Private investigators carry out professional investigations for a variety of clients. They work with solicitors, insurance companies, councils, private companies and individuals. The work can be very varied, with no two days being the same. Types of work include:
Private investigators are usually self-employed, running their own agencies. Work is regularly sub-contracted between agencies, particularly process serving and surveillance.
There are a limited number of opportunities to work for larger agencies, and within investigation departments of larger companies, such as risk management consultancies and security businesses.
There are no formal qualifications required to start as a private investigator. Experience in a related field, such as police, military police or other security work, would be an advantage, but is not essential. Many private investigators come from other backgrounds and succeed in investigation as a second career choice.
The Private Security Industry Act 2001 came into force in 2001. It was introduced to licence the private security industry. A body called the Security Industry Authority (www.the-sia.org.uk) was created to manage licensing. They have implemented licensing for most sectors; they have two left including private investigators. 2007 they issued a partial Regulatory Impact Assessment setting out options for licensing. Early 2008 they issued a statement saying that licensing was to be introduced and there would be a competency criteria - you would have to gain a qualification before you could apply for a licence.
Early in 2009 the Security Industry Authority issued a statement to the Association of British Investigators that licencing would go ahead in 2011/12, but they have so far not announced the timetable for this. Summer 2009 they endorsed a qualification from EDI.
Most investigators are waiting for more information from the SIA before taking the exam; just in case the timetable slips again. This does not stop you starting in the industry. You can start today. But you do need to be aware that licensing is going to happen, and you will have to gain a qualification sometime in the future to be able to apply for a licence.
As a private investigator, you will need:
There are 4 routes to a career as a private investigator - buy a franchise, buy an existing detective agency, start on your own, work for an existing detective agency.
Franchising is the fast-track route to running your own detective agency. All the benefits of running your own agency, with the backing of an established business helping and guiding you.
As most detective agencies are one-man businesses, without the structures to support a new owner, there are few opportunities for new entrants.
Many agencies start this way. Training is essential. PI Professional is a 4 day training course and support package.
There are few opportunities for employment with existing agencies as most are small.
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