How to Become a Private Investigator in Louisiana

Have you always wanted to become a private investigator?

If that is your dream job, you should know that you can achieve your dream more easily than you think.

First of all, you should learn more about the steps you need to take to get your first job.

The following guide should help you get a better understanding of what it means to be a private investigator in Louisiana.

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Private Investigator Requirements and Responsibilities in Louisiana

In Louisiana, the Board of Private Investigator Examiners oversees professionals in this field.

This means that folks who investigate need a permission slip to do their thing.

To get it, you gotta ace a test and tick some boxes.

Here’s what you need:

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

Lots of sleuths sign up for a course to get savvy and hands-on.

If you’ve worked in law enforcement, you might skip the class.

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

Here’s a brief list of your daily duties:

• Keep an eye on folks solo
• Capture events from a distance in high-quality
• Snap good pics from afar
• Stay in tip-top shape
• Listen to what your clients need

Private Investigator Training in Louisiana

As we mentioned before, there’s no strict rule saying PIs must go through formal training.

But that doesn’t mean you should shrug it off entirely.

First off, getting some training could bump up what you charge your clients.

Plus, it’ll make you better at your gig.

If you’ve got a background in law enforcement, those classes or degrees could come in handy.

Sometimes, any old degree can slide, even if it doesn’t seem related to the job.

In training, you’ll figure out what gear is worth having and what’s just collecting dust.

And every detective can build their toolbox.

Think of:

• Maps
• Computers, tablets, and such
• Binoculars
• Cameras
• Mics
• A set of wheels

You’ll also pick up the NATO alphabet and lingo that’ll come in handy.

Getting a fancy degree isn’t a must if you want to be a private eye in Louisiana.

But if you’re eyeing up a license, you’ll need to show you’ve been on the sleuthing scene for at least three years out of the last decade.

And when it comes to written tests, you gotta ace the one the board throws at you with at least a 75 percent.

Now, if you’re serious about cracking cases in Louisiana, the LSBPIE says you gotta clock in 40 hours of approved training.

These classes cover everything from what the job entails to how to deal with evidence according to the book.

Louisiana Delta Community College

This school offers a program that teaches you basic investigative techniques.

It will prepare you for the Louisiana Private Investigator Exam.

Throughout the sessions, you’ll learn the ins and outs of:

• Undercover work
• Surveillance tactics
• Conducting interviews
• Crafting solid statements

To get into the program, you need to pay $375 and the exam fee of $50.

PI Education

The course offered by this institution has a duration of 70 hours.

These hours translate into 70 credits.

This is an online pre-licensing course, therefore you’ll need a good computer with a good internet connection.

The course costs just under $400.

Becoming Licensed as a Private Investigator in Louisiana

To get through the written exam, you’ll need to pony up $50.

And once you’ve got your license sorted, there’s some cash to shell out for different levels:

• $192.50 for the newbie and solo licenses,
• $342.50 for the seasoned pros and agency types.

You will also need to get your license renewed.

This process involves other costs:

• $100 for individuals
• $250 for journeymen and agencies

And if you want to keep your license in good standing, make sure to renew it before it expires.

As usual, renewing a license means submitting an application and paying a fee.

Salaries for Private Investigators in Louisiana

Usually, private investigators in the US make about $50,902 each year.

In Louisiana, you can expect to make $48,402 annually.

Your salary will vary based on where you live and work, and the type of clients you have.

Make sure to read the table below to learn about cities that offer higher-paying salaries.

Regional Salary in Louisiana

Private Investigator by State