Traits of the Best Private Investigators

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.