A career in private investigation is versatile, and many people look to it as an alternative career option. There is a growing demand for private investigators. This is mainly due to the increase in the number of crimes and the resulting fear and stress, an increase in litigation and the need for special investigative techniques. The Internet has opened up a whole new world for the business of private investigation and has made it much easier to track operations.

nature of work

Private investigators use different types of surveillance to determine facts and gather information. They offer assistance in legal, financial and personal cases, to lawyers, companies and individuals. Private investigators are trained to perform physical surveillance and computer database searches that allow them to obtain the required information on any subject. The career requires that you work closely with the police and the law. The job of a private investigator involves questioning suspects and criminals and filing complaints against them and testifying in court of law. The duties of a private investigator generally depend on the services demanded by clients and employers.

Working conditions

A career in private investigation involves irregular work hours. Private investigators travel a lot to keep an eye on the subject or to gather more information about a particular case. The work environment could be a luxurious boardroom or a bar. They generally work alone, except during interrogations. Your job involves confrontations at times and this can be stressful and dangerous. Law enforcement investigators must also be armed.

Required skills

Essential skills for a career in private investigation involve not being afraid of confrontation, good communication skills, a high level of intelligence to think and act on your feet, good cross-examination skills, and the ability to present the facts properly to a jury.

specializations

A career in private investigation often involves specialization. For example, legal investigators specialize in cases related to the law and are employed by law firms or lawyers. Corporate investigators conduct investigations, both external and internal, for various corporations, while financial investigators are hired to make confidential reports on individuals or companies suspected of being potential parties to large financial transactions. To safeguard the assets of large retail stores, store detectives or loss prevention agents are employed and are expected to identify anyone attempting to steal merchandise or destroy store property.

Education and formation

There is no formal education or training available for a career in private investigation. Skills are expected to be inherent. However, employers prefer high school or college graduates, along with some training in criminal justice, forensic science, law enforcement, and security administration. Those who are self-employed generally come from a background where they have worked in the related field for a while. In the US, most states prefer licensed private investigators, although the requirements for various licensing authorities differ.

career outlook

A career in private investigation offers excellent opportunities for self-employment. Nearly one in four private investigators is self-employed. Stiff competition is expected as the career attracts highly-skilled individuals with experience in law enforcement and the military.