Investigators or private detectives are hired by individuals or companies to conduct investigations on a specific topic. From collecting evidence that a spouse is cheating to investigating fraud within a company, the work of a private detective can vary widely. However, thanks to movies and books, many of us have a romanticized (and distorted) view of what private detectives actually do and how the job gets done. Click through the gallery to find out what it’s really like to be a private investigator.
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romantic distortion
Many of us have a very romantic idea of the work of a private detective, thanks to movies and books, for example. But just as most spies don’t dress in tuxedos drinking martinis, it’s highly unlikely you’ll find a private investigator in a trench coat and fedora.
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training
So, is it necessary to go to university to be a private detective? No, but it can help. A private detective with a college degree may be better suited for the job.
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training
Having a college degree will also help a private investigator land a job with a company. Although there is no specific qualification for future private investigators, the following may be good options: Law, Computer Forensics, Business Management, Criminal Justice or Criminology, and even Political Science.
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Most private detectives need a license.
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License
In the US, for example, there are different laws and regulatory bodies, depending on the state. Some states, such as Alaska and Wyoming, do not require investigators to have a specific private detective license, but a business license is often required.
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They have to know the law
Although private detectives are not lawyers, it is very helpful if they are up to date with the law. Especially in the areas in which they specialize. Going it alone, as some private investigators do in the movies, will probably bring them serious problems with the law.
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They have to know the law
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They must be tech savvy
The days of pencil and paper, binoculars and video cameras are over. Things are much more sophisticated now, and private investigators need to stay on top of the latest technologies.
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They must be tech savvy
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Customers
Detectives work with a wide variety of clients, so communication skills are a must. Not only that, but they will need great people skills in general to be able to talk and get the information they need from individuals (both clients and those they talk to throughout an investigation).
Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you buy something using the recommended links on this page.
Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you buy something using the recommended links on this page.
Types of clients
Other examples are the tightwad (for whom money determines whether or not to hire the private investigator) and the miracle seeker (who barely gives the private investigator information to work with).
Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you buy something using the recommended links on this page.
Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you buy something using the recommended links on this page.
Chores
Some of the tasks carried out by private detectives are background checks, conducting interrogations, searching for missing persons or investigating public and judicial records.
Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you buy something using the recommended links on this page.
Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you buy something using the recommended links on this page.
They don’t work from 9 to 5
A private investigator’s work schedule can be unpredictable, depending on what you’re working on. “It’s hard to set specific work hours when you’re a private investigator,” notes the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
