22 July 2010 - 16:18
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Private Investigators - 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, your enquiries 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 analysing 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.
You may further increase your chances of securing paid work if you take a course such as the Academy of Professional Investigation (API) BTEC Level 3 Advanced Diploma in Private Investigation. Check with the API for course details and arrangements.
You can contact local private investigators directly to find out about work shadowing opportunities and/or vacancies; see the Association of British Investigators (ABI) website for a list of investigators. The ABI also produce the Process Servers Guide, which 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?
Your training will vary depending on the circumstances of your employment. For example, if you have a franchise with an investigation company, you may have access to a range of courses as part of your franchise agreement.
If you are working as an employee with an agency, you will usually receive training on the job from your employer.
As a sole practitioner, you would need to organise your own training.
There is a range of courses available that could help you develop your skills and knowledge, for example:
- the 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 completed before or after you start work in this field.
Once working, you could go on to take an NVQ Level 3 in Intelligence Analysis.
Where can I go for more information?
PO Box 1293
Liverpool
L69 1AX
Tel: 0844 892 1025
www.sia.homeoffice.gov.uk
27 Old Gloucester Street
London
WC1N 3XX
Tel: 0871 474 0006
www.theabi.org.uk
Part of Seagal Investigations
212 Piccadilly
London
W1J 9HG
Tel: 08709 099 970
www.wapi.com
Clair House
3-5 Clair Road
Haywards Heath
West Sussex
RH16 3DP
Tel: 01444 441 111
www.pi-academy.com
