What is the Role of a Private Investigator

The role of an Investigator is a fascinating one as-people with access to legitimate unpublished
the investigator can find his/her roles differ frominformation which they are willing to give freely. It
day to day, but there are fundamentals within theis therefore incumbent as an investigator to
job that should never change. The Investigator isconstantly develop sources of information,
one whom, through patient enquiry, observation,together with cultivating contacts with meaningful
careful and accurate examination, obtainspeople that will increase your effectiveness in
legitimately requested information for the use andyour practice of the profession.
benefit of the client, and upon which reliableAlso as an Investigator there are other sources
decisions are made.available, from the local library and publications. It
The Professional Investigator should be highly selfshould be noted that as an investigator it is
motivated, a quick thinker, have patience,advised you join their local library, where
competent and honest. The mark of a trueinformation can be readily available to the general
professional is the ability to successfully deal withpublic with a little time spent researching.
people from all walks of life, whether as a client,The list below covers various Acts which are
contact or subject of an enquiry. The investigatorimportant for an Investigator to have a good
should display confidence, sincerity and respectworking knowledge of.
and carry out all Investigations diligently,• The Human Rights Act 1998
thoroughly and proficiently.• The Freedom of Information Act 2000
Within the industry the Investigator can find they• The Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984
investigate on a variety of work which can vary• The Consumer Credit Act 1974
from:• The Data Protection Act 1998
• Commercial assignments.• The Computer Misuse Act 1990
• Industrial assignments.• The Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act
• Private client assignments.2000
Commercial Assignments.• The Criminal Justice and Public Order Act
Commercial assignment is when the Investigator1994
will be carrying out work on behalf of: Solicitors-• The Private Security Industry Act 2001
Financial Instructions- Local Authorities-• The Telecommunication (Lawful Business
Government departments- InsurancePractice) (Interception of Communications)
organisations- Companies and Utilities.Regulations 2000
Industrial Assignments.As an Investigator you will need some personal
This type of instruction would mainly deal withqualities which will help you in this role as you will
finding effective solutions to problems experiencedfind yourself working for all types of people from
by clients in the manufacturing, distribution,all walks of life. You will need to be able to
technological services and retail industries.communicate with these people effectively.
Private Client Assignments.You will also cover a very wide range of work
The private sector covers a vast range offrom carrying out surveillance on a subject who is
assignments as diverse as locating a stolen cat,believed to be stealing from your client to
tracing missing persons and dealing withsecretly filming an illicit affair in a restaurant.
matrimonial enquiries. This could also include dealingIt is important you understand the sources of
with all types of civil and criminal investigations.information there is available to you and the way
Sources of Information:to access this information, including various Acts
The investigator has a number of sourceswhich will give you a good working knowledge and
available to gain the required information to helpadditional information which will help become the
investigate on instructions from clients. Theseprofessional Investigator you want to become.
include public records and websites. Local contacts