

In the Criminal Justice program, students get the know-how to thrive in exciting careers within the field.

With this training, students can dive into roles like:

• Law enforcement
• Forensics
• Corrections
• Probation/parole
• Private security and investigations
• As well as juvenile and adult protective services

Our faculty brings a mix of academic smarts and real-world experience, ensuring students are ready for whatever comes their way in the field.

In our program, students tap into their professors’ firsthand know-how in a range of areas, from police work to investigations, forensics, and more.

We cover everything from crime scene reconstruction to drug enforcement and management, ensuring students get a well-rounded education.

Plus, we hook students up with career advice and chances to connect with professionals in the criminal justice field, setting them up for success both in their studies and beyond.

Becoming Licensed as a Private Investigator in Maine

Once you’ve checked off all the boxes, it’s time to fill out the Maine Application for Professional Investigator License.

You’ll also need to nail the Maine Professional Investigators Exam, a 50-question test covering local laws and criminal statutes.

A score of 76% or higher seals the deal.

You must include a check or money order for $71 made out to the Treasurer, State of Maine.

This covers the $50 application fee plus a $21 fee for the State Bureau of Identification record check.

Note that an additional $450 fee is due once you pass the Maine Professional Investigators Exam.

Copies of your high school diploma or GED, birth certificate or resident alien card, and military discharge papers if applicable.

Any certificates from law enforcement academy training and college diplomas if applicable.

Documentation of your work history, detailing your past jobs, duties, and dates, all signed off by your employer(s).

Three certifications from individuals who have known you for at least three years, residing in your community or the community where you plan to work.

Signed Form P-3 granting authorization for information release to various agencies for evaluation of your application.

Signed Authorization to Release forms for the Dorothea Dix Psychiatric Center and the Riverview Psychiatric Center, regardless of whether you were a patient at either facility.

Signed Form 577, Client Authorization is also required for information release from the psychiatric centers.

Once you’ve got all that sorted, you’re good to go!

Salaries for Private Investigators in Maine

After you get your private investigator license, you are probably wondering how much you can earn.

You should know that private investigators in Maine make around $49,102 per year.

Your wages will also be impacted by the area where you live, as well as your education level.

Regional Salary in Maine

Private Investigator by State