Private investigators carry out undercover enquiries for a variety of clients, which can include solicitors, insurance companies, councils, private companies and individuals. They ask questions, analyse information and carry out background research.

The work of an investigator can involve:

• surveillance
• fraud investigation
• missing persons enquiries
• investigating insurance claims 
• presenting legal documents (process serving)
• commercial piracy
• personnel vetting.

Many private investigators are self-employed or work freelance. They use computers to process detailed reports and they often maintain their own accounts.

Hours and Environment

As a private investigator you can work irregular hours, which may include up to 12 hours a day. Late nights and weekends are also common.

You will carry out some work in the office, however, you will also spend a lot of time travelling and gathering information. A driving licence is usually essential for this work.

Skills and Interests

As a private investigator, you will need:

• strong communication skills, both spoken and written
• excellent observational skills
• the self-confidence to present information in court
• basic computer skills and a knowledge of the law
• honesty and integrity
• the ability to work independently
• a logical approach to your work
• a good level of physically fitness
• patience and perseverance.

Entry

You do not need to have formal 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. 

You may be able to gain relevant work experience with a local private investigator; check the Association of British Investigators (ABI) website for details. You can also get the Process Servers Guide from the ABI - knowledge of this may increase your chances of securing work, presenting/serving legal documents.

The Private Security Industry Act 2001, outlines a system for regulating the sector, which includes private investigators. Towards the end of 2007, the Security Industry Authority (SIA) expects to be publishing full details of their approach to licensing. Check the SIA website (in Further Information) for details.

A driving licence is usually essential for this work.

Training

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 NVQ levels 3 and 4 in Investigations.

You can also take courses and qualifications offered by the Institute of Professional Investigators (IPI), and the Association of British Investigators (ABI). Check their websites (in Further Information) for a list of courses and training providers.

As a private investigator, you may benefit from learning self-defence.

Opportunities

Opportunities for work have increased in this area, and investigators are taking on more work previously done by the police. Competition for work can be strong.

As a private investigator, you will find most opportunities for work with investigation agencies. Agencies will usually want you to have experience, which you may be able to gain through part-time or temporary work. 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 and IPI on their websites. Many private investigators, however, are self-employed with their own agency. 

Opportunities for progression will vary depending on the size of the agency. Larger agencies may provide you with the opportunity to progress to senior investigator or team manager. You may also have the option of working abroad, for example, on a commercial piracy case.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

New private investigators can earn between £10,000 and £12,000 a year.
Experienced and salaried private investigators may earn £14,000 to £20,000.
Self-employed investigators may earn £20,000 to £25,000 a year.
Top salaries in corporate investigation for those with detailed legal knowledge can be £50,000 to £100,000 a year.

Further information

PO Box 9
Newcastle Upon Tyne
NE82 6YX
Tel: 0870 243 0100 83 Guildfort Street
Chertsey
Surrey
KT16 9JL
Tel: 0870 330 8622 27 Old Gloucester Street
London
WC1N 3XX
Tel: 0871 474 0006