Private Investigator
(Private Detective, Private Eye, Inquiry Agent)
Fact Sheet
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Performing surveillance for a private client |
Private investigators conduct investigations for clients and prepare evidence for court proceedings. They are often involved with matters of insurance, missing persons and character enquiries, and work in private agencies and commercial and industrial organisations. Investigators may hold licences or perform the duties of a process server or private bailiff.
Duties and Tasks
Private investigators may perform the following tasks:
- conduct surveillance and maintain records
- seek missing persons and locate witnesses
- take videos or photographs for use as evidence
- work undercover in organisations to gather specific information
- gather information for use in legal proceedings
- conduct asset and liability checks
- investigate the theft of private or commercial property
- provide advice on corporate and personal security
- investigate insurance or worker's compensation claims
- prepare reports of investigations
- take statements from witnesses.
Quick Facts
School subjects that include some aspect of HISTORY provide a useful background to these jobs. In some cases a history-related subject is a pre-requisite for entry to courses that provide the training for the job.
School subjects that include some aspect of MATHEMATICS provide a useful background to these jobs. In some cases a mathematics-related subject is a pre-requisite for entry to courses that provide the training for the job.
These jobs require moderate or better reading and writing skills. Workers may be expected to prepare, understand or act on written materials, such as letters or reports. People may wish to avoid these jobs if their reading or writing English skills are limited to a small range of words or phrases and symbols. Jobs remaining may still require very basic reading or writing skills.
Included are jobs in accounting, administration, advertising, banking, distribution, economics, finance, marketing, personnel management, policy advice, public relations, real estate, sales and valuation.
Included are jobs associated with administration of the legal system, public and private protective services and the armed services.
These jobs involve WORKING WITH IDEAS to investigate or seek solutions to scientific, technical, social or other issues. Activities include observing, researching, analysing and interpreting results. The ability to develop theories, apply logic and explore abstract ideas in a specialist area of knowledge is important.
These jobs involve WORKING WITH DATA to order, process or retrieve facts and figures, or to develop or administer policies and procedures. Activities include organising, using or updating information, such as files or accounts, developing or following procedures or systems, and the planning, budgeting, and staffing of an organisation.
These jobs involve WORKING WITH PEOPLE, to sell to, influence, motivate, negotiate with, or serve them. Activities include selling, promoting or providing goods or services, bargaining, or presenting a point of view.
These jobs do not usually require completion of secondary education, however further part-time study such as a Certificate III or IV, and on-the-job training, may be required.
Jobs in this group usually require completion of secondary education and/or completion of some further study of a vocational nature, such as a Diploma or an Advanced Diploma.
Work Conditions
Private investigators work indoors in offices and outdoors conducting surveillance. They may need to travel locally or interstate and often work outside of office hours.
Personal Requirements
- good communication skills
- good observation skills
- able to work independently or as part of a team
- able to accept responsibility
- a sound character with no criminal or other convictions that would prevent you from getting a private investigators licence.