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:
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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:
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. Some of our students have asked the question, "When working a case where an attorney is involved on behalf of another party, who is the private investigator's client?"
Great question and the quick answer is "Your client -- the one that is paying you." Of course that does not always answer the question satisfactorily depending on the circumstances. Actually the better question is; "How does a private investigator work with multiple client's, or when there are two needs that are potentially in conflict?" Consider this case study: Investigator is contracted by an attorney for an infidelity case. Attorney's client, the "spouse-client", calls the investigator and shares information that may be helpful in scheduling surveillance, but the attorney disagrees. The spouse has received a call from a friend that says his wife is meeting her alleged boyfriend tomorrow night at a restaurant. The easy response for the investigator is to follow the instructions of the attorney as they hold the contract and that may be the only answer as working outside of the contract could place the investigator in a situation where they will not be paid. Of course, there may be a missed opportunity in identifying, or not identifying, potential infidelity on the part of the spouse. What would you do? Click the Read More link below to learn what the investigator actually did in this case. Disclaimer: This is an opinion, specific to privately owned vehicles or privately owned devices, and should not be viewed as legal advice....read on.
Use of GPS by private investigators to track a target for surveillance is a great tool and there are many opportunities where it can facilitate an investigation. As a private investigator you must consider all of the potential challenges when deploying GPS tools in the field for investigations involving privately owned devices or vehicles.
When considering the use of GPS we have compiled a few considerations before you deploy it in the field:
Use of GPS will continue for awhile to be controversial in legal proceedings as well as in the public eye, with or without guiding laws. As a private investigator you must protect your business, yourself from potential civil litigation or criminal charges. Consider the alternatives, then get legal advice. All experienced private investigators know that when you get a confession the case is not over. As one investigator said, "There are still a lot of rocks to turn over".
The key, that once a confession is obtained, don't stop your investigation. The suspect can always recant their statements, or refuse to testify in court. Successful private investigations work relies on knowledge, skills, abilities, and training. There are times that creativity is a critical part of the investigative process. Here are few creative ways that private investigators can find successful conclusions to difficult situations and investigations:
These are just a few creative ways to reach a successful conclusion in an investigation where creativity played a crucial role. When you encounter a difficult situation, take time to think of creative solutions. Whether you have been in the private investigations for a long time or are just starting out, the services contract is the most important document you have to protect your business. Here is a short list of key items to include in your contract in addition to having a legal professional review it for you:
Taking the time to develop a contract in clear, simple and concise terms will protect you and your client. Including the items above, at a minimum, will help you develop your contract and prepare for challenges that may arise during your investigation. The interview of witnesses, victims, and suspects is the primary service of private investigators. Excellent interview techniques are what separates a good private investigator from a great one. Gathering statements, digging deeper through an interview to get to the facts takes time in research, conducting the interview, and verifying statements.
Here are some tips from private investigators with excellent interview skills:
Being a great interviewer takes practice. Before each interview review the key steps such as developing rapport, opening statements, open ended questions use, closing statements. This will help you focus on the interview, the information you need, and analyzing the information you receive. Private investigations is not always about the money, the bottom line. There are several ways that you can become more involved in your community.
Here are a few ideas:
All of these tips have a common theme - Showing concern for others. Chances are you could do all of these things and never receive one case, but what a great way to help others. Civil suits are always a possibility for private investigators. To protect yourself against civil action claims, your investigative reports require careful review, and editing. This will protect you, and your private investigative firm. If you haven't been the target of a civil suit, chances are you will some day. Consider that your investigative report is your best insurance against such cases when properly written. Your report must be factual, accurately track any evidence collected, and accurately reflect any information gleamed from your interviews. |
Pro PI staffExperienced professionals and trainers. Articles
December 2019
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