Private investigators must be observant and highly analytical. Often referred to as private detectives, these professionals use a range of surveillance and investigation techniques to gather information about a case. These professionals carry special licenses for the specific profession, which allow them to work closely with police services, private companies, organizations, as well as individual clients.
The vast majority of a private investigator’s work involves gathering and searching for information. This can be achieved through computer searches, surveillance systems, interviews and secret meetings. Private investigators can also conduct surveillance and closed criminal investigations. They may also be called upon to look into cases of insurance fraud and employee compensation. In these cases, they may spend a significant amount of time monitoring suspects for the collection of photographic material and recorded data.