PI: Safety First!

As a private investigator you often find yourself in situations where your safety may be at risk. Interviewing aggressive suspects; conducting surveillance; and being in unsafe areas. Often private investigators can become complacent about their safety, whether having interviewed several individuals without incident; working in unsafe areas several times without incident; or conducting surveillance without being approached by the target. It is important that you always think "Safety First!!!"

Safety First!!! As a private investigator you have to be aware, identify the potential risks you face and be prepared to take action. Think through the following every time you leave the office: 

• Locations - Threats do not always come from the investigation you are conducting. You may be traveling to crime ridden areas, or areas where other individuals may be present that are not happy you are there. Whenever traveling to a location, or conducting surveillance, be aware of your surroundings. When possible, gather information about where you are going by searching the Internet for news stories about crimes, review local police web pages for incidents being reported, and/or locate crime maps to understand what crimes are typically committed. 
• Environmental factors - be aware of safety concerns in your immediate area. If you are called to an industrial plant, or other locations where hazardous work is being performed, you need to be alert. Understand the potential hazards you may encounter such as construction sites. 
• Individuals - Unfortunately, anyone you may encounter could be a potential threat. Whether a witness, suspect or victim, they may perceive your presence in a negative way and react violently. Review your verbal de-escalation techniques, ensure that you have a clear path to an exit at all times when interviewing, and have assistance from other investigators whenever possible. 

Unlike law enforcement, most private investigators do not have the assistance of others to rush to their aid in seconds. Private investigators must identify the potential risks and be prepared to implement mitigating responses which can include protective equipment, maintaining an awareness of evacuation routes, surroundings or taking other evasive actions. The key is to always think SAFETY FIRST!!! If you encounter a situation that is potentially dangerous? Exit, evacuate, run if needed to a place of safety. Only use physical force as a last resort to protect yourself. 

Here are some other safety tips whether working or off-duty to help you develop habits that will make you think Safety First!!!!!: 

• Maintain an awareness of exits anytime you enter a building. 
• Keep your head on a swivel - look around and be aware of your surroundings for potential threats. 
• Think about potential evasive actions you can take in any situation. (We encourage our students to play the "What if?" game. For example; "What if the person I am interviewing attempts to reach across the table at me? Push the table against the individual and move to the nearest exit."; "What if I am in a building and there is a fire? Know where the nearest exterior exit is."; "What if my surveillance target approaches me in a hostile manner? Make sure I have a clear route to evacuate the area.")

Hopefully you have gathered that this article is to get you to think??????? Yes!!!!  Think Safety First!!!! At all times!!!!