Private Eye Tips

Private eyes conduct surveillance.

Private eyes, also known as private detectives, investigate insurance fraud, identity theft and missing persons as well as perform background checks and verify identity. They might be self-employed, work for an investigation company, law firm or other business. There is no formal education requirement to be a private eye; however, all states except Alabama, Alaska, Colorado, Idaho, Mississippi, South Dakota and Wyoming do require licensure. Each state that requires licensure has different standards for private eyes.

Know the Law

Different states and areas have different laws regarding video surveillance, recording, trespassing, carrying weapons and following people. Private eyes must know federal, state and local laws regarding their work as well as stay abreast of any changes to the law.

Keep up With Technology

Private eyes do a lot of work with their computer. They look for prior convictions, arrest records, financial problems, deleted files and emails. They even might go undercover on social networking sites to find information. Therefore, private eyes must keep up with technological advances, changes in virus and spyware and be able to unlock cryptic files.

Be Prepared

Sometimes, private eye work requires investigators to be in their vehicles for long periods of time in remote locations. Therefore, preparation is important. Keep a pack in the vehicle with snacks, water, flashlights, phone charger, required medication, a first aid kit and toilet paper. Choose a cell phone with a camera, video recorder and media pack as well as a carrier with excellent coverage.

Get Certified

Although they're not required, there are certifications available for private eyes. The Certified Legal Investigator is for people who spend most of their time on criminal cases and are required to testify in court. The Professional Certified Investigator qualification is for people who work primarily in the security field.

References

• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Private Detectives
• Private Investigator Magazine: December 2010