Private Investigator
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, you would ask questions and analyse information to carry out background research. Your work could also include:
- surveillance
- fraud investigation
- missing persons enquiries
- investigating insurance claims
- 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 qualifications to start work as a private investigator. However, a good general education and experience in a security related field would be helpful. Business skills are also important because most opportunities in this area involve working as a freelance or self-employed investigator.
The Academy of Professional Investigation (API) runs a BTEC Level 3 Advanced Diploma in Private Investigation, which can be used as a first step into this career. With this qualification you may have an advantage when looking for work experience or paid work with an agency.
The Association of British Investigators (ABI) has details of local private investigators you could contact about gaining experience. The ABI also produces the Process Servers Guide – knowledge of this 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?
Once you are working as a private investigator with an agency, for example, you will usually receive training on the job from your employer. You can support this by working towards qualifications such as NVQ Level 3 in Intelligence Analysis.
There is a range of courses you could do to develop your skills and knowledge in this area, for example:
- the Association of British Investigators (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 done before or after you start work in this field.
Where can I go for more information?
27 Old Gloucester StreetLondon
WC1N 3XX
Tel: 0871 474 0006
Liverpool
L69 1AX
Tel: 0844 892 1025
Chertsey
Surrey
KT16 9JL
Tel: 0870 330 8622
3-5 Clair Road
Haywards Heath
West Sussex
RH16 3DP
Tel: 01444 441 111
London
W1J 9HG
Tel: 08709 099 970
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
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Private investigators can start on around £10,000 to £15,000 a year.
- With experience this can rise to around £20,000.
- Self-employed investigators can earn around £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?
- strong 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.
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 will find most job opportunities with investigation agencies, and although there is no single regulatory body for this field, you can find a list of agencies 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.
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