Private Investigator and Investigation Resources

eInvestigator.com is an online research and education resource for professional private investigators, detectives, police officers, process servers, and security experts. Also, it’s a great resource for anyone interested in using investigative search tools, websites, OSINT, and databases to uncover data and information.

Join the Private Investigator Directory and connect with potential clients who need investigative services all over the world. Use it to promote your business services and your firm’s investigative expertise, drive traffic to your website, and get more cases.

The Police and Law Enforcement section has a collection of helpful articles and blog posts related to law enforcement work. Here, you can learn what it takes to become a police officer and where to get the training and education you need. Plus, learn about the equipment, weapons, and vehicles officers use in the line of duty.

Private investigators, law enforcement officers, and intelligence agents use a variety of computer software, online services, OSINT tools, and mobile apps during the investigative process.

Detectives in all industries use software programs like case management software, databases, productivity tools and more to help their agency operate more efficiently. In addition, professional detectives and intelligence agents use online services to conduct research, run background checks, and search public records databases. Then, they pull reports and analyze data to find missing persons and uncover the truth about people. Also, private eyes use specialized applications (or apps) on their mobile devices to search for information on the go.

Some cases require the use of hi-tech surveillance equipment, sometimes referred to as spy gear. Sleuths and gumshoes who provide surveillance services need to be familiar with a wide range of electronic gadgets. For example, devices such as video cameras, binoculars and night vision goggles, audio listening devices, bugging and debugging equipment, drones, and many more.

Review the articles in our spy gear section to learn more about the types of surveillance tools and electronic equipment a private investigator might use to catch a cheating spouse, track down a missing person and gather information for a case.

If you’re a naturally curious snooper, you love information. Be sure to check out our extensive Lists of Lists category. You’ll find information such as a List of Social Networks (for social media checks), Lists of State Information, a List of the best Search Engines for private eyes, and more. The lists are for anyone interested in interesting facts and information, not just those employed in professions related to the investigative industry.

If you’re interested in becoming a private investigator, learn how to get a license with our state-by-state licensing guide. If you’re interested in pursuing an exciting career in the investigation industry, you’ll find everything you need to get started right here. Learn the state requirements, how to apply, how to join an association, where to get training, and how to find more information.

Use our private investigator books to build your library of reference and education materials about the industry. For example, our library includes extensive recommendations for how-to books, textbooks, reference manuals, audiobooks, true crime podcasts, and magazines. Leverage these helpful resources to learn new skills and techniques.

View our list of training and education resources. Whether you’re an experienced professional or just getting started as an entry-level associate, you’ll find a variety of investigation schools, academies, training classes, home study courses, and distance learning programs. Learn the knowledge and skills you need to be a professional private investigator and earn your degree, diploma, or certificate. Plus, you’ll find educational resources, including recommended books, study guides, and exam preps.

A list of useful Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) tools and resources. Includes search tools to help you find public records, verify facts, search social media sites, reverse search images, uncover government data, and more.

The United States Government has a wide variety of resources that are useful for private eyes. See our List of Government Agencies and U.S. Federal Regulatory Agencies.

Learn how to avoid becoming a victim of the latest fraud, scams, and schemes. Learn what to look for, protect yourself, and report crimes to the proper authorities.

As a private investigator, it’s important to keep in touch with what’s going on in the industry. Industry groups and associations regularly sponsor nationwide, regional, and local conferences. The meetings and seminars are an excellent way to keep up with legislative changes that affect you. In addition, they are a great way to brush up on your skills, network with other private eyes, and learn about new products and services. View a list of conferences.

We have a valuable collection of genealogy research resources for researching your family history, building a family tree, and tracking down your roots. We have links to research sites related to ancestry, heritage, DNA, and historical records. Plus, we provide an overview of the best software and books and provide suggestions for looking up obituaries and how to find biographies. Visit the Genealogy section.

Run an online public records people search and find out the real truth about anyone. Learn how to search online databases and OSINT websites to track down an old friend, reconnect with a lost love or find a missing person.

We recommend that all private investigators join and participate in a local, state or nationwide investigation association for several reasons. First, associations are a great way to stay on top of what’s going on in the profession. Second, they often provide members with access to training and education opportunities. So you can continue to sharpen your skills. Also, they are a great way to network with others and create a referral network. View the list of investigation associations for each state.

Popular true crime TV series, police dramas and detective shows have inspired many people to pursue exciting careers as police officers and work as professional private detectives. Check out our List of the Top 50 Best Crime TV Series and Detective Shows. For example, we have overviews of classic shows like Simon & Simon, Columbo, Baretta, Hawaii 5-0, and many more. Honestly, Magnum has always been our favorite.

Mobile Spy Software is software for covertly tracking the activity and location of a mobile phone or tablet. Most commonly, cell phone trackers are used by parents to keep an eye on their children. However, there is growing interest and use among employers and suspicious spouses. Please read our reviews of the best phone monitoring solutions. For instance, products like mSpy, FlexiSpy, Highster Mobile, etc.

Police detectives and private investigators leverage crime scene investigation techniques and forensic science techniques, tools, and equipment to investigate crime scenes. In addition, these experts are knowledgeable in collecting, transporting, and preserving crime scene evidence, data, and information. Also, PIs leverage forensic labs to analyze fingerprints, examine DNA evidence and evaluate firearm ballistics data.

Learn how auditors, inspectors, and examiners conduct official inquiries into financial matters. For example, our Financial Investigation section includes articles on Asset Search and Recovery, Credit Reports, Banking Information, Stock Market Research tools, and cryptocurrency. Plus, we recommend relevant reference books and more. See our About Us and Contact Us pages for more information about us.