The Significance of Private Investigator Training - Essay Example

The Significance of Private Investigator Training Introduction Private investigators play considerable role in investigatory law services by helping individuals, businesses, and attorneys mainly by collecting information from a wide range of sources where governmental machinery may have limited access. One of the notable features of private investigation is that except certain skills and exercise it does not require specific qualification for an individual to pursue this career. However, the job requires higher degree of training and intelligence for undertaking surveillance on highly complicated cases in this era of computer technology. A major drawback with the industry is that there is currently no licensing requirement for private investigators in many countries like UK namely Ireland (NALA 2009). The absence of both strict regulation and standard training has affected the reliability and quality of service available. The main objective of this paper is to explore the significance of consistent private investigator training, especially where there is no strict licensing requirement. The key areas of work As compared to public professionals, private investigators undertake rather extensive types of cases from all segments like private individuals, business firm, attorneys, governmental departments, insurance companies, financial institutions etc. as Hoppe (2006) states, compared with public counterparts, private investigators, insurance detectives, and private arbitrators are more successful in resolving issues. The particular area in which an investigator would involve depends on his/her personal skills, qualification and experience. However despite the personal interest, an investigator should demonstrate competitive knowledge and skill on planning and preparing surveillance. Moreover, one should exercise significant amount of judgement on collected facts and information during the investigation process, because only then one can present an impartial report which contains all positives and negatives about the issue (NALA 2009). In addition to the above stated services, private investigators are hired for; celebrity protection, pre employment verification, finding individual background profile, assisting civil liability case, child missing cases, insurance claims and fraud cases, cyber crimes etc (Occupational Outlook Handbook 2010). Obviously all these areas require high level of professionalism and precision which can only be developed through intensive training programmes. Although there is no regulated standard for private investigators’ qualification, knowledge in criminal psychology, police science, computer forensic, computer accounting, insurance laws, investigative reporting etc will be an added advantage to the individuals who enter this career. However, major part of an investigator’s success depends on his job experience, hard work, skills; and finally, the quality of training he undergoes. Significance of training Regardless of one’s professional choice, on going knowledge acquisition and training are the basic requirements for every career. Perhaps private investigation is the most important area where quality training is an inevitable element because the ever changing technology, regulations, and crime scenario demand excellent skills from an investigator. For instance, as computer has become the most important source of information, a modern investigator should have competitive knowledge in computer technology. As South (1988) comments, many private investigative agencies acquire local and legal businesses through the reputation they have gained and some others by specializing on certain areas of investigation; whereas, many others are to seek alternatives ‘for a steady living elsewhere.’ Therefore the investigator should have certain abilities like excellent observational quality and communication skills to deal with new clients and unusual situations. These two can be developed by attending effective training and quality courses on related subjects. As far as law in Ireland is concerned, under the Private Security Industry Act of 2001, new laws are in progress across UK for licensing the private investigation industry (Jones & Valli 2008, p. 107). It is assumed that the new regulations would promote mandatory quality training and courses which would enhance the integrity and honesty of the service area in near future. Anticipated outcomes of training Good training would make investigators more confident in their profession as they become leveraged with sufficient knowledge and essential technical skills. An effective course can make investigators capable of working independently despite the complexity of the issue they undertake. In the same way, training must intend to inculcate patience and perseverance within individuals as they are the keys to one’s success as an investigator. Through the training program an investigator would learn method of approaching clients, way of conducting interviews, report writing and presenting, protective techniques etc. The major advantage of training and regulation is that it would avert unethical practices and unnecessary disputes associated with private investigation. For instance, in a country where the private investigation industry is regulated, a company has to apply for a license on behalf of the individual if the company wants to hire him as its examiner (Occupational Outlook Handbook 2010). At this juncture, the authenticity of the individual as a recognized investigator is of great value. The investigator is answerable to law as well as to his client while proceeding with his plans and surveillance. The law will clearly interpret the legal and ethical parameters in which the investigator should perform his operation. According to Dempsey & Forst (2007, p. 64), conventional form of police power and law enforcement is ‘ill-equipped’ and is impeded by several constraints; whereas, private investigators enjoy rather viable ambiance for inquiry. In contrast, in a country where there is no common standard for private investigators, insecurity and discrepancy are comparatively high. To many people, private investigator is a spy who intrudes into the privacy of celebrities. This faulty concept is the after effect of professional misconduct attributed to the absence of regulations. In order to avert such conditions, for beginners, imperative principle is the most important one which helps them to act according to the basic rule which is ‘as simple as do not steal’ (Becnel 2009). Conclusion Private investigation industry is highly fragmented in many countries due to the absence of proper regulations and coordinated training strategies. In fact, the job requires high level of professionalism as this challenging job offers unlimited opportunities to individuals in the changing global scenario. Although there is no specific qualification is required, advancement in technology and science forces investigators to update their knowledge and skills in various subjects. It is possible only if individuals undergo quality training that is strictly screened by law. References Becnel, P, A 2009, Private Investigator Entry Level: An Introduction to Conducting Private Investigations, iUniverse. Bloomington. Bureau of Labor Statistics Bulletin 2800, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Government Printing Office, US Department of Labor, Washington. Dempsey, J. S & Forst, L. S 2007, An Introduction to Policing, Edn 4, Cengage Learning, US. Hoppe, H 2006, The Economics and Ethics of Private Property, edn 2, Ludwig Von Mises Institute. Alabama. Jones, A & Valli, C 2008, Building a Digital Forensic Laboratary, Butterworth- Heinemann. National Association of Legal Assistance 2009, NALA Manuel for Para Legal and Legal Assistants, Edn 5, Cengage Learning, US. South, N 1988, Policing for Profit: the Private Security Sector, SAGE, London. Read More