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Private Investigator

Do you want to become a Private Investigator? Here is some information to help point you in the right direction:

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A private investigator finds out information about people or businesses. This might involve:

• working for a family trying to trace a missing relative
• working for an insurance company checking the facts of an accident claim
• researching an individual's past and identity on behalf of a business client
• following an employee suspected of fraud
• carrying out computer crime investigations.

The work can involve doing research work on computers, spending time tracing documents, questioning people and taking statements, or carrying out covert surveillance tasks.

Private investigators usually work from an office, but they may have to travel all over the country, and sometimes overseas. They work irregular and unsociable hours, including nights and weekends.

They can be out in all weathers, following someone for hours, or sitting in a car watching someone's house.

Salaries start at around £15,000. Investigators with specialist qualifications and experience can earn £60,000.

A private investigator should:

• work methodically and thoroughly research all the facts
• be able to operate a range of technological equipment
• be patient, persistent and curious, when necessary
• work well alone and within teams of other investigators
• be interested in gathering and analysing information.

Private investigators can work for companies that specialise in a range of investigative and security services. It is possible to specialise in certain areas, such as computer crime.

No academic qualifications are required, but many investigators have previous experience in a security role or have been in the police or military.

Apprenticeships may be available through some employers.

All private investigators will soon have to be licensed through the Security Industry Authority and will have to prove they have the relevant skills and knowledge to carry out the role.

There are NVQs/SVQs in Investigations at Levels 3 and 4.

Promotion within larger agencies is to senior investigative or management roles. Many private investigators become self-employed.

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