Starting a career as a private investigator in Wyoming can be full of excitement and challenges.
If you think this job is right for you, check out the article below.
You’ll find helpful advice on how to begin a successful and rewarding career.
Article Table of Contents
Private Investigator Requirements and Duties
Sure, you’ll have some regular tasks to do each day.
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These usually include:
- Keeping an eye on one person at a time
- Recording events closely from a distance
- Taking clear photos from far away
- Staying in good health
- Understanding what clients need
To be a private investigator in Wyoming:
- You have to be 18 years old.
- You need to be a citizen of the United States or a legal resident.
- If you’re applying for a business license, you must disclose your criminal background and provide fingerprints.
- Military history doesn’t affect your eligibility to become a PI in Wyoming.
- Your financial history might matter for a business license, especially for an agency license.
- No mental health evaluation is needed to become a PI or get a business license.
- If you’re applying for a PI agency license, you must show proof of a $10,000 security bond.
- There are no set disqualifications for becoming a PI in Wyoming.
Private Investigator Training in Wyoming
But, what are the private investigator courses available in this state?
In Wyoming, you don’t need a college degree to be a private investigator.
But since there are no specific requirements other than getting a business license, having a degree could boost your chances of success.
A degree in criminal justice can teach you about the legal system, while a business degree can help you manage a PI agency.
You don’t need any experience to get a business license or become a private investigator in Wyoming.
There’s no written exam required to become a PI in Wyoming.
While there’s no mandatory training, learning about private investigation is wise.
You can do this by reading books and taking online courses.
Attending a school offering degrees related to investigation, like criminology or forensics, can be helpful too.
Knowing local and state laws is crucial, as you’ll have to follow them during investigations.
You can also learn from local PI agencies and associations, and even work for them as a PI.
In Wyoming, there are a few programs you can choose from to train and get experience.
University of Wyoming
Criminal Justice (CJ) is a field of study that looks closely at why people commit crimes and how to control criminal behavior.
It’s a mix of different subjects like:
- Criminology
- Political Science
- Sociology
- Psychology
- Anthropology
This particular Criminal Justice Program is a combination of these different areas of study.
The Department of Criminal Justice aims to give students a well-rounded education.
This prepares CJ students for various careers, including:
- Working in local, state, or federal law enforcement
- Jobs in court administration
- Pursuing law school
- Working in probation or parole
- Careers in corrections
- Military service
- Homeland security roles
- Private security jobs
NITA
Take a look at NITA Training Academy.
Their online classes are tailored to boost your detective skills and prepare you for the licensing exam.
You can select from a range of courses, priced between $99 to $350.
Some courses even include additional study materials.
PI Education
For pre-licensing training, PI Education provides a 70-hour online course.
Ensure you have a reliable internet connection and computer to access the materials.
Upon finishing the course, you’ll earn 70 credit hours.
To enroll, there’s a tuition fee of $399.
School Name | Address |
---|---|
University of Wyoming | 1000 E University Ave, Laramie, WY 82071 |
PI Education | online school |
NITA | online school |
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Becoming Licensed as a Private Investigator in Wyoming
In Cheyenne, applying for a private detective business license costs $15.
If you’re starting your own PI agency, the fee is $135.
You’ll also need to pay $15 for city fingerprinting and another $15 for state fingerprinting.
To keep your business license valid, you must renew it annually.
While not every city in Wyoming demands a business license, Cheyenne does.
It’s important to know your city’s rules to ensure you can keep working legally as a private investigator.
Salaries for Private Investigators in Wyoming
After you receive your license, it’s thrilling to begin searching for your initial job.
Before you leap into it, you might be curious about how much you can make.
In Wyoming, private investigators usually earn about 46,802 dollars per year.
However, this amount can vary depending on factors like your location, education, and experience.
For detailed salary information in the state, have a look at the table provided below.
Annual Salary Range:Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
---|---|
Wilson | $52,302 |
Jackson | $52,302 |
Moose | $52,102 |
Alta | $51,602 |
Kelly | $51,602 |
Alpine | $51,502 |
Moran | $51,502 |
La Barge | $51,502 |
Afton | $51,502 |
Kinnear | $51,502 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all PIs in Wyoming need a license?
The short answer is “yes.”
What are some of the skills needed by PIs in Wyoming?
These skills are some of the most important for a private investigator:
- Agility
- Attention to details
- Physical strength
- Discipline
- Knowledgable of laws and regulations
- Able to drive
- Comfortable approaching people
- Able to use technology and databases
Where do private investigators work in Wyoming?
Private investigators work for:
- Private investigation and detective agencies
- As independent contractors
Independent PIs work for:
- Law firms,
- Financial institutions,
- Insurance companies,
- Corporations,
- Government agencies,
- Police departments
Read the full guide: How to Become a Private Investigator