Services Offered by Private Investigators in New Jersey
Private investigators in New Jersey offer a variety of services to their clients. Some of the most common services include:
- Infidelity Investigations: Private investigators are often hired to gather evidence of a spouse’s infidelity. This can involve surveillance, background checks, and other investigative techniques.
- Asset Searches: Private investigators can help individuals and businesses locate hidden assets, such as bank accounts, real estate, and vehicles.
- Missing Persons: Private investigators are often hired to locate missing persons, such as runaway children, long-lost relatives, or debtors.
- Insurance Investigations: Private investigators work with insurance companies to investigate suspected fraudulent claims. This can involve surveillance, background checks, and other investigative techniques.
- AOE COE Investigations: AOE COE stands for “arising out of employment” and “course of employment.” Private investigators are hired to investigate workers’ compensation claims to determine if the injury was work-related.
- Surveillance Investigations: Private investigators use surveillance techniques to gather evidence for a variety of cases, including infidelity, insurance fraud, and workers’ compensation claims.
- Alimony Investigations: Private investigators can help individuals gather evidence to support their alimony claims or to prove that their ex-spouse is cohabitating with someone else.
- Elder Abuse Investigations: Private investigators can help protect vulnerable adults by investigating suspected cases of elder abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation.
- Background Checks: Private investigators can conduct thorough background checks on individuals for a variety of reasons, such as pre-employment screening, tenant screening, or online dating safety.
- Skip Tracing Investigations: Private investigators use skip tracing techniques to locate individuals who have skipped town, such as debtors, witnesses, or missing persons.
Skills Needed to Succeed as a Private Investigator in New Jersey
Being a private investigator requires a unique set of skills and qualities. Some of the most important skills needed to succeed in this field include:
- Attention to Detail: Private investigators must pay close attention to detail to gather accurate and reliable evidence.
- Critical Thinking: Private investigators must be able to analyze information and evidence to draw logical conclusions.
- Communication Skills: Private investigators must have excellent communication skills to effectively communicate with clients, witnesses, and law enforcement agencies.
- Discretion: Private investigators must be discreet and maintain confidentiality to protect their clients’ privacy.
- Physical Fitness: Private investigators may need to spend long hours on surveillance or conduct physical investigations, so physical fitness is essential.
- Technology Skills: Private investigators must be comfortable using technology, such as surveillance equipment, databases, and social media, to gather evidence.
How to Become a Private Investigator in New Jersey
To become a licensed private investigator, you must follow these steps:
Step 1: Meet the Basic Requirements
To become a private investigator in New Jersey, you must be at least 25 years old, have a high school diploma or equivalent, and be a U.S. citizen or legal resident.
Step 2: Complete a Training Program
New Jersey does not have specific training requirements for private investigators. However, completing a training program can give you the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in this field. You can find training programs offered by private investigation agencies, community colleges, and online courses.
Step 3: Gain Experience
Most private investigation agencies in New Jersey require their investigators to have at least 3-5 years of experience in the field. You can gain experience by working as an apprentice under a licensed private investigator or by working in a related field, such as law enforcement or security.
Step 4: Pass the State Exam
To become a licensed private investigator in New Jersey, you must pass a state exam. The exam covers topics such as New Jersey laws and regulations, investigative techniques, and ethical standards.
Step 5: Apply for a License
Once you have passed the state exam, you can apply for a private investigator license through the New Jersey State Police. You will need to submit an application, pay a fee, and provide proof of your training and experience.
