| 1. WHAT IS DISTANCE EDUCATION?
Distance education — also known e-learning,
online learning, home study or correspondence
study — is enrollment and study with an
educational institution that provides learning
materials for study at their location and time
of a student’s choosing. With DTI, the student
mails, faxes or e-mails examinations and
assigned field exercises as they are completed
for correction, grading and comments by the
Director Art Kassel and his staff. Corrected
examinations are returned to the student. This
exchange provides a personalized student-teacher
relationship. These exchanges can be via
telephone, the mail, or the internet. 2. ADVANTAGES OF DISTANCE EDUCATION
Distance education is especially suited for busy
people who wish to become qualified Private
Investigators. With distance education, you do
not have to give up your job, leave home or lose
income. You learn as you continue to earn.
DTI
comes to you. You receive individual attention
and can work at home, at your own pace. Students
usually take three to six months to complete
their training, but they have up to 24 months to
complete the program. 3. HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE THE CHARACTERISTICS AND TRAITS NECESSARY TO BECOME A SUCCESSFUL PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR?
Surveys have shown that successful professional
investigators share many of the same
characteristics and traits. The findings: a)
Even at an early age, they had a deep desire to
become a private investigator; b) They had a
burning passion and always knew they would be
good investigators if given the opportunity; c)
They are curious, are able to figure things out
on their own, and are able to use clever ploys
to draw out the truth, but they are deeply
honest and want to see justice done; d) They
have the capacity to dig deep to solve problems
and can recognize and look past the deception of
others; and e) They like to work with people,
travel, do research and search for the truth,
and they are enthusiastic students of human
nature. 4. FOR WHOM IS THE DTI COURSE INTENDED FOR?
The DTI course is designed for:
5. ARE THERE ANY AGE RESTRICTIONS ABSOLUTELY NOT! There is a need for private investigators of all ages. Students between 17 and 25 who exude enthusiasm and seek excitement most often excel in the physical aspects of the job. They are most successful conducting surveillance, tracking fugitives for bail bondsman, repossessing cars, serving papers, etc.
Students between 25 and 40 make up the majority
of DTI trainees. They have work experience and
are looking to change jobs now that they have
more clarity and focus regarding their preferred
careers. They are seeking job satisfaction and
fulfillment, and they want to apply the unique
blend of investigative skills and talents they
always knew they had, but never acted on. They
can fill a variety of investigative positions
because of their maturity and good communication
skills. Yes, DTI is in voluntary agreement with the Council for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education in California and is accepted in all states as a qualified school. Mr. Kassel is a member of the AMERICAN LAW ENFORCEMENT TRAINERS SOCIETY, a nationally recognized organization for law enforcement trainers. 7. DO PRIVATE INVESTIGATORS REALLY ENGAGE IN THE KIND OF "ACTION ASSIGNMENTS" SEEN ON TV? Sometimes. But it depends on what area you specialize in. Some assignments involve more physical activity than others. For example, surveillance, bounty hunting, auto repossession, criminal arrests, narcotics investigations, undercover work and process serving sometimes involve elements of high tension, danger, suspense and physical force. On the other hand, activities such as record searching, interviewing witnesses and reconstructing accident scenes generally do not. 8. CAN I CARRY A GUN AFTER I GRADUATE FROM THE DTI COURSE? Possibly. Private investigators do not normally carry guns. However, if you specialize in bodyguard work you may need to carry
a gun. In order to carry a concealed weapon, you must first obtain a gun permit issued by your local police or sheriff's department. 9. DO I NEED A LICENSE TO WORK AS A PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR?
You probably will want to get a state license
sometime during your private-investigation
career. Here are the facts: To view your state’s licensing requirements, click here. After viewing your state’s requirements, simply click the BACK button to return to your original location on
DTI’s website. 10. DOES DTI GUARANTEE JOBS UPON GRADUATION?
No ethical resident school or college guarantees
jobs upon graduation. However, DTI does have a
good reputation in the industry and receives
calls from investigative agencies throughout the
U.S. requesting the names of our top graduates
for employment as investigators. Detective
agencies prefer to hire our graduates because
they are highly trained in many areas of private
investigation, which eliminates their need to
train new investigators in-house. Be sure to
complete as many Detective Field Exercises as
possible in your course to ensure proper skill
development, which will make you more valuable
and more marketable in the workplace. 11. CAN DTI HELP ME GET STARTED SOONER ON MY OWN?
Yes, there are number of businesses you can
start immediately during your training. These
are related to private investigation and they do
not require licensing. Possibilities include
conducting surveillance, serving legal papers,
tracking down missing persons for process
service, installing hidden video equipment (for
example, to protect children from abusive baby
sitters), etc. These will give you the
opportunity to work closely with licensed
investigators, clients, attorneys and the
courts. Thus, you can immediately begin building
contacts that will be very important later in
your career. Plus, you may be able to apply this
experience to your state's experience
requirement so you can become licensed faster
and easier. 12. HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT SCHOOL
An Internet
search for private investigator training courses
will likely yield hundreds of choices —
including so-called private investigator
“schools”, “courses” and “unions.” So, how do
you make an informed and educated decision?
Although we dislike making disparaging remarks
about our competitors, DTI does feels an
ethical obligation to protect students from
dishonest
Therefore, DTI
is providing you with factual information (below) about
other schools so you can make an informed and
educated decision
about your future.
Take the time to conduct your own research and
investigation — so you will feel more confident that
you made the right decision We are certainly not
discrediting any qualified or reputable schools, and
we further believe that competition is healthy in an
honest and ethical environment but we do encourage
students to GLOBAL SCHOOL
Global has a long history—more than 20 years—of
non-compliance with the State of Massachusetts
regulations, including operating a school without state approval
and illegally issuing thousands of unauthorized
diplomas to its graduates. You can verify Global's
past non-licensing status by clicking on the Massachusetts
State Department of Education website:
http://www.doe.mass.edu/ops/licensure/no_license.html "IPIU" — INTERNATIONAL PRIVATE INVESTIGATORS UNION
A
fictitious private detective agency that advertises
questionable job openings and requires its members to pay
to join a non-existent private investigators
union. Be leery of any organization claiming to be a
private investigator "union". There is no such
organization. IPIU is not endorsed in the industry
by any legitimate detective agency, training school,
or professional trade association.
This school is not licensed, authorized or approved
by the Arizona Department of Education. It is only
marketed as a “course” and thus avoids meeting any
structured school or academic requirements that are
essential elements in being able to provide a legitimate diploma
in the field of private investigations. Are local college and vocational rehabilitation schools the way to go? That depends on your particular needs. There are some fine local colleges and vocational rehab schools that do an excellent job of teaching private investigation, and DTI supports their efforts. These traditional schools have qualified instructors that can answer your questions in person. But, one must remember that these types of programs cost between $3,500 and $10,000 plus travel and living expenses.
LARGE ONLINE/HOME STUDY –P.I SCHOOLS CRIMINAL JUSTICE DEGREES
Many colleges and distance-education schools offer
two-year degree programs in criminal justice.
Although their curricula cover facets of private
investigation, their main emphasis is training in
security, law enforcement, crime prevention,
juvenile justice, military intelligence, airport
security, corrections, homeland security, probation
and parole.
Much learning can be gained by reading; however,
reading alone, without programmed and comprehensive
instruction coupled with practical field exercises
and comprehensive examination of the material is not
going to qualify you to become a private
investigator. 13. HOW DOES DTI's TUITION COMPARE WITH OTHER DETECTIVE TRAINING COURSES? Among those who have compared the quality of training you receive versus the cost of the course, DTI is renowned for giving students much more value than any other school and at an affordable price. You receive two full, three ring binders containing more than 1,500 pages of training material covering all phases of private investigation. Yes, some schools charge more, and some schools charge less, but no one else delivers the up–to-date, top quality program that DTI does. 14. DOES DTI OFFER AN AFFORDABLE MONTHLY PAYMENT PLAN? YES! For only a small monthly payment, you can start your new career and change your life! That's all it takes with
DTI's new tuition program. You can start right now. Payments are easy and affordable. Payment coupons will be provided. Research has shown that students who pay under Plan A or Plan B, show a greater commitment to their training and are more likely to complete their programs and become qualified private investigators. 15. DOES DTI OFFER A SPECIAL DISCOUNT TO HUSBAND-WIFE TEAMS OR FAMILIES? Yes, both you and your spouse or members of the same family may enroll together at a discount. Here’s how it works. When you enroll, you will get additional courses at half-price. You must study from one set of manuals, make copies of your Answer Sheets and Detective Exercises, and then submit them separately. But, you will each receive your own separate Enrollment Package, ID Card, and Diploma. We have found that couples and family members working together on field exercises do a much better job of developing their investigative skills and overcoming their fears since they have each other to rely on for support. To enroll, simply put the second family member’s name in the Comments
or Special Instructions box on the Application
Form and pay 150% for either Plans A, B or C.
You pay only for one shipping plan. 16. I AM IN THE MILITARY SERVICE AND SUBJECT TO FREQUENT TRANSFERS. CAN I TAKE YOUR COURSE UNDER THESE CIRCUMSTANCES? Yes. Hundreds of servicemen and women stationed throughout the world have enrolled in our course. If you are planning a career after discharge, now is the time to prepare during your off-duty hours. We will send your lessons anywhere.
17. ARE THERE SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS FOR FOREIGN STUDENTS? Yes. Because of the expensive shipping and handling costs, students are required to enroll under Plan A – Payment in Full, plus $100 for postage and handling. Materials are sent via Express Mail using a plain label (DTI Book Club) to avoid theft or tampering. Payment must be made by cashier’s check or money order and drawn on a U.S. bank. Credit cards are accepted from Canada and Europe only. 18. CAN YOU MAIL THE DTI MATERIALS UNDER PLAIN WRAPPER TO MAINTAIN MY CONFIDENTIALITY IN TAKING THIS COURSE? YES! Some students prefer to have their materials sent under plain label to avoid neighbors, family and even the postman from knowing that they have enrolled to become a private investigator. In the “Comments” section of the Enrollment Application just write “Plain label, please” and all your materials will be shipped under plain label. 19. I WAS ARRESTED YEARS AGO FOR A CRIMINAL OFFENSE. DOES THIS DISQUALIFY ME FROM ENROLLING IN THE COURSE? It all depends.
DTI handles each case on an individual basis depending on the nature and severity of the offense and how long ago it was committed. We realize that some of the country's top
investigators committed minor crimes in their past, but this has not stopped them from being successful today. When you enroll, you will be required to fill out a Personal Data Form. Be sure to include all the facts regarding any offense you committed. Or, before you enroll, you may telephone Mr. Kassel at (888) 425-9338 to discuss your particular situation. 20. DOES DTI OFFER MENTORING SERVICES? DTI does not offer any mentoring services but one of our top graduates, John Enger, a former Police Lieutenant and Licensed Private Investigator with many years of experience has graciously offered his services to our student body as a “mentor” to those who wish to participate. John has put together a set of training notes that will assist the student through each of the study units, and he will make every attempt to answer your questions. A warm welcome from John Enger: “I would like to introduce myself to you. My name is John Enger and I am graduate of the Detective Training Institute’s ‘MASTER DETECTIVE TRAINING COURSE’ and a former licensed police officer (holding the command rank of Lieutenant). I am also a successful licensed private investigator in the state of Florida.” “I have formed a ‘discussions e-mail group to help students with this excellent training program (Note: This is not a “chat room” – this is an e-mail address to me personally!). Looking back at DTI training, I wished I’d had someone to offer guidance and confidential tidbits of information to help me get the most from the course, and become a professional private investigator more easily and quickly. There are also many ‘twists and turns’ and little notes of interest that I will enjoy sharing with you.” “To receive helpful information about your
DTI training program after you enroll, simply send me an E-mail at RETIREDLT3@aol.com stating you wish to begin receiving the notes. Please include your name and phone number. I will attempt to answer any questions you may have in as timely a manner as I can.” |
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