| So you want to be a private investigator, but | | | | thoroughness, self-reliance and accuracy. |
| aren't sure if you have the skills and background | | | | Persistence is a very important attribute. You |
| required? Don't worry! In this article I'll aim to set | | | | might spend days tailing a subject, just to find the |
| out the basic requirements for anyone hoping to | | | | trail suddenly runs cold. Following this you may go |
| work in this field. | | | | to the public records office to look for written |
| Ex-police officers are often particularly attracted | | | | evidence, only to spend several days in a musty |
| to working as private investigators. In general | | | | vault and find nothing! At this stage a professional |
| they tend to be people who possess an inquiring | | | | investigator takes a deep breath (OK, he might |
| mind, an interest in legal matters, and a desire to | | | | just down a single Scotch as well), then decides |
| see justice done. And it is certainly true that skills | | | | on his next line of attack. An amateur simply |
| and experience gained in the police service (not to | | | | gives up. |
| mention the contacts) can come in very handy | | | | Curiosity is another essential attribute without |
| for a PI. | | | | which you'll get nowhere. It's a good idea to bear |
| Having a police background is by no means | | | | in mind the six prompts used by the investigative |
| essential, however. Anyone, potentially, can | | | | journalist: what, why, when, where, how, who. |
| become a private investigator. You don't need | | | | Every answer to every problem can eventually |
| any special abilities or qualifications (though in | | | | be found using those six words. |
| some US states and in certain other countries | | | | Academically, it helps to have a reasonable |
| you will have to apply for a license). A lack of | | | | command of English for producing reports and |
| educational qualifications is no barrier to success, | | | | other written communications. |
| and you certainly do not have to be male. Many | | | | Some personal characteristics are simply not |
| private investigators are women, who tend to | | | | compatible with this business. For example, |
| predominate in matrimonial and domestic areas of | | | | prudishness is rarely a good trait for the |
| the business. | | | | investigator who may have to observe and |
| Certain personal characteristics are desirable, | | | | photograph people in compromising positions in |
| though most will come with time and experience. | | | | order to establish infidelity. And being squeamish |
| Assertiveness and persistence are important, | | | | won't win you any favors from insurance |
| along with good eyesight (aided by glasses or | | | | companies needing you to investigate serious |
| contact lenses if necessary) and observation skills. | | | | industrial injuries, arson attacks, and people |
| And, if you're not the kind of person who relishes | | | | disfigured by road accidents. |
| sitting in a car all night keeping tabs on a 'suspect', | | | | One thing you must have is the ability to remain |
| then you are unlikely to make a good investigator. | | | | detached. You can't side with one party to a |
| This is one of very few opportunities where you | | | | marital disagreement, for example, if you're |
| don't have to be young to succeed. In fact, older | | | | working for the other party. |
| investigators are often hired in preference to | | | | Finally, it is a fallacy to suppose that you have to |
| younger, inexperienced, less streetwise individuals. | | | | be super fit. OK, a reasonable general level of |
| Maturity and common sense are crucial. | | | | fitness is desirable, but you certainly don't have to |
| Skills -- physical and acquired -- depend on the | | | | pump iron in the gym every day. Much more |
| kind of work you specialize in. Private eye Irwin | | | | important is stamina -- the ability to keep going |
| Blye has more than thirty years' experience. In his | | | | over long periods without flagging. On a |
| book 'Secrets of a Private Eye' he lists the | | | | surveillance, for example, you may have to |
| essential personal characteristics for success as | | | | remain alert long past normal working hours. |
| diligence, good observation, being prepared, | | | | If you have a reasonable mix of these skills and |
| resourcefulness, creativity, inquisitiveness, patience | | | | aptitudes, then congratulations -- you are |
| and neutrality. Fellow author and experienced | | | | potentially well suited to working in this fascinating |
| investigator Edward Smith says the most | | | | and challenging occupation. |
| important traits of all are objectivity, | | | | |