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
http://www.the-sia.org.uk
Clair House
3-5 Clair Road
Haywards Heath
West Sussex
RH16 3DP
Tel: 01444 441 111
http://www.pi-academy.com
212 Piccadilly
London
W1J 9HG
Tel: 08709 099 970
http://www.wapi.com
83 Guildfort Street
Chertsey
Surrey
KT16 9JL
Tel: 0870 330 8622
http://www.ipi.org.uk
27 Old Gloucester Street
London
WC1N 3XX
Tel: 0871 474 0006
http://www.theabi.org.uk
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning
adviser, call
0800 100 900 or
use our online
enquiry form
Alternatively, you can visit our website at:
www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice
What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Private investigators may earn between £12,500 and
£25,000 a year.
- Top salaries in corporate investigation, for those with
detailed legal knowledge, can be £50,000 to £100,000 a
year.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
Your hours of work could be irregular and include nights and
weekends, and up to 12 hour shifts.
You would work in an office, however, you would also spend a lot
of time travelling and gathering information.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- good spoken and written communication skills
- excellent observational skills
- strong analytical skills
- self-confidence to present information in court
- basic computer skills
- a knowledge of the law
- honesty and integrity
- the ability to work independently
- a logical approach to your work
- patience and perseverance
- empathy with clients who may be distressed by your
findings.
What opportunities are there?
Opportunities for work have increased in this area, and
investigators are taking on more work previously done by the
police. However, competition for work is still strong.
You could find work as an employee with an investigation agency
or buy a franchise, which may combine working alone with the
benefits and contacts associated with being part of a larger
organisation. Alternatively you could set up on your own as a sole
practitioner. The success of your business will depend on your
investigative skills, knowledge and experience, but also on your
ability to advertise, market and sell your services.
Although there is no single regulatory body for this field, you
can find a list of agencies (and potential employers) who meet the
professional standards of the ABI, IPI and WAPI on their websites.
You could also check publications such as the
Professional Security
Magazine for job opportunities.
With experience, you could progress to senior investigator or
team manager, or set-up your own agency and have other
investigators working for you.
