Different Types of Private Detectives and Investigators
The work of private detectives is not easy. They have such erratic working hours. You could find private detectives crouching behind bushes at ungodly hours if the work requires for them to do so. The job involves long hours of waiting and surveillance which requires a lot of patience from these detectives. Most of them are self-employed, so they have to rely on their own resources and skills in order to earn money. It’s difficult to find employment and get paid on a regular basis. The difficulty in looking for employment is not due to stunted employment growth in the industry but rather to the numerous competitions seeking the same position. Usually, these competitions are equipped with knowledge or experience in law enforcement or government intelligence.
States do not require formal training or education for private investigators or detectives. Most of these detectives have prior work experience in insurance companies, law enforcement, legal offices and federal intelligence. Usually, you’d find former law enforcement officers working as private detectives.
Services Rendered by Private Detectives
Private detectives offer various types of investigative services. These services include corporate investigations, employment investigations, background check, celebrity protection, and identity theft. They also play a role in various cases including insurance claims, child custody and missing person cases. Most private detectives are embroiled in infidelity cases.
The duties and means of private detectives of obtaining information depend on what their client requires from them. The specializations of these investigators vary with some specializing in corporate fraud, or background investigation, or property theft.
Five Types of Private Detectives
Private detectives, however, are classified into five types – legal investigators, corporate detectives, financial investigators, store investigators, and hotel detectives.
Legal investigators are private detectives who specialize in investigating court cases. They assist in finding or interviewing witnesses and preparing for defenses. They collect evidence and testify in courts.
Corporate detectives or investigators specialize in conducting investigations for companies. They may investigate fraud and embezzlement within the company.
Financial investigators are usually certified public accountants who work with other professionals in order to investigate and prepare financial profiles. Their investigation typically determines the decision of a company or person to enter into business transactions usually involving large sums of money.
Store detectives are primarily hired in order to devise ways to prevent theft by customers and fraud by employees.
Hotel detectives are hired by restaurants, hotels and bars in order to devise measures to prevent illegal activities in such establishments. Their duties also include regular inspection of the premises in order to avoid the risks of theft or other illegal activities.
Posted in Private Investigations