Private investigator

Private investigators use skills of observation and detection to find information that will be useful to their clients. They carry out their work for individuals, companies and solicitors. They keep detailed records and write reports, so that clients can make informed decisions.

Work activities

Private investigators (PIs) gather information lawfully that will be useful to their clients. They do this through observation, detection, surveillance, interviews and research. Then they analyse the information and report to their clients, so that the clients can make an informed decision.

The work of a PI falls into three areas: individual, corporate, and legal. It often takes place in the area of civil law rather than criminal law. Individual work is done when a member of the public hires an investigator. This could involve, for example, tracing missing persons, tracing natural parents on behalf of children or gathering evidence against nuisance neighbours. A PI might also spend time observing the actions of someone who – according to the client – is acting improperly (for example, in a divorce case). Corporate work can be for large or small businesses or government organisations. PIs might investigate individuals, groups or companies who the client suspects are, for example, making false insurance claims. Sometimes a business needs to combat theft by employees and might ask a PI to observe them. PIs might also try to trace people who owe money to a company. Some large businesses are concerned about industrial espionage. There are opportunities here for PIs to do work such as de-bugging conference rooms.

At the start of a case, the PI will discuss options for investigation with the client and advise on suitable methods. A plan will then be agreed. It is quite common for the PI to “trail” a suspected person when they are doing individual work or are investigating suspect insurance claims. This could mean following the suspect by car or on foot. The PI will sometimes go into the same environment as the suspect, for example, a pub or a health club. In another case, the PI might have to sit in a car for several hours to keep watch on a person’s home or place of work. They might photograph or film what the suspect is doing and who they are meeting. PIs often use public records and the internet for some of their research, for example, looking for names and addresses.

Legal work is done for solicitors. It usually involves taking witness statements about accidents or crimes, tracing people who have been left something in a will, investigating defence alibis, and serving writs, court orders and other legal documents. Private investigators have to keep detailed and accurate records of their work and write reports for their clients. They keep information secure and confidential. Travel is mostly throughout the local area, but sometimes further away. Private investigators work indoors and outdoors, in all kinds of weather. They often work unsocial hours.

Personal qualities and skills

As a private investigator, you’ll need:

To be able to work alone for long periods of time, and to work effectively with others in a team.
The ability to remain unnoticed when on surveillance work.
Self-discipline, patience and high levels of concentration; you might have to remain in one place (sitting in a car, for example) for a whole day or night.
To be observant, methodical, precise and objective.
A high standard of literacy for writing reports.
To manage a caseload and keep accurate records.
Excellent interpersonal skills, as you’ll deal with all kinds of people, who might be impatient, upset or angry.
To be able to put people at ease when interviewing them or taking a statement.
To assess people and analyse the information they give you.
Sensitivity when dealing with clients in cases such as divorce.
A good up-to-date knowledge of relevant laws, regulations and legal procedures.
The ability to treat information as confidential.
Research and IT skills.
To be able to use electronic equipment such as digital audio recorders, cameras and camcorders.
A full driving licence.

While it is important to be reasonably fit and to have good eyesight, there are no health requirements set out by the industry.

Pay and opportunities

Pay rates for private investigators vary depending on the area of the country and their duties.

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

Employers are private investigation agencies. Opportunities for private investigators occur in towns and cities throughout the UK. Most opportunities are in the larger cities.

Some private investigators work independently as self-employed investigators. However, setting up can be expensive and it could be some time before a regular income is achieved. Franchise businesses are available.

Where are vacancies advertised?

Vacancies are advertised in local newspapers and agency websites.

Entry routes and training

Pursuing a career as a detective with the police service might be a good first step if you wish to become a private investigator. You could also take on a role in the investigation team at an organisation such as a bank or credit reference agency to gain experience and skills. A degree in law could also provide you with the legal knowledge to excel in this role.

Private investigatory law is currently undergoing a period of change. In order to make it better regulated, licensing laws are being tightened so that agencies are more closely monitored and can be held more accountable for their actions.

Qualifications

There are currently no set entry requirements to become a private investigator. This is under review and in future you may need to complete recognised training and be licensed by the Security Industry Authority (SIA) before you can operate as a private investigator.

Private investigators can progress by taking on more specialist work or higher profile clients. Some private investigators start their own business.

Adult opportunities

Age limits: 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 developed skills by working in the security or legal sector, or with the police or prison service.

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