Back to the Basics

Over time we can forget to use the basic fundamentals of private investigations, or step around them in an effort to save time. Private investigators that stick to the basics are the most successful, and often reach the conclusion in the same amount of time as someone trying to take a few shortcuts.

Following are a few reminders of the basics that will ensure you are conducting a proper investigation:

• Listen - Whenever you are talking with a client, interviewing someone, make sure you pause, and listen. Active listening is critical not only to gather the facts, but to establish rapport, and leave the individual with a good impression. Here are a few refresher tips:
  • When they talk - Stop and give them your undivided attention. Ignore the cell phone, make eye contact, lean slightly forward if sitting, and acknowledge what they are saying with your body language, I.e. head nods, eye expressions, etc.
  • Paraphrase what they tell you (not on every question) - When they give a long answer, repeat, paraphrase, what they said to gain their agreement or to allow them to correct a misconception you may have. It shows you are listening and reinforces what you heard. ​

​"Listen" to this young person talk about listening and how to do it!

• Be empathetic - Showing empathy doesn’t mean you agree, it shows you understand their perception, or what it is they are saying to you. You are looking through their eyes. 
  • “Empathetic pause” - (my term) - Periodically, pause between questions and state to them, similar to paraphrasing, how they must have felt. For example; “Not getting a pay raise when you work very hard, do good work, is disheartening. It’s tough.” After you speak, pause, allow them the opportunity to talk.
    
  • Understand that everyone wants to be understood, even when they may have done something wrong. Being empathetic encourages them share more information with you. 

​Here is short video about the importance of empathy. 

• Don’t rush - Time is money and we often look for ways to save time. Take your time.
  
  • Pause between questions. Pausing, during an interview, encourages the individual to talk more freely. They may expand on an answer. Primarily when they give you a yes or no answer to an open-ended question, wait a few seconds. 
    
  • Stick to, and search out the facts - “I think he’s been stealing from the company for some time.” Ask, “Why do you think that?” Don’t be confrontational, ask for more information.
  • Facts are friends - facts, ones that are proven, which makes them facts, keeps your investigation reputable and on track.
  • Gather factual information - look for documents, time cards, video, or other factual sources that can verify important points in your investigation. Don’t use assumptions, or rely on speculation.
  • Backup instincts - Your gut tells you something is going on. Maybe you have a feeling someone is lying to you. Backup it up with facts. A colleague once advised, “If your instinct tells you something, and you can’t back it up with facts, keep it to yourself.” Great advice.

You have developed your investigative technique over a period of time. You know what works and what doesn't yield the best results. Take time to review these basics of investigations and ensure you are implementing them in your work.