All you have to do is Google “become a private investigator” to find all sorts of blogs, books and sites dedicated to showing you how to become your own, self-employed private eye. Trouble is, most of the advice given to prospective investigators involves searching the Internet for leads and practicing following people without detection – and most of the “tips” are based on the old, outdated stereotypes.
After decades in the business, knows there is a level of skill, knowledge and resources that separates the professionals from the wannabes.
Professional investigators have specialists and experts on call:
- Personal asset search investigators
- Divorce asset investigators
- Child custody investigators
- Infidelity investigators
- Handwriting analysis experts
- Forensic examiners
- Computer forensics specialists
- Certified computer examiners
- Technical Surveillance Countermeasures experts
- Social media engineers
Extensive data bases that are costly and only available to high-level professionals:
- Military records search
- Financial records
- Vital records
- Court records
- Insurance records
- State and local community real estate records
- Tax records
- Credit records
Technology and equipment:
- Hidden camera detectors
- Listening device detection
- Counter surveillance equipment
- Cell phone triangulation
- Phone forensic software
- Data extraction software
- TSCM sweep electronic equipment
- Video and audio recording devices
The lists could go on and on, but the bottom line is that when you want – no, NEED – the truth, a professional firm like has the skills, resources and equipment to get the truth. Most people opt to hire professionals.
That means if you really want to be a private investigator, contact a professional firm and talk to them. Find out what they want and require from their investigators and then pursue that. In the end, you’ll both be happier and so will your clients!
-Brenda McGinley, CEO, All in Investigations, All in Investigations
