How to become .... a private investigator

If you've ever toyed with the idea of becoming a private investigator as a career choice, then read on. MyVillage caught up with London-based private investigator Paul Hawkes, of Research Associates to find out just what it takes to become a private investigator.

What qualifications do you need?
No formal qualifications are currently needed. However, various courses are available offering NVQ Level 3 and 4 in investigation. However, last year, Parliament passed The Private Security Industry Act, which will in the near future regulate all private investigators who will need to be licensed to practice.

What skills do you need to use as a private investigator?
An interest in looking beyond the surface and an interest in all facets of human nature and basic psychology are paramount to being a happy investigator! It is also an advantage to be able to communicate well, have or learn active listening skills and develop an ability to make a distinction between facts/or data and judgement/supposition.

Is it possible to get work experience in this field?
It may be possible to get work experience, but a novice is very likely to be taken on to carry out relatively menial tasks. However, a determined potential investigator will overcome blocks and find a way.

Do people think you have a strange profession, and how do you explain it?
People do see the investigation industry as a strange profession to be in (mostly due to TV/Film images of Private Investigators). What a professional investigator offers is a clarification of factual data or 'the truth'. I explain that a professional investigator is less involved in 'invasion of privacy', but more involved in 'invasion of secrecy'. Most commercial frauds are solved using a professional investigator.

What's your favourite part of the job?
Being able to solve seemingly impossible problems and 'pulling the rabbit out of the hat'. Witnessing clients happy with my service.

Least favourite?
Serving Summons. This is seen by most as drudgery and a glorified courier service.

What other fields could you go into from being a private investigator?
Many investigators develop their skills and get more involved in the numerous complex and interesting cases on offer to expert investigators. There is never an end to learning new skills in the investigation industry.

Contact Details
Research Associates - Private and Corporate Investigators
282 Latimer Rd N10 6QW
tel: 0207 854 9000

www.investigationservices.co.uk
paulhawkes@investigationservices.co.uk

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