Wisconsin is one of 41 states that require a license to be a Private Investigator.  Currently, Idaho, Mississippi, Missouri, South Dakota, and Wyoming do not have this requirement. While Wisconsin does not mandate previous experience, there are many places to get training. Many schools offer Professional Investigator in their curriculum. These courses will give you information helping you to operate within the laws, but the real training comes with getting your feet wet.

With that said though, the best way to educate yourself is to surround yourself with professional, experienced, and knowledgeable investigators, thus one of the reasons PAWLI exists.  PAWLI members are happy to share their expertise and knowledge with new investigators. 

Other important steps are:

• Study other reference materials
  
• Take and pass the licensing test
  
• Get the required insurance
  
• Advertise your services
  
• Familiarize yourself with the PAWLI Code of Ethics.
• Join PAWLI and begin networking
  

If you are working for someone else, you only need the individual license.  If you open your own agency, then you will need an agency license also. There are special circumstances where you do not need a license at all, such as working specifically for one law office and taking no other jobs outside that office. Be sure to check with the Wisconsin Dept of Safety and Professional Services to ensure you know the current requirements.

Application Process
https://dsps.wi.gov/Credentialing/Business/fm469.pdf

Requirements
https://dsps.wi.gov/Pages/Professions/PrivateDetective/Default.aspx

Code Of Conduct Statutes
https://dsps.wi.gov/Pages/RulesStatutes/PrivateDetectives.aspx

FAQ
https://dsps.wi.gov/Credentialing/Business/Private%20Detective%20FAQ.pdf

Professional/Occupational Licensure Fee Waiver Program
http://dva.state.wi.us/Pages/educationEmployment/Professional-Occupation-Licensure.aspx

Veterans Professional/Occuptional Licensure Fee Waiver Program
http://dva.state.wi.us/Pages/educationEmployment/FeeWaiver.aspx

Consider Private Detective Academy
Longtime PAWLI member Karen Checki runs Private Detective Academy, which provides prospective PIs with hands-on training and certification to prepare them for a successful career as a private detective/ investigator.

Taking the exam
https://dsps.wi.gov/Pages/Professions/PrivateDetective/Exams.aspx

The test is based on WI statutes. Here are 2 recommended books:
Techniques of Legal Investigation, by Anthony M. Golec
Fundamentals of Criminal Investigation, by Charles E. O’Hara and Gregory L. O’Hara

PAWLI members are always happy to talk to students or clients about the process and practices around investigation. if you are considering a career in private investigation, contact a PAWLI Member to learn more.