August 27, 2007
Private Investigator Training Offered at NETC Dillon

A new course to prepare students for a career in private investigation will be offered at Northeastern Technical College’s campus in Dillon beginning September 17.  The course will meet on Monday and Wednesday nights from 6 to 9pm for six weeks at NETC Dillon located at 2204 highway 301 south.

“The job market is at an all time high for private investigators,” said Elmore Bethea, a licensed private investigator who will teach the class.  “Many insurance agencies are using private investigators to fight fraudulent claims and all time high divorce rates have created a need for private investigators to document infidelity.” 

The rise in Internet fraud has created a need for more internet investigators and students who obtain licensure may also find work in criminal, domestic, fraud, loss prevention and security investigation, he said.

Bethea has been a licensed private investigator for 15 years, served the Marion County Pubic Defenders Office Investigator for 10 years and is a former detective for the Marion County Sheriffs Office.

During the course, students will learn investigative techniques, proper procedures for preparing reports, proper courtroom presentation, communication skills, how to market private investigator services and how to obtain information using the internet. 

Students will also learn to use the latest technology and equipment used by investigator in the field.

“The most important thing students will learn in the course will be the law,” said Bethea.  “Many people are unaware of the consequence of trying to obtain information without a private investigator license.” 

The cost for the course is $175.  To register for the course, students should call NETC in Cheraw at 1-800-921-7399 and ask for continuing education or, call NETC Dillon at 843-841-2014.  Students can also visit www.netc.edu/CE to download a registration form and submit via email.

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