Request A Callback From An Investigator

What Does It Take to Become a Private Investigator?

Many people have had thoughts of becoming private investigators. However, many people usually don't end up working as private investigators.

The work of a private detective can be quite demanding. On top of that, there are certain skills and knowledge that a typical private investigator will need to have if they're to do their work effectively. Although some of these skills and knowledge can be acquired on the job, having them beforehand can make it easier for you to become a private investigator.


Skills Of A Good Private Investigator

There are certain skills that are key to the private investigation industry.

These skills include:

  • Good Communication Skills: Once you become a private investigator, you'll have to consult with clients, conduct interviews with witnesses or even give testimony in a court of law.
  • Computer Skills: Once you become a private detective you'll realise much of the information you'll be looking for is online or in computer databases, so having the skills to discover or uncover this information stored on computers or the internet will be vital.
  • Photography Skills: Taking photos is a major part of many private investigators' job. This involves the use of both spy cameras and standard cameras. Photographs provide excellent evidence and you may need to take the photos under challenging conditions.
  • Organization Skills: When you become a private investigator, you may find yourself juggling more than one case at any given time. Have good organisation skills will ensure each case is given proper attention and simple mistakes are avoided.

Characteristics Of A Good Private Investigator

As a private investigator, having skills is good. However, it takes more than the right skillset to succeed in private investigation.

You'll need to have or to develop certain characteristics so as to become an effective investigator.

These characteristics include:

  • Good judgement: You'll need to judge situations, people and information and make the right inference.
  • A people person: Being able to go out and talk to people is an important part of the information gathering process.
  • Integrity: You may have access to information that can do a lot of damage in the wrong hands.
  • Patience: Some cases may take long hours of surveillance or just waiting
  • Able to handle frustration: There will be plenty of frustration in many cases. You should be able to handle this.
  • Intelligent: Not every case will be straightforward. You may have to figure out creative solutions to various situations.

What Knowledge Should A Private Investigator Have

A private investigator should possess a great deal of knowledge. This will give them the ability to take on many different cases.

However, even a private investigator who only works on specific types of cases will need to know things such as:

  • Legal procedures: If evidence is corrected improperly, it will be tainted and could lead to serious consequences for the investigator.
  • The law: It's important to understand the legal implications of the investigation and the results of the investigation.
  • Who to contact to get access to certain information or people: Having knowledge of who to talk to can help you to avoid lengthy delays while you wait for information.

Depending on where you're working or who your client is, it may even be helpful to know how to read and write more than one language.


What Kind Of Experience Is Important In Private Investigation?

Experience isn't necessary for one to become a professional detective. However, it can boost your abilities and standing if you've previously worked in certain capacities.

For example:

  • A person who's worked as a private investigator's apprentice will have knowledge of what the work entails and will be able to easily become an investigator in their own right.
  • A person that's worked in law enforcement will have good knowledge of investigation techniques and legal procedures.
  • A person that has served in the armed forces will have the right mindset and skills to handle the challenges that come with the toughest cases.
  • Someone who's worked in accounting will have the skills needed to quickly analyze financial information. Following financial information is a common method used in private investigation.


Related Articles