How to become a Private Investigator

What does a Private Investigator do?

Need a new career? Sometimes you just need to do a little digging…

Private Investigators (also known as PIs) are freelance detectives, hired by individuals to secretly collect evidence on a particular case.

Potential cases they’re involved with could include everything from suspected theft, identity theft, and fraud, through to personal issues, like investigating a cheating spouse or tracking down missing persons. Some Private Investigators may also be employed by Lawyers and Solicitors to help gather information.

Typical duties for a Private Investigator could include:

Surveillance and counter-surveillance
Taking pictures and compiling evidence
Interviewing witnesses and conducting research
Conducting background checks and running credit reports
Process serving
Performing due diligence and debt recovery

Is a career as a Private Investigator right for me?

To become a Private Investigator, it will take excellent observation and surveillance skills, not to mention patience.

In fact, despite the glamorous portraits of PIs often portrayed on TV, you’ll often be shadowing people for days, if not weeks, on end - with very little action going on at all. In these instances, your concentration skills will also often be tested. Just one false move could ruin the whole operation.

If you find it difficult to blend into a crowd, this may not be your true calling.

Other key skills for a Private Investigator include:

Excellent research skills
Honesty and integrity
Attention to detail
Analytical and communication skills
The ability to work on your own for long periods
Tact and empathy

Explore your opportunities

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Career progression and salary expectations for a Private Investigator

The average starting salary for a Private Investigator can vary.

Get qualified as a Private Investigator

You won't necessarily need specific qualifications to become a Private Investigator, but having relevant skills, knowledge, and possibly certifications is advantageous. Many Private Investigators come from backgrounds in law enforcement or the military, bringing with them skills such as attention to detail, critical thinking, and problem-solving.

While there's no mandatory degree requirement, having a solid understanding of relevant laws and regulations, particularly regarding privacy and surveillance, is essential. Specialising in areas such as digital forensics or insurance fraud investigation can also be beneficial.

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What's it like to be a Private Investigator?

"I love my job. It’s kind of like being a detective, but with a bit more practical work thrown in. Don’t get me wrong, being a Private Investigator is hard work. The hours are long, the days are pretty lonely, and surveillance can be really, really boring. But the cases I work on are really interesting, and what I do can help catch criminals and change people’s lives. The best part is probably the variety. I could be working on an identity theft case one day, and helping someone track down their real parents the next. I’d say no two days are the same – if I didn’t hate that expression so much."