Baltimore P.I. Brings Years Of Education, Law Enforcement Experience To His Role
As cyber crime escalates to unparalleled levels, the job outlook for private detectives and private investigators is looking bright. In their original forecast dated January, 2014, the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimated that job growth for both jobs would remain an anemic 11 percent - not quite average - in the period from 2012 until 2022. Newer estimates, however, from other sources and with updated crime numbers, think that a growth estimate closer to 21-22 percent is not unrealistic.
David Vaughn is a licensed private investigator and the founder and owner of DV Investigations in Baltimore. His firm handles criminal, civil and corporate investigations. Vaughn has an extensive resume, which includes a B.S. in criminal justice and an M.S. in information technology from the Rochester Institute of Technology, and he is a level one certified alarm technician. He has worked over 20 years for the Monroe County NY Sheriff's Department, starting out as a road patrolman and later working as an Investigator in the major crimes division before retiring and spending a few years in the private sector.
What led you to begin DV Investigations?
"It was a natural progression of my professional life. I had retired from law enforcement and immediately went into the private sector. I was also working part-time doing contract criminal defense work through a P.I. firm. I enjoyed the part-time work, saw the benefit of working for myself, and decided to start my own business."
How does your educational background relate to your current role?
"Education not only helps you attain your goal, but sets you apart from others. I have cultivated many successful business partnerships through my employment and education. The degree in IT is especially helpful; it has helped me create efficiencies in my business, and I can install covert surveillance cameras when necessary."
How has your education helped to further your career and contributed to your success?
"I wanted a career in law enforcement while in high school, so I entered the criminal justice program at R.I.T. I was hired by the local police force part-time when I was in college. I continued to obtain as much education and training as possible over the years, which led eventually to the position I truly desired on the police force: investigator in the violent crime bureau. I obtained a master's degree in information technology to distinguish myself when I was close to retirement and wanted to move into the private sector. I was hired immediately. An IT degree is not ever wasted."
What is some advice you can offer others looking to go into private investigation?
"There are many avenues to success in this field other than a law enforcement background and formal education: apprenticeship, learning from more experienced or knowledgeable individuals, certificate programs. There is no substitute for hard work and ongoing learning, always maintaining positive steps toward your goals."
Susan Brown originally spent many years in banking/finance before confronting her addictions. She has now been in recovery for 20 years.
Primary interests include metaphysics and energy healing in which she has several certifications. She has written for Examiner.com since 2009 and also writes for Om Times. Sue lives in Baltimore.
