You want to become a private investigator? This is fantastic news! Here at the Smith Investigation Agency, we know what it takes to become a great private investigator in Ontario. However, it’s come to our attention, that people have a few questions regarding exactly how they can earn their private investigator’s license.
Want our honest answer? It’s simpler than you think!
For all the details you need to become a private investigator—and fast—keep reading. We’ve got you covered.
Do I Need Police Foundations Training?
Many people ask us if they need to take police foundations training in order to earn their private investigator’s license. The quick answer to this question is: no. Any individual who wants to earn their private investigator license does not require police foundations training.
All you need to do in Ontario is take and pass the private investigator’s training course. In Ontario, the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services keeps track of the content for the province’s private investigator training course.
Police Foundations – What is it?
Police foundations training is a course to help those who wish to enter the police force. When someone completes the police foundations training course in Ontario, he or she is allowed to apply for a police constable position.
As a result: if you want to become a police officer in Ontario, taking a police training foundations training course is mandatory. If you do not want to become a police officer, than you do not require this course.
That being said, it’s important to remember that it is possible to earn a security guard license while taking police foundations. This might help you to enter the police force later on. However, if your current employment as a security guard requires you to perform any private investigation services, you will likely not be accepted into the police force.
The Difference Between Police Foundations and Private Investigation Training
The major difference between the two types of training is that police foundations require a 2 year commitment. Private investigation training only requires 50 hours. This means that it is simply much faster to get hired as a private investigator.
Other differences between police foundations and private investigator training include cost and some of the course material. For example, police procedures is a large component to police foundations training. It includes,
- Traffic Management
- Police Powers
- Introduction to Forensic Science
- Lifestyle Management
- Community Policing
- Interviewing and Investigation
- Field Placement in Community Policing
While interviewing and investigation skills are important to a private investigator, traffic management is not applicable. At the same time: since the course load is much lighter, the cost to become a private investigator is much less (in comparison).
Therefore, if you want to become a private investigator, you will graduate faster and for less money compared to police foundations.
How to Advance Your Private Investigation Career
Most private investigator instructors will ask his or her class the following question: who here wants to become a police officer? In many cases, people will earn their private investigator’s license in hopes that it will further their career in the police force.
For anyone in the class who does not raise their hand, this is actually a benefit. Private investigator training course instructors want to help those who truly want to develop their career as a private investigator. Therefore, these committed individuals will get selected to earn more hands on experience. An instructor will want to provide them with all the tools and techniques they need to really excel in the field.
What do you REALLY need to become a Private Investigator?
The very first thing you need to do is to find and sign up for a private investigator training course. However, you need to make sure you sign up for the right private investigator training course.
Private Investigator Training Course Locations:
In Ontario, only a few select businesses offer private investigation courses. These businesses include,
- University (public)
- College (public or private career colleges)
- Licensed Agencies
Now that you know the different types of businesses that can offer the private investigator training course in Ontario, you need to make sure you do a little more research.
Choosing the Right Private Investigator Training Course:
Look Out! Not all Private Investigator Training Courses are alike. It is possible that the first one you find on the Internet is a scam. That’s why we highly recommend doing your research.
A good private investigator will always do their research. He or she will want to make sure that the course they sign up for actually delivers. At the end of the training course, it is pretty important to have all the skills required to earn employment as a private investigator. If you receive bad training, due to poor instruction or even illegal operation, no private investigation agency in Ontario will want to hire you.
Private Investigator Training Course Material:
The private investigator training course will cover a wide range of topics. These topics will help you to better understand how to operate in the field. Some of these topics include,
- Interview Techniques
- Private Investigation Laws (The Private Security and Investigative Services Act)
- Civil and Criminal Law
- Research
- Surveillance
- Equipment Training (cameras, video recording, etc.)
- Decision making
- Communication skills
It is possible to receive private investigator training online or in class. If taken at the right training school, it will not matter which option you choose. Both require interaction with the instructor in person. This is primarily to ensure that you receive a chance to practice your new private investigator skills.
After Private Investigator Training – What’s Next?
The moment you successfully complete the private investigator training course, the instructor will allow you to take an exam. Passing this exam will ensure that you receive your private investigator’s license. The moment you have your private investigator’s license it is possible to apply for employment at a private investigation agency or company. You can even start your own!
One of the benefits to becoming a private investigator is that if you choose to take the private investigator training course with a private investigation agency, that agency might hire you. Here at the Smith Investigation Agency, for example, we run an award wining private investigator training course. We often hire students who earn a license and show great promise.
Overall, the choice is yours. Therefore, if you feel that you require police foundations training, nothing should stop you from signing up. The truth is if you want to earn your private investigator’s license, taking police foundations training will only delay the process.
For more information on our training program, contact the Smith Investigation Agency today! Phone: 647-479-8474 or Email: Info@SmithInvestigationAgency.com.
About the Author
Whitney Joy Smith
Founder of The Smith Investigation Agency in 2014, Whitney Joy Smith’s extensive background as a private investigator is matched only by her passion for the role. A graduate of several respected institutions, including Northwest Florida State College and George Brown College, her early years in life were spent between Canada and the United States. This education, along with her formative years as a private investigator in various agencies, informed much of her knowledge of private investigative laws, regulations, and operating standards in both countries.
The recipient of numerous industry awards and accolades, including the Consumers Choice Award, Best in Ottawa, and many others, Whitney takes pride in working closely with her ever-growing agency to raise the bar, maintain compliance, and meet the investigative needs of clients. Whitney is active in various membership and supporting roles, including the CPIRC, CBN, CAPI, Canadian Women’s Chamber of Commerce, and many others. Her experience-driven, thought-provoking articles have been featured in everything from Readers Digest to Business News Daily, and she strives to continually redefine standards for those in the private investigative and security fields. Learn more about Whitney and the team at The Smith Investigation Agency today.
