Private investigators carry out undercover inquiries for their clients including solicitors, insurance companies, councils, private companies, and individuals.
As a private investigator, your inquiries could range from family issues surrounding divorce or adoption to business support, regarding internal shrinkage or theft.
Generally, you would carry out background research, which may involve asking questions and analyzing information. Your work may also include:
• surveillance • fraud investigation (for example, insurance or accident claims) • tracing missing persons or pets • presenting legal documents (process serving) • investigating commercial piracy • personnel vetting.
You would typically work alone as a self-employed or freelance investigator. You would use a computer to process detailed reports and often maintain your own accounts. What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
You may not need any qualifications to start as a trainee investigator, however, you are likely to find a paid traineeship (with a company or independent private investigator) difficult to come by if you do not have some relevant skills and knowledge. You could set up on your own, but to attract clients and provide a good service would also require appropriate skills.
It would be useful to have a good general standard of education plus experience in a security-related field (such as the police force). Business skills are also important because most opportunities involve working on a freelance or self-employed basis…