What a Career in Private Investigation Involves

Are you an individual with patience, a keen and analytical mind, an ability to focus for long periods, and a desire to get the job done well? If that sounds like you, then a career as a private investigator might be for you. While this field isn’t as dramatic as it’s portrayed on television and film, it can involve solving mysteries and may include a dash of action on occasion. For someone who likes finding solutions to puzzles and helping clients, a career in private investigation is worth considering.

What is a private investigator?

A private investigator is a freelance detective hired to research, analyse, and collect information for a particular case. Some investigators have their own agency and work for individual clients, while others may team up with law enforcement, solicitors, and lawyers to share uncovered information. Private investigators, sometimes referred to as detectives or PIs, often gather clues and evidence from surveillance, research, and interviews to find information critical to the case.

What does a private investigator do?

A private investigator is responsible for a wide range of activities, from simple recording and surveillance to more complex financial processes. An investigator’s main purpose is to find the information necessary to solve a case to the client’s satisfaction. The following are some of the typical responsibilities of a private investigator:

  • Conduct research – To find and analyse facts, locate legal records, verify the veracity of the findings, and compile evidence.
  • Perform surveillance – By recording persons of interest or crime suspects’ whereabouts and activities.
  • Interview people – To collect vital information for a case. This includes tracking down people involved in the investigation, conducting interviews to uncover information, and writing a report of the findings.
  • Perform background searches – To investigate an individual’s past and current activities, as well as their characteristics.
  • Work with – Law enforcement agencies and offices, including assisting police investigations, interviewing detained subjects, capturing suspects, and providing evidence and results of surveillance and studies.
  • Perform undercover operations – Such as evaluating the honesty or performance of a company employee by posing as a client.
  • Achieve due diligence – Through research and investigatory techniques and delivering summons or subpoena.
  • Assist in cases of varying types – Such as insurance claims and fraud, civil liability, missing-persons, and criminal liability.
  • Meet with clients – To share information, including updating clients on the progress of the investigation and asking for further information.
  • Present investigation findings – To courts of law, including transcriptions of recorded interviews, giving testimony in court and organising evidence to be presented in court.

Areas of specialisation

Many private investigators focus on one or two areas of specialty and interest after gaining a qualification in private investigation, making this a very versatile career field that can cater to an individual’s distinct talents and preferences. There are a wide variety of specific areas to focus on as a private investigator, including:

  • Investigative business administration
  • Security
  • Investigative ethics and law
  • Criminology and behavioral sciences
  • Computer forensics and Internet crime (including identity theft, copyright infringement, and illegal downloads)
  • Intelligence and terrorism
  • Civil investigations
  • Insurance investigations
  • Special victims and abuse cases (including children and elder abuse)
  • Criminal investigations.

Necessary skills

Sometimes being on a case as a private investigator involves spending days or weeks watching and shadowing subjects with little to no action. Given this, your concentration skills must be top-notch, along with an ability to blend into the environment.

Computer and technology skills are also highly desirable in this field, as using the Internet, smartphones, and videos are necessary to gather much of the information. Additionally, knowledge of tools frequently used by investigators, such as GPS, cameras, and recording devices can assist you in gathering the information needed to solve the case.

Other important skills include honesty, integrity, excellent research and analytical skills, tact, and empathy. No matter what area you focus on as a private investigator, these traits are key in developing a successful career.

How can you become a private investigator?

The UK doesn’t have a licensing or registration system for private investigators, however, you’re most likely to find clients and build up your credentials with a qualification in at least one field associated with investigative work. Possessing a qualification that demonstrates your mastery of a unique set of skills is an excellent way to stand out from other people competing for a position in this field. Consider taking a course to become a private investigator, as education can make you an attractive prospect for investigative agencies, or if you go into freelance work for yourself will attract potential clients.

Start digging for clues to your new career today

Do you enjoy solving mysteries? Are you focused and independent with good communication skills? Then a career as a private investigator could be your calling. Enrol in the ICI Private Investigation course and start solving your career mystery now.

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Gladys Mae

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Gladys Mae serves as the General Manager and Head of Student Services at the International Career Institute. Gladys holds a degree in Mass Communication - Broadcast Media from the University of San Jose-Recoletos. She joined ICI in 2010 and has over the past 12 years been instrumental in providing leadership and guidance to staff and students alike. Prior to joining ICI Gladys led a multifaceted career with key roles in the banking and business process outsourcing industries.