How to Be a Good Detective
Being a detective is no longer like the days of Sherlock Holmes, with his large magnifying lens and fingerprinting kit. Today, detectives are expected to be discreet and gain access to information without leaving a paper trail. A complicated job, yes, but being a detective can be done with great skill and fantastic results.
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Instructions
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1
Get an education.
Federal and state agencies require that a detective earn a four year degree, while law enforcement agencies only require police academy training. Private detectives must obtain a professional license and register with the state. For example, in Connecticut, private detectives must obtain a professional license from the Commissioner of Public Safety and register with the Special Licensing and Firearms Unit (SLFU). Licensure requirements vary by state as well as area of specialization. Detectives are required to obtain weapons training and undergo a background check. -
2
Hone your research skills.
Learn how to obtain marriage and divorce decrees, private cell phone numbers, employment history and other information that can used to investigate a person or company. -
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3
Learn what information is of public record.
All legal petitions, judgments and records (including transcripts, video tapes and phone calls) are subject to public viewing. For example, you can petition the court to release phone records of a jailed spouse who is suspected of illegally hiding property or money from an estranged spouse. The taped conversation can be reviewed for incriminating statements and used in court by an attorney. A good detective will pursue all public records and use the information obtained within as evidence to further his client's case. -
4
Train your eye.
Look for small details and facts that can easily go unnoticed. Use these details to piece together patterns. For example, if your client suspects her husband of adultery, but his schedule is erratic, narrow down holes in his schedule to determine if blocks of time are unaccounted for. Use this information to piece together a pattern for the suspected behavior and then pursue additional photographic evidence. -
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Have a small hidden camera on your person at all times.
Stand at a distance that will allow you to take the photograph (without objects blurring or obstructing the event in question) or use a telephoto lens and stand at a distance to maintain your cover. Photographs can be introduced into court as evidence. -
6
Be discreet.
Use a conversational tone and avoid firing off a series of questions. To obtain more information, use open-ended questions. For example, when investigating a defective toy, ask, "Why aren't customers buying the new XYZ toy this year?" This could lead a sales associate to offer information about how the toy is defective and perhaps tell you that the store has experienced a high rate of return or poor customer approval. -
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Keep accurate notes.
Always record the date, time and location of an event or conversation. Note the duration of the event and make general observations about the person's body language, demeanor and temperament. Use descriptive words like "agitated," "confused," "intoxicated," and so forth. -
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Start a private detective business.
Register all employees and obtain the appropriate licensure. Advertise areas of specialization, such as financial, legal, corporate, computer forensic, hotel or store, and build a client list. Private detectives can work case by case, based on the needs of individuals or as part of a contract for a store, agency, hotel or corporation.
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Tips & Warnings
Always keep your distance when following a person. Be sure to program your camera to stamp each photo with the date and time the photo is taken.
Contact the police if you find yourself in danger or if your cover is revealed and this presents a threat to your safety. There are no formal education requirements to become a detective, however, licensure will vary by state and area of specialization.
