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Traits of the Best Private Investigators

9/30/2018

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There is a difference between being a “good” private investigator and being the “best”. Often students ask the question, what does it take to the best? The first response is, “You must be honest, trustworthy, motivated, and creative”, among other traits. But these are the baseline, or foundational traits required for all investigators. The real question is, “What separates the best investigators from the good ones?”

Here are my thoughts:

  • Objective - Whether interviewing a “hostile” witness, or conducting surveillance where all signs point to the individual’s guilt or innocence, the best investigators remain objective - viewing the situation without the influence of personal feelings, and/or biases at all times. A colleague shared an example; “Everyone thought this guy stole the money. He was angry when I talked to him. I had to put aside the influence of my client, the witnesses that presumed he did it. I found that he did not take the money.”
  • Critical thinker - (Being objective is the foundation of critical thinking.) The best investigators are critical thinkers - completing an objective review/evaluation of their case. They consider all alternatives, investigate, then make an objective evaluation of the facts. They separate facts from opinions which can be difficult to do in some circumstances. Consider the alternative in every theft case that the items “stolen” may only be missing.
  • Ability to simplify complex problems - Above average investigators break down a complicated investigation into manageable parts, whether in a timeline, or other factors. Simplifying complex investigations allows the investigator to get to the facts, identifying those that are relevant, and those facts that are not. Simplifying fosters an objective view of the case at hand.
  • Adapting Interpersonal Skills - Highly successful investigators adapt their interpersonal skills to the individuals and the situations they are working in. They can change in an instant, whether talking with a Fortune 500 CEO, or a young line worker. Being adaptable allows them to solicit information more easily from the individual they are interacting with at the time. Being adaptable allows them to be empathetic, viewing the situation as the individual does and then using that information to establish rapport and gain insight into the individual’s perspective.
Excellent investigators use these skills and abilities together in a consistent manner. The good news, these skills can be learned through practice, exercising mental discipline to be objective, thinking critically, simplifying complex problems, and adapting their interpersonal skills to the situation.
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Private Investigators: It's All in the Notes!

9/22/2018

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In our training for private investigators we teach them how to take effective notes during interviews, conducting surveillance and conducting document research. We teach a few different note taking techniques to allow the investigator to adapt to the situation and their own preferred method.

Why is note taking so important? Notes identify facts, track evidence, improve your memory of information received, and they serve as the basis for your final report.  

An experienced investigator commented; "With an empty notebook about the investigation I have nothing."

Here are some techniques to refresh your note taking skills:
  • Start each note taking section with header information that includes the date, time, and source of information at a minimum. 
  • Leave space so you can expand on your notes later when it is more convenient. 
  • Develop your own shorthand for common terms to reduce the time required to take notes. For example; "V" for victim, "W" for witness, "IL" for incident location. Other shorthand includes a person's full name at the beginning then using their initials - "John Doe" then "JD" thereafter. Coming up with your own abbreviations will help you retain them. 
  • Organize your notes and store them with the appropriate files. Notes spread out on the desk, saved on different computers or devices are not as effective as keeping them in a logical location. For investigations, always keep your notes with the case file. 
  • Often the simplest note taking method is the best ~ pen/pencil and paper. We love technology but there are times when it is not conducive for note taking. Fiddling with an electronic device during an interview or while conducting mobile surveillance is distracting and dangerous. Use the best technique for the situation, i.e. tape recorder while conducting mobile surveillance (TIP: One investigator uses his phone to record notes so if anyone is watching him, it appears they are talking on the phone)
  • Always take notes. Documenting an interview, or research, that provides NO useful information is as important as documenting useful information. 

Developing and maintaining your note taking skills as a private investigator is critical to your success. It only takes a little time and is invaluable to your investigation. 
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With the right knowledge, skills and support you can become a successful professional private investigator and seek employment with attorneys, insurance companies, corporations, work for individuals, or start building your business. Being a professional Investigator/Detective is demanding, but very rewarding work.
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