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QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

The most critical aspect of foot surveillance is to Act Natural. Never directly meet the gaze of your subject and avoid feeling "burned" or discovered which may lead you to sneaky, guilty behavior. Do you have the characteristics for conducting foot surveillances? Let DTI test your skills through its Real Detective Field Exercises.

  1. WHAT IS DISTANCE EDUCATION?

  2. ADVANTAGES OF DISTANCE EDUCATION

  3. HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE THE CHARACTERISTICS AND TRAITS NECESSARY TO BECOME A SUCCESSFUL PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR?

  4. FOR WHOM IS THE DTI COURSE INTENDED FOR?

  5. ARE THERE ANY AGE RESTRICTIONS IN THE PRIVATE INVESTIGATION FIELD?

  6. IS DTI AN APPROVED SCHOOL?

  7. DO PRIVATE INVESTIGATORS REALLY ENGAGE IN THE KIND OF "ACTION ASSIGNMENTS" SEEN ON TV?
     
    Skillful interrogation is the systematic questioning and persuasion of a suspect to reveal his involvement in crimes, even when it is against his self-interest. DTI will teach you how to convince the suspect that he will experience more pain by remaining silent than he will by confessing.
  8. CAN I CARRY A GUN AFTER I GRADUATE FROM THE DTI COURSE?

  9. DO I NEED A LICENSE TO WORK AS A PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR?

  10. DOES DTI GUARANTEE JOBS UPON GRADUATION?

  11. CAN DTI HELP ME GET STARTED SOONER ON MY OWN?

  12. HOW DO I CHOOSE THE RIGHT SCHOOL?

  13. HOW DOES DTI's TUITION COMPARE WITH OTHER DETECTIVE TRAINING COURSES?

  14. DOES DTI OFFER AN AFFORDABLE MONTHLY PAYMENT PLAN?

  15. DOES DTI OFFER A SPECIAL DISCOUNT TO HUSBAND-WIFE TEAMS OR FAMILIES?

  16. I AM IN THE MILITARY SERVICE AND SUBJECT TO FREQUENT TRANSFERS. CAN I TAKE YOUR COURSE UNDER THESE CIRCUMSTANCES?

  17. ARE THERE SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS FOR FOREIGN STUDENTS?

  18. CAN YOU MAIL THE DTI MATERIALS UNDER PLAIN WRAPPER TO MAINTAIN MY CONFIDENTIALITY IN TAKING THIS COURSE?

  19. I WAS ARRESTED YEARS AGO FOR A CRIMINAL OFFENSE. DOES THIS DISQUALIFY ME FROM ENROLLING IN THE COURSE?

  20. DOES DTI OFFER MENTORING SERVICES?

 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.

When individuals with these characteristics and traits are coupled with the proven and respected DTI training program, they most often become excellent private investigators.

4. FOR WHOM IS THE DTI COURSE INTENDED FOR?

The DTI course is designed for:

a). People who want to get into the profession but who have no investigative background or training. Experience has shown that employers and detective agencies are much more inclined to hire someone who has completed a qualified training course, such as DTI’s program, than they are to hire untrained applicants.

b). Employees of security companies who want to upgrade their skills and learn the latest in private investigation techniques. Their goal may be to move up within the company or prepare for the state's Private Investigator Exam and become a licensed detective. (For more about state exams and licenses, see No. 9 below)

c). Licensed investigators who want to revitalize their operations and learn the latest investigative techniques, including lucrative new business opportunities.

d). Retired law-enforcement personnel or civil servants seeking a related productive profession that enables them to use many of their present skills. The possibility of part-time employment and the wide variety of assignments all add to the attraction of, and the likelihood for great satisfaction in, this new career.
 

5. ARE THERE ANY AGE RESTRICTIONS
IN THE PRIVATE INVESTIGATION FIELD?

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.

Men and women between 40 and 65 perform an important function in a detective agency. They have much wisdom and can clearly think through problems from many perspectives, which gives them an advantage in solving difficult cases. They are excellent at locating missing persons, performing telephone pretexts and establishing vital contacts using good rapport-building techniques.
 

6. IS DTI AN APPROVED SCHOOL?

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:

1.) You do not need a state license to begin training as a private investigator or to enroll in DTI’s program.

2.) You do not need a state license to work as a private investigator in private businesses and corporations. Your title may be fraud investigator, retail investigator, corporate investigator, or legal investigator (when working under the authority of an attorney).

3.) You do not need a state license to start and operate a detective agency in the following states, although some may require a county license, local permit or payment of a license tax : Alabama, Colorado, Idaho, Mississippi, South Dakota and Wyoming.

4.) You do not need a state license to work as an investigator in a private-detective agency. As soon as you complete your DTI course (usually within three to six months) and can demonstrate that you are competent in a number of key investigative areas, you can immediately begin working in a detective agency under the owner's license. You can conduct the very same exciting and interesting assignments that licensed private investigators do, including surveillances, background checks, undercover assignments, insurance fraud investigations, and court testimony. In fact, many investigators prefer to work for an agency than start their own.

5.) You also do not need a state license to engage in process serving, online research, installation of hidden video equipment, and similar or related activities. You will learn about these activities in your course, and any or all of them can be the core of your business at first. Such business will allow you to perform many of the functions of a licensed investigator, including 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. This also will give you the opportunity to work closely with licensed investigators, clients, attorneys and the courts. Thus, even without a license, you can immediately begin building business skills and contacts that will be very important later in your investigation career.

9a. WHEN WILL YOU NEED A LICENSE?

Starting Your Own Agency: You will need a state license only if you decide to operate your own detective agency and call yourself a licensed private investigator. If you decide that’s for you, you will be required to apply for a state-issued license and put in the number of hours or years of experience required by your state’s statutes, which is usually 36 months without prior experience. In addition, you may be required to pass a written examination. Unfortunately, neither DTI’s course, nor any other course, either home study or classroom study, is sufficient to meet any state’s experience requirements.

Although you may be tempted to start your own agency immediately upon graduation, there is still much to be learned in this intriguing profession. DTI strongly recommends first working for an agency to hone your investigative skills and to prepare yourself to deal with a range of clients, including insurance companies, businesses and private individuals. You also need to learn how to conduct a wide a variety of investigations so you can meet all of your client’s needs and avoid complaints that could put your license in jeopardy.

Once you are state-licensed, you'll be faced with the new challenges of running a detective agency: doing mostly administrative desk work, competing with other detective agencies, trying to get new clients, shopping for insurance and employee benefits, advertising, setting up a bookkeeping and case-management system, hiring field investigators, paying bills, etc. That's OK for the future, but right now you have a golden opportunity to train with DTI and immediately begin working as a private investigator in a detective agency, insurance company, attorney firm or corporation. You can quickly begin to enjoy a great career with a professional salary, independence and prestige.

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.

Additionally, a DTI diploma can give you an advantage in the hiring process because you can show the prospective employer:

a) The investigative subjects you covered in the course.
b) Your scores on school exams and field assignments.
c) That you took the initiative to enroll in a certified P.I. course and have a strong interest in becoming a private investigator.
d) That you are a self-motivated individual who can finish what you start.
 

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
business practices.

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
verify a school’s credentials before enrolling.

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

Global has since changed ownership and moved the school to New Hampshire. The original founder/owner still runs much of the school’s operation from his home in Massachusetts. DTI does not endorse, recommend or approve Global School.

 "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.

"SECRETS OF TOP PRIVATE EYES - A PROFESSIONAL INVESTIGATIVE COURSE"

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.

Before purchasing this school's material, we recommend that you inquire about their credentials — i.e. school approval, private investigator license, teaching credentials, and Better Business Bureau status—to ensure that you make the correct decision.

LOCAL COLLEGES & VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION SCHOOLS

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

Online/home study courses are soon to be the leading method of instruction for many working adults. But, there are some big differences that you should be aware of.

Large, Multi-Course Schools:

These schools offer a wide variety of courses ranging from interior decorating to child care, small-engine repair or real estate appraising. They have never operated a private investigation agency, nor do they have qualified investigators on staff. They offer only a generalized curriculum that teaches the bare basics of private investigation. They entice students to enroll by offering a low down payment and require students to sign a legal and binding contract to pay off the remaining balance, even if students later want to switch schools or decide that a career in private investigation is not for them. Students who do not pay are subject to having their account transferred to a collection agency, which could damage their credit rating.

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.

As you can see, private investigation parallels criminal justice to some degree, but there are some important differences. In the field of criminal justice, you are taught from a purely academic approach, giving you only a historical and theoretical base. In contrast, DTI has only one course geared specifically for the student who wants to become a private investigator, so if private investigation is your ultimate goal, then DTI is the right choice for you. We offer everything you need to become a well-trained private investigator, and we go beyond academics to ensure that students have relevant real-world experiences as they learn. So you'll come away from your course confident and ready to start your career immediately.


LEARNING FROM MANUALS
AND BOOKS ALONE

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.

Book and manual publishers do not provide a structured curriculum, student services or a faculty. Nor have they gone through an in-depth inspection by an outside examining committee to review their subject matter, which credentialed schools must do.

 

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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