Becoming a Private Investigator

Private investigation work involves gathering facts, surveillance, and research work. Private investigators (also known as private detectives or private eyes) work is usually related to civil law and the corporate sector and it may entail tracing missing people and investigating business activities.

The job:

The range of work for a private investigator varies considerably from agency to agency, depending on whether they specialize or carry out a variety of different jobs.

The corporate sector employs the services of private investigators to protect their activities and secrets. Services offered by private investigators may include debugging offices, providing electronic safety devices and security cameras, providing lie detector tests, undercover and anti-industrial espionage, detecting and investigating computer fraud, investigating infringement of patents, looking into suspected fraudulent insurance claims, investigating theft, and checking business credentials.

Some private investigators specialize in particular areas, such as finding missing people or gathering information on the background of people involved in divorce proceedings or child custody cases. Lawyers may employ investigators to provide information for a case. Loan companies may employ investigators to check on individuals and their assets.

Surveillance is often an important part of a private investigators work. This involves observing a person, either on foot or from a vehicle, and recording, taking photographs, or video taping their actions. This type of words is often done on behalf of, for example, an insurance company that suspects a person of making a false claim for injury.

Private investigators will normally be expected to take accurate notes, analyze details, present facts, and provide a detailed report of their investigations to their clients. Confidentiality is extremely important. If the case goes to court, private investigators may have to testify on oath.

Most private investigators work from an office where they interview people, consult colleagues, and contact people by telephone. Their work may take them anywhere, and private investigators must be prepared to travel away from home and to go out in all others. A driving license is vital. Hours of work are long, and may include evenings, nights, and weekends. The work can be tedious and monotonous-for example, sitting in a cramped van for days at a time waiting for a particular person to appear. You can also hack it exciting moments. Private investigators may also find themselves in dangerous situations. Occasionally, the work may involve making decisions on moral issues.

Training involved:

There is no recognized training group for private investigators, but there are a number of possible options.

Some countries have courses available at special private investigation schools.

Courses cover basic skills, such as how to lead and develop fingerprints, investigating robberies, identify weapons, test for traces of human blood, and different types of photographic work.

A few courses may be run by universities. For example, in some countries there are part-time courses available leading to a postgraduate diploma in investigative management. These courses are aimed at those already working in the field after relevant experience with the police or armed forces. Entrants may need a degree or appropriate professional qualification.

Professional associations usually run short courses and seminars on particular subjects, such as fingerprints or theft.

Salary Expectations:

The base salary range of Private Investigators is from $26,107 to $57,721 annually, while the median salary for most Private Investigators is $41,000 annually. (US Base Pay)

Future prospects:

The employment outlook is likely to be good for those with relevant work experience in law enforcement work with the police or security firms, or in legal work. The use of private investigators is increasing. Investigating computer fraud is a particular growth area.

Most private investigators are employed by an agency. Others work freelance on different assignments. Agencies vary in size from just a few people to more than 100. There may be opportunities to travel abroad. There is a high drop out rate, however, those with more than five years experience have good prospects for starting their own agencies or moving into supervisory work with a large agency.

For further information, contact eight countries relevant professional body, such as an association, alliance, or Institute of investigators, detectives, or private detective agencies.