But if you are seriously considering private investigation services as a career option, here are some facts that may help you take a decision. Some of the most common types of cases handled by private investigators include tracing missing persons, verifying the antecedents of a potential employee or a potential marriage partner, cases of marital infidelity, embezzlement and fraud, industrial espionage and in some cases , criminal investigation, search credit reports, birth and death records, marriage licenses, tax filings, news reports, and legal filings. Some private investigation service agencies have also diversified into providing trained bodyguards and security personnel. The techniques used by private investigators in their investigations include fingerprinting, photography, voice and video recording, shadowing and the concepts of forensic science.
Private investigators begin their work after being assigned the case and all relevant details.
A private investigator may work alone or with teams depending on the strength of the organisation. Private investigators do not have any authority under law to detain or interrogate anyone and have to use their ingenuity in gathering proof of unethical or unlawful activities. Any further action is up to the client. To be a good private investigator you need lots of patience, good power of observation, an eye for detail, an analytical mind and love for adventure. Often private investigators have to work long and odd hours for days on end.