Becoming a private investigator

September 29th, 2008

What is the work like?

Private Investigators carry out undercover enquiries for their clients, including solicitors, insurance companies, councils, private companies and individuals.

As a private investigator, you would ask questions and analyse information to carry out background research. Your work could also include:

• surveillance
• fraud investigation
• missing persons enquiries
• investigating insurance claims
• 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 qualifications to start work as a private investigator. However, a good general education and experience in a security related field would be helpful. Business skills are also important because most opportunities in this area involve working as a freelance or self-employed investigator.

The Academy of Professional Investigation (API) runs a BTEC Level 3 Advanced Diploma in Private Investigation, which can be used as a first step into this career. With this qualification you may have an advantage when looking for work experience or paid work with an agency.

The Association of British Investigators (ABI) and The World Association of Professional Investigators (WAPI) have details of local private investigators you could contact about gaining experience. The ABI also produces the Process Servers Guide – knowledge of this could increase your chances of finding work presenting and serving legal documents.

The Private Security Industry Act 2001, outlines a system for regulating the sector, which includes private investigators. The Security Industry Authority (SIA) is working towards publishing full details of their plans to license private investigators. Check the SIA website for details.

A driving licence is usually essential for this work.

What further training and development can I do?

Once you are working as a private investigator with an agency, for example, you will usually receive training on the job from your employer. You can support this by working towards qualifications such as NVQ Level 3 in Intelligence Analysis.

There is a range of courses you could do to develop your skills and knowledge in this area, for example:

• The Association of British Investigators (ABI) has details of providers offering a 2-day Foundation Course in Investigation, and a 5-day Professional Private Investigator course
• The Institute of Professional Investigators (IPI) has details of courses in tracing, and setting up in business
• The API BTEC Level 3 Advanced Diploma in Private Investigation can be done before or after you start work in this field.

Where can I go for more information?

27 Old Gloucester Street
London
WC1N 3XX
Tel: 0871 474 0006

PO Box 1293
Liverpool
L69 1AX
Tel: 0844 892 1025

83 Guildfort Street
Chertsey
Surrey
KT16 9JL
Tel: 0870 330 8622

Clair House
3-5 Clair Road
Haywards Heath
West Sussex
RH16 3DP
Tel: 01444 441 111

212 Piccadilly
London
W1J 9HG
Tel: 08709 099 970

e-LEGAL | Gathering, The UK’s 1st “open” private investigator discussion forum provides an on-line resource to private investigators, lawyers and members of the public.

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What is a Private Investigator?

February 22nd, 2008

Everybody has seen at least one movie or television show involving a private investigator. Usually on these shows or in these movies, the private investigator works in a shady office and spends his (or her) day crouching in the bushes next to some seedy motel hoping for a “money shot.” A real private investigator, however, is much more diverse.

Often private investigators are hired by defence attorneys or insurance companies. While it is true that private investigators can also be hired to look into private matters they can also be hired to work as process servers, tracing delinquent debtors, and work on corporate matters like anti-fraud and anti-piracy cases.

Most areas require private investigators to obtain a professional private investigation license. Some are allowed to carry firearms. Some are ex-police officers, though this is not a requirement. They are known for their keen observation skills and their knowledge of the laws that govern the jurisdiction in which they work.

There are many benefits to hiring a private investigator. They are often viewed as impartial third parties. When you hire an investigator you are hiring someone who will work to find out the truth, regardless of who benefits from it.

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