What Is A Private Investigator?

What Is A Private Investigator?

Nancy Drew, Sherlock Holmes, Jessica Fletcher, and even Scooby Doo – they all lived thrilling and interesting (albeit fictional) lives. But how accurate are the fictional portrayals of private investigators?

For the most part, the reality is a little more mundane, but at its core, the aim of a private investigator is the same as that of the private eyes in noir films – to uncover the truth and solve problems.

But since Hollywood has added a spin to the role of a P.I., we should look at the truth of what a private investigator really is.

Dispelling the Myths

Let’s start by doing what private investigators do best – finding the truth. Here are some of the common myths about what a private investigator is and the reality that might surprise you.

Myth 1: It’s a common belief that if you go into the private investigation business you must either have been a spy or a police officer previously. 

In reality, private investigators have a diverse range of backgrounds, although it is common to see people come from relevant professions such as law, the army, or the police force. To be an effective P.I., you actually need specialised training, so you can become a private investigator without needing a particular background.

Myth 2: Private investigators can break the law to obtain information they need for their clients, such as breaking into someone’s home or accessing personal data online without permission. 

In reality, they must closely adhere to strict UK laws and regulations, which include the same laws that everyone else is under. If a private investigator broke into an office or house to get paperwork, they would be prosecuted for breaking and entering like anyone else.

Myth 3: PIs are only for the rich. Normal people can’t access them.

We offer a range of services to fit various budgets. From looking into cheating spouses to protecting the privacy of companies that operate nationwide, there’s a private investigator and a service that’s the right fit for you.

Myth 4: PIs are shady characters, usually hiding in the shadows and dealing with criminals. 

This strange misconception couldn’t be further from the truth. Private investigators are licensed professionals with ethical codes, and are there to help honest people get the truth and to support businesses worried about things like corporate espionage.

Myth 5: It’s all high-speed car chases, stakeouts and hiding behind newspapers in the rain.

Private investigation involves extensive office-based research and extremely careful surveillance governed by UK laws. Private investigators simply use their specialist investigative skills and experience to help you achieve your goal.

2. What Does A PI Do?

What does a private investigator actually do? It’s not following someone while wearing a trench coat or unmasking a criminal to the shock and surprise of the police.

A PI’s primary job is to find the facts that lead to the truth. They gather information from various sources – always legally. So this doesn’t involve hacking into people’s personal computers or roughing someone up for information.

PI’s work with businesses, insurance companies, corporations, members of the public and legal professionals (in fact NPI began working for insurance companies). We provide a wide range of investigations for all kinds of clients, from investigating insurance claims, to infidelity, to data leaks.

A professional private investigator would not accept an unlawful job, such as stalking an ex-partner to see what they’re doing.

Instead a PI will diligently uncover facts from various sources, and then deliver a report covering what’s been found. This work is crucial for businesses and people alike, because the information discovered by a PI can be used in court.

3. What Does It Take to Be a PI in the UK?

To become a P.I. in the UK, you don’t need to hold a specific degree or have taken a particular course of education, but that means specialist training is essential. Many PIs have a background that would give them relevant skills, but it’s possible to train to become a licensed PI from scratch. A PI requires…

  • Key skills are critical thinking, problem-solving and attention to detail.
  • Detailed knowledge of law and regulations.
  • Licences and Qualifications: SIA licence, background checks, specific training courses.

A professional PI also needs some more specialist skills and traits that allow them to carry out their work successfully. Some of these traits would include observation skills, discretion, analytical thinking, communication and tech proficiency, as the job is diverse and can require you to use a variety of skills.

Private investigators should also have some self-defence training, as they need to be able to keep themselves safe in any situation where they might be under threat.

When it comes to industry associations, PIs are unregulated, but membership of relevant organisations (ABI, WAPI, IPI,etc.) can help assure clients that they are in safe hands.

4. How Do PIs Operate Within the Law?

Private investigators have to work within the law like everyone else, and this means handling certain situations and regulations carefully. Such as…

Data Protection Act: P.I.s must adhere to data protection rules, making sure they don’t violate anyone’s data by accessing, sharing or selling the data of a person or a company. This applies both to clients and people being investigated.

Surveillance Laws: Surveillance can be a bit of a grey area, but private investigators operate in strict accordance with the laws on people’s privacy and safety. 

Other Relevant Regulations: Regulations like RIPA (setting out the rules for the regulation of investigatory powers) and harassment laws are there to protect people and their interests, which is why private investigators make themselves familiar with the latest regulations to safeguard themselves and the people they’re working for.

Ethical Considerations: Professionalism and confidentiality are priorities for a professional PI because we can’t forget the moral side of private investigation. Every individual has rights, and a PI must respect those, particularly if their investigations could harm or upset another person.

What Is A Private Investigator?

It’s important to separate fact from fiction when it comes to PIs. Private investigators aren’t shady characters in trench coats or glorified bodyguards. They are experienced investigators who know how and where to find the truth for you in a lawful way that you can even depend on in court.

Working with a licensed, reputable PI in the UK like NPI means you get the reassurance of an experienced professional without the dangerous drama depicted in films. If you’d like to find out exactly what a private investigator can do for you, explore our website here.