Career as a Detective

Detectives are essentially the investigators who specialize in collecting facts and evidences pertaining to different cases. Their very mention can evoke images of a sleuth wearing dark glasses, long coat and a hat, cracking toughest of cases.

Requirements for detective services have seen a sudden surge in recent times due to a need of heightened security and due to modern-day concerns like spouse infidelity, domestic help betrayal, and deterioration of a secure business environment.

There are a lot of things that contribute to the making of a proficient private detective. Besides being the possessor of a highly-alert and analytic mind, a detective needs to be physically fit. The majority of their work entails conducting interviews, examining records, closely screening the suspects’ actions, and facilitating raids or arrests.

Being a Detective: Is formal qualification necessary?

No specific educational qualification is needed to become a private investigator. However a basic graduate or post-graduate degree can put you in good standing. An educational background of forensic sciences or criminology may also ensure your success as a private detective. Techniques like fingerprint mapping, photography, conducting sting operations, video & voice recording, shadowing & application of forensic sciences are taught in such courses. Alternatively, you can gain such experience on the job too.

The Indore Christian College, the National Institute of Private Investigation in New Delhi and the Delhi University are few of the institutions that offer diploma & degree courses in the field. Apart from this, detective groups like the much-famed All-India Private Detectives Association (AIPDA) also offer courses to fine-tune your investigative skills.

Moreover, a private investigator can work as:

·         Financial Investigator: To find out the embezzled assets or retrieve the same in fraud cases.

·         Internet Investigator: To analyze and recoup computer data to use it as evidence in inquiries.

·         Corporate Investigators: To conduct pre-employment checks for a prospective candidate and post-employment inspections against use of drugs, stealing inventory, or other transgressions against the company.

·         Legal Investigator: To find out and assemble evidences, serve legal documents and if required, be present in court during trials.

           

Being a Detective: Is it suitable for You?

While this profession being constantly agile, one may need to deal with a range of threatening situations.  Irregular working hours are quite common for detectives.  No wonder, one needs to rise above the average and inculcate characteristics like seamless judgmental skills in trying circumstances, integrity, and a sharp sense of responsibility. One should be able to relate with people at all the level, while possessing good communication skills. The willingness and patience to tackle and solve the problems, together with excellent observational skills, are also important. However, what’s guaranteed is a truly satisfying career that will make you push your limits with each passing day!

Salary and Prospects for a Detective Career

You can start up on your own or work as employee with a detective agency. Although there is no single regulatory body for this field, you can ensure credibility with organizations that meet the professional standards of the APDI and CII on their websites. Though many young professionals are entering this field, retired army personnel also find this profession prolific.

Looming life-threats, rise in public aggression, burgeoning mafia monopoly, and domestic & political brutality have amplified the need of such services. If you have the courage to fight evil and stand for what’s right, this is an apt career for you!