Private Investigator

Introduction

Private investigators use observation and detection skills to find information that will be useful to their clients. They work for individuals, companies and solicitors.

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Work Activities

Private investigators (PIs) use observation, detection and surveillance skills to lawfully gather information that will be useful to their clients. Their work falls into three areas: individual, corporate, and legal.

Individual work is done when a private individual hires an investigator. This may be, for example, to trace a missing person or gather evidence against nuisance neighbours. A PI may be hired to observe the actions of someone who - according to the client - is acting improperly (as, for example, in a divorce case).

Corporate work can be for large or small businesses. It can involve investigating individuals, groups or companies, whom the client suspects of, perhaps, making false insurance claims or embezzling funds. Sometimes a business has to combat shoplifting or theft by employees.

Some large businesses are concerned about industrial espionage. Here, PIs might carry out work such as de-bugging conference rooms.

It is quite common for a PI to 'trail' a suspected person when they are doing individual work or are investigating suspect insurance claims.

This may mean following the suspect by car or on foot. The PI might go into the same place as the suspect, for example, a public house or a health club. In another scenario the PI may sit in a car for several hours to watch a person's home or place of work. PIs might photograph or video what the suspect is doing and who they are meeting.

PIs do legal work for solicitors. This might involve taking witness statements about accidents or crimes or investigating defence alibis. They might sometimes have to give evidence themselves in court as witnesses.

In England, PIs sometimes serve writs and other legal documents, but in Scotland, sheriff officers do this.

Private investigators must keep detailed and accurate records of their work.

Travel is mostly local, but sometimes is further afield. Private investigators work indoors and outdoors, in all kinds of weather.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

As a private investigator you might work alone for long periods. However, at other times you might be part of a surveillance team, so you must to be able to work well with others.

On surveillance work, it is important that you can remain unnoticed for long periods. Self discipline and high levels of concentration are needed, as you may have to stay in one place (perhaps sitting in a car) for a whole day or night.

You must be methodical, precise and objective when gathering evidence as private investigators are bound by the same rules of evidence as the police. You might need some acting skills - you might have to take on another role while working under cover!

You will need a high standard of literacy for writing reports. You also need excellent interpersonal skills, to deal with all kinds of people. If you are taking a statement you need to be able to put people at ease. Dealing with clients in cases such as divorce needs sensitivity. You might find yourself in confrontational situations, dealing with people who are angry or possibly violent.

You should have a good basic knowledge of the law and legal procedure. You should be able to use electronic equipment such as tape recorders, cameras and camcorders.

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Pay and Opportunities

Pay rates for private investigators vary depending on the area of the country they work in and the jobs they do.

The pay rates given below are approximate.

Private investigators earn in the range of £18,000 - £23,000 a year, rising to £27,000 - £32,000. Higher earners can make around £37,000 a year.

Private investigators work long and unsocial hours, often at night or at the weekend.

You could work for a private investigation agency. These are found in most towns and cities throughout the country. Reliable agencies are approved by the Association of British Investigators (ABI) or the Institute of Professional Investigators (IPI). You should make sure that your agency is not likely to expect employees to do illegal work.

Some private investigators are self-employed. In this case they usually charge the client for their time, by the hour. However, setting up can be expensive and it could take some time to get enough business to make a regular income.

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Adult Opportunities

It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Some entrants have skills and abilities gained in the security or legal sector, or with the police, prison service or armed forces.

The Association of British Investigators (ABI) offer short, attended courses (up to six days) in different aspects of private investigation work, and a distance learning course in Civil Enforcement.

• 2% of people who work in occupations such as private investigator are self-employed.
• 11% work part-time.
• 3% have flexible hours.
• 5% of employees work on a temporary basis.

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