Kathy Reigel

12/7/1999

English 111-17

I’m interested in pursuing a career in the investigative field because I’ve always enjoyed the challenge of searching for the truth through hidden obstacles. I have a natural need to know all of the facts. I’m analytical by nature, which causes me to question the hows and whys in almost any given situation. When I began thinking about going to college, I first examined what my favorite interests are and how they could be applied to a career. Investigation seemed to fit me perfectly. Initially, I was reluctant to explain my exact intentions to my family and friends because whenever I heard the title; Private Investigator, visions of V.I. Warshawski, or Simon & Simon, The Rockford Files, etc. would enter my mind. I was surprised, when I finally started to voice my interests, at the level of support I had. Everyone who knows me well seems to think I’ve made a good choice.

There really are no official qualifications to become a private investigator although several states require that you attain a license. Depending on the particular state, requirements range from being extremely lax to very stringent. For example, in the state of California, you must have 6000 hours experience in investigation before you can qualify as a private investigator (BLS). Most people in the investigation field have background experience in related areas, such as police officers and lawyers. "Employment of private detectives and investigators is expected to grow about as fast as the average, (10 to 20 %) for all occupations through the year 2006" (BLS). The pay scale for a director of security/loss prevention starts at 67,000 per year. I don’t believe that I’ll be qualified to jump right in as a director by graduation but I should be qualified to work as an Investigator for security/loss prevention and the starting pay scale for that is around 38,000 per year (BLS).

"Private detectives and investigators assist attorneys, businesses, and the public with a variety of problems. Their services include protecting businesses and their employees, customers, and guests from theft, vandalism, and as well as gathering evidence for trials, tracing debtors, or conducting background investigations. While detectives concentrate on providing protection and investigators specialize in gathering information, many do some of each. For private detective and investigator jobs, most employers look for individuals with ingenuity who are curious, aggressive, persistent, and assertive. A candidate must not be afraid of being confrontational, should communicate well, and should be able to think on his or her feet. The courts are often the ultimate judge of a properly conducted investigation, so the investigator must be able to present the facts in a manner a jury will believe(BLS). As an Investigator for Security and Loss Prevention my duties will be to investigate work related accidents and workman’s compensation claims as well as to conduct safety inspections and address safety issues to prevent future accidents. I’ll interview workers, do background checks on potential employees and investigate internal as well as external theft.

My ultimate long-term goal in the investigative field is to become the owner of my own business as a private investigator. Private investigators are diverse in the services they offer. Some do covert observation while others work with attorneys. Some private investigators locate people and investigate workmen’s compensation claims. Most private investigators do a little bit of everything except covert observation, according to Gary Adams, chief investigator for his own private detective agency in Newport News. Because of the level of danger involved, the insurance company for the investigative agency plays a large role in what services that agency will offer. For example, covert observation can be a dangerous part of the profession, both from a physical perspective, but also from a legal standpoint. If the investigator breaks the law while he or she is observing another, then that person may very well be likely to sue the agency for damages. Insurance companies have quite a bit of strength in determining the requirements that an agency will set for hiring investigators. The insurance company sets the amount of the insurance premiums that the agency will pay. The insurance company can cancel the agency’s policy if the agency doesn’t adhere to the specified criteria in hiring investigators.

I learned through talking with Gary Adams that working in loss prevention will prepare me for gathering evidence, interviewing people, writing reports, and analysizing facts. Loss prevention will not give me a great amount of experience in potentially dangerous situations. The most highly recommended job to have for somebody who wants to later become a private investigator, is that of a law enforcement officer, or a private security officer, according to Adams.

Adams also says excellent communication skills are required to successfully do the job of an investigator. Reports of investigations must be formal, thorough and precise as they are often used in presentations to lawyers, judges, jurors, and clients. Oral communication is of equal importance as private investigators must communicate the progress of the investigation to the client and serve as witnesses in courts. Its imperative that an investigator possesses the skill of being able to think fast under difficult circumstances.

Having good computer skills is important to an investigator as the internet provides a wealth of information about individuals. Locating lost people can be done through information available on the internet. It’s possible to purchase information of almost anyone on the internet through Information Brokers. For a fee, an investigator can even get a list of your neighbor’s names.

Before planning a career it’s important to research all aspects of the chosen career. I found the most beneficial information came from interviewing a private investigator. Adams described in detail some of the hazards of working in my chosen field. He also told me that if I need any help or have any other questions to call him. I still want to become a private investigator but my final goal may take longer to achieve than I had originally thought.

Works Cited

Adams, Gary. Telephone Interview. 29 Oct. 1999.

United States. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupation Outlook Handbook 1998-1999. Updated on 1998 Jan 15.<http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos157.htm#employment>.

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