A private investigator’s life may seem to be action-packed in books and the screen. Imagine the popular ones like Sherlock Holmes and Nancy Drew. They would usually be the first ones to be on a crime scene, ready to collect evidence that will lead to the culprit.
They work in cramped, poorly lit offices with tons of paperwork on the desk and cigarette on hand. They play as charismatic individuals solving the crime and chasing criminals with cunning expertise. For a lot of avid viewers and readers, private investigators are cape-less heroes.
But in real life, their lives are different in writing and on screen. In fact, a private investigator undergoes training programs. This will ensure their success in their field.
What they do
Real-life private investigators collaborate with lawyers to collect pieces of evidence for various cases. They make it their living by consolidating information. This information will help strengthen the evidence for a certain case.
Aside from lawyers, private investigators also work for businesses and private individuals. Many private investigators or PIs are self-employed. But some also work for agencies, financial, business, and security organizations. Like doctors, private investigators also have their respective expertise.
For one, some work as corporate investigators. Others specialize in intellectual property rights. In other words, private investigators need a detailed investigation to solve a case. Private investigators can also be detectives. But they are different from police detectives.
The former works for private individuals and entities, while the latter works under the government. Unlike private investigators, police detectives can arrest wrongdoers. In the movies, private investigators get in trouble while collecting shreds of evidence along the way.
The result is a thrilling, action-packed storyline in which lead star will be the hero, and the antagonist will end up behind bars. This may not always be the case in real life. Still, real-life PI’s may have to work harder to collect evidence and present it to the client or the court.
Required training
Private investigators need to undergo training and get a license to work as one. They also need to have attention to details as they will gather a lot of data to back up a case. Sometimes, they may have to get out of their way to do their tasks, making sure not to break the rule of law.
These individuals need to have wide knowledge in all fields. This is to ensure success in their chosen profession. They will also need to have some kind of training in their chosen specialization to qualify for a license. To get a license, they would have to do a standard training course approved by the state.
The entire training course may include, among a few:
- Arrest procedures
- Firearms and non-lethal weapons raining
- Driving (evasive and pursuit)
- Surveillance basics
- Research and investigative training
A private investigator’s life might not always be as glamorous as what we see in the movies. Still, real-life PI’s deserve recognition, thanks for their hard work and dedication for their chosen career. They are the few ones who would spend their time collecting facts and ensuring satisfaction for their clients.