Private work with the best private investigator find out information and solve cases of their own accord, either working independently or for a private investigation firm. A criminal justice degree, along with law enforcement training and work experience, is typically required. Some private detectives start their own agency, while others choose to work as assistants in a large firm before becoming independent. Private investigators often work long hours and may need to travel to various locations for research or surveillance.

Performing background checks is a common duty of a private investigator, and this can be an essential service for businesses that want to reduce their risk of legal liability due to employees with a history of fraud or other illegal activities. This involves accessing public records to check for licensing, small claim judgments, bankruptcies, state and federal tax liens and other judgments or defaults. Private investigators also use public databases and interview acquaintances to track down people who have changed their name, address, telephone number or Social Security number. This can be challenging, especially when they must use clever pretenses to gain information from individuals who are not inclined or willing to collaborate with the investigation.

Unveiling the Mystery: The Life and Work of a Private Investigator

Finding the perpetrator of a crime may not seem to have much in common with running a background check on an applicant for a job or investigating the legitimacy of an insurance claim, but all these investigations involve analyzing facts, making conclusions and reporting back to clients. These skills are not easily learned on the job, so aspiring PIs should consider going to school to acquire an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, criminology or forensic science.