Detective (Private Detective)

Job overview
A private detective carries out investigations at the request of a client.

He is not working for the police, although in the police force “detective?”? is applied to certain ranks, e.g. ?“detective inspector?”?.

Private investigators are often employed by individuals and/or organisations.

What do people do in this job?
Private detectives' investigations are by no means always related to criminal or fraudulent activities. 

They may, for example, be required to obtain information covertly on a company with which another company is contemplating a merger.

Normally they should observe the laws of the land, but they are not law keepers, and it is a matter for their conscience to decide whether they should carry out the instructions of a client whose activities may be morally suspect.

Their role is limited to finding out facts and placing them before the client who pays them.

What kinds of people are suitable for this career?
Most private detectives have previously worked in a police force from which they have subsequently retired or resigned.

This previous experience should have trained and accustomed them to assembling evidence and then making deductions from that evidence.

They should always be ready to question appearances and deal with the unexpected.

At the same time they should be able to relate to people easily.

Above all, they should be ready to follow up their instincts.

What qualifications are needed?
There are no formal qualifications but, as indicated above, previous experience with an official security organisation is of immense benefit.

Private detectives should normally be registered as such with the national authorities.