Read Private Detective Agency World Facts-
A private detective or investigator is a professional who undertakes the task to investigate
matters and gather information that may help in solving criminal or civil cases. As per the
laws applicable in most states, it is essential to acquire a private investigator license in
order to practice this profession in India or anywhere else in the world.
The Role of a Private Detective in Society
The role of a Private Detective may seem fascinating, thanks to the way these
professionals are portrayed in television serials and movies, however in reality their job
is not that easy. Only a person who possesses strong will, insightfulness, ability to make
quick decisions, innovative bent of mind, resourcefulness, patience and a great sense of
direction can handle this role efficiently.
The job of a Private detective is challenging and it is very likely that one may come
across criminals, con artists and other people involved in illegal activities during the
course of investigations. Such people may persuade you to take up their cases but the
private detective must stay firm and learn how to turn their offers down. This is an art
that most private detectives learn gradually. Working on a case that forces one to break
laws can cost a private detectives his license and is certainly not worth it even if the
remuneration is high.
A private investigator’s task may involve sitting in an office cubicle to conduct
research over the internet, make phone calls and maintain case files or going out in the
field to conduct surveillance, take interviews and gather case related information and
evidences. At times he may be required to stay in a van, car or other similar solitary
confinement for long in order to conduct surveillance on cases.
The job profile of a private detective is such that it may land him / her in risky situations.
There are cases wherein the investigator must be armed in order to protect himself from
harm. Though a private investigator may seek a license to carry arms but that does not in
effect mean that they acquire police powers.
Education Requirement for a Private Detective
Though a degree in criminal justice or police sciences may be helpful in acquiring the
job of a private detective, however there is no formal education requirement for entering
this profession. Many of the private investigators in India practicing currently come from
different professional backgrounds such as insurance, accounting, finance, law, etc. Law
enforcement personnel, military officers, government auditors and intelligence personnel
usually become private investigators after retirement.
Companies operating in the private investigation space mostly seek candidates who are
reliable, bold, determined and resourceful. In order to succeed in this profession one must
also possess good communication skills and have the ability to confront others.
Training For Private Detectives
Acquiring training in subjects like criminal justice may help budding private detectives.
Candidates having a degree in business-related subjects are usually picked by established
private detectives in Mumbai
and Delhi for the position of corporate investigators. Big firms even arrange for formal
training on management structure, business practices and other related subjects for their
corporate investigators. In the US, organizations such as National Association of Legal
Investigators also give out Certified Legal Investigator designations to licensed detectives
who meet certain parameters set by them.
Licensing for Private Investigators
Private investigators in most countries including India need to have a valid license to
carry out their investigations. While some countries require these professionals to attend
training programs, others have very stringent procedures. Candidates are expected
to have a degree in police science, criminal law or justice and possess an experience
of 3 years in any related field. Not just this, the licensing authorities also assess the
candidate’s ability by conducting a written test. In order to acquire firearms permits, a
candidate needs to qualify additional requirements.
Work Environment of a Private Investigator
Private detective agencies are usually small and do not have much scope for growth
though everything depends on the management and how advanced they are in their ability
and desire to succeed. Individuals working in small detective agencies do not have a
defined rank and growth for them mostly means an increase in the salary. However,
corporate investigators who deal with a vast variety of matters related to businesses and
large corporations are flourishing and have hundreds of employees with revenues running
in the tens of millions of dollars every year.
Work Schedule of Private Detectives
Private investigators may have to follow an erratic work schedule in order to meet the
demands of their profession. Working during early morning hours, late evening hours,
on Sundays and other holidays is quite common for these professionals. The job is quite
demanding and private detectives are often faced with the challenge of maintaining a
balance between their professional and personal life.
Services offered by Private Detectives
Contrary to popular belief, private investigators are not only hired to keep an eye on
suspects or to gather evidences but may also offer services such as celebrity protection,
pre-employment verification, etc. They also help attorneys and lawyers in cases
pertaining to personal injury and civil liability, child custody, criminal defense cases,
premarital screening, divorce and cases related to insurance claims.
Equipment Used by Private Detectives
Equipments such as binoculars, still and video cameras, smart phones apps and digital
audio and video recorders are mostly used while conducting surveillance. Private
investigators also obtain information about their suspect’s prior arrests, civil legal
judgments, contact numbers, relatives, friends, colleagues, etc. Computer database
searches come handy while looking for such information.
Employment opportunities for Private Investigators
This profession is attracting more and more educated and qualified individuals these days
and thus competition is growing. Those seeking entry level jobs in the field or opting for
field detective jobs have good prospects and may shine in their profession provided they
show dedication, commitment and motivation to learn and excel.
The employment opportunities for private detectives saw a rise in this year and is likely to
see an upward trend in the years to come. This is because as India’s economy grows by
leaps and bounds, there is a corresponding increase in crime rates, litigation, divorce
cases and the need for the public and corporations to guard valuable assets, intellectual
property and confidential information. Private investigators are seeing a surge in demand
for their services by multinationals and small to medium businesses and entrepreneurs
for keeping a check on financial losses, observing competitor’s activities and averting
industrial spying.
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Author Bio
Amit Sen is the founding partner of Alliance One – which is among the best detective
agencies in Mumbai that specializes in providing thorough Pre Matrimonial
Background Verification Services in Mumbai among other private and corporate
investigation services. Amit is also a trained pilot and an aviator and likes to remain
grounded on the days when he is not flying high.
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