Private investigators and the private investigation industry have historically been shrouded in mystery. The nature of his practice is to discreetly and covertly acquire information using various investigative methods and technology for the benefit of the hiring client. Some of the technological equipment used is common; however, the methods are industry specific. The private investigation industry has been glamorized by the genre of film noirs, mysteries, fictional novels, and through various adaptations and variations of the “tough Private Eye” theme. However, today’s private investigator is inclined to be active in his or her professional capacity both in a corporate setting and in the back alleys frequently depicted in pulp fiction.
Private investigators are often competent individuals who provide their investigative services to individuals, attorneys, corporations, and insurance companies to help them find answers and/or address concerns relevant to their interests. The matters involved may be civil or criminal in nature, requiring the knowledge, experience and skill of a private investigator to resolve or provide clarity. An effective investigator seeks information without prejudice; the data collected is formalized for the evaluation and use of the client without prejudice or personal opinion of the researcher. Most private investigators do not guarantee the results of an investigation because, as the case unfolds, the discovery may affect the outcome, negatively or positively, supporting or not supporting the client’s objective. The process of conducting an investigation is to discover and provide the relevant facts and to disclose this information confidentially to the hiring client. Documentation of the findings in the investigation report can be crucial to the Trier of Facts in a brief proceeding, provide closure and comfort to aggrieved parties, or help establish a course of action for personal management.
The private investigation industry is vast and professionals often develop competencies in one or more areas. Many times this is the result of previous employment in law enforcement or other professions. This creates the pool of knowledge and experience from which the investigator draws to assist their clients with their private investigation needs. The professional researcher will also keep abreast of industry developments through networking with other researchers, reading industry journals and attending seminars, etc. to expand her knowledge base. This effectively causes the private investigator to provide more value to the client, which typically results in a higher level of satisfaction and possibly referral to other potential clients.
The role of the modern private investigator in society provokes the disdain of some people and the admiration of others; His role is an essential one that provides a service and fills a need not met by law enforcement, other quasi-governmental entities, or other professionals. This role has paralleled law enforcement in duration, as law enforcement is sometimes understaffed or prioritizing its resources for cases of greater public importance. There are times when laws restrict the activities of law enforcement personnel as government agents, while private investigators who are private citizens are exempt from these restrictions. However, there are some activities that may be performed by law enforcement personnel that are not authorized for private investigators. Private investigators generally have more anonymity than law enforcement personnel, which can be advantageous for certain case investigations.
The modern private investigator continues to evolve and adapt to the changing landscape in which their services are required. This evolutionary process that affects all of nature ensures the survival of the fittest; those that refuse or are unable to evolve become extinct. This automatically translates into increased competition in the industry and the requirement to be a top tier effective and efficient private investigator for the ultimate benefit of the hiring client. However, the cloak of mystery still remains and is an essential component of the trade to be effective, but the new generation of private investigators is exponentially smarter than their predecessors.