Earning Potential | Time to Start | Set-Up Cost | Location | Time Commitment | Skill Level |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
High | Moderate | Medium | On-the-Road | Moderate | Intermediate |
🎧 Listen Now: Sidehustles.co.uk One-Minute Podcast: How To Become a Private Investigator.
Have you always been fascinated with the idea of uncovering suspicious activities or locating missing individuals? If so, being a private investigator may just be the career for you.
As a private investigator, you’ll get to live out your Sherlock Holmes dreams, using investigative techniques to find suspicious individuals and activities. You’ll be locating missing persons and spotting fraudulent activities. The best part of being a PI is that these exciting exploits will be just another day in the office for you.
Are you interested? Read our guide on how to become a private investigator.
Private investigators (also referred to as PIs) handle various tasks related to investigation and surveillance. Running background checks on persons of interest and locating missing persons are both parts of a private investigator’s role. Also, private investigators can provide authorities and clients with evidence for civil and criminal cases.
Besides working for individual clients, private investigators can also be contractors for organisations and governments, working on cases that may involve national security.
As with any career path you’re looking to venture into, it all starts with asking yourself a few questions. For this reason, the first step to being a PI is self-assessment.
A good private investigator works to seek the truth. To this end, you must possess qualities like communication skills, critical thinking, and problem-solving. By taking stock of your skills and characteristics, you’ll know whether or not private investigation is the right niche for you.
PI training courses will cover everything from the legal regulations governing private investigators to ethical standards. In these courses, you’ll also be a student in the art of investigative methods.
Various schools offer PI training in the UK. An excellent place to begin your search would be at Private Investigator Training UK. You can also find private investigator courses and training at the Institute of Professional Private Investigators and One Education.
In the UK, you can practise as a PI even without a licence. However, obtaining one is advisable, as a licence will enhance your credibility with clients.
To get licensed, you’ll need to pass the SFJ Level 3 Award for Professional Investigators. It’s a tutor-based program that goes into the essentials of private investigation.
Private investigation firms are private agencies that conduct surveillance and check on individuals or companies. By working under a firm, you’ll develop skills in private investigation through work experience.
With your licence and skillset, you will now be ready to open your practice. Once you do, you’ll be a private investigator who can take on various clients and cases.
The UK Private Investigators Network (UKPIN) is a premier professional body for private investigators across the United Kingdom. By joining UKPIN, you gain a seal of professional integrity and join a community dedicated to maintaining the highest industry standards. UKPIN provides its members with a platform for networking, sharing knowledge, and accessing specialist training resources.
Additionally, it ensures members are kept informed of the latest legal requirements, technological advancements, and best practices within the UK private investigation sector. Whether you're just starting out or are a veteran in the field, UKPIN membership signifies your dedication to excellence and ethical conduct in private investigation.
Also check out ABI The Association of British Investigators. Formed in 1913, the ABI is the home of professional private sector investigations here in the UK.
Successful private investigators possess a unique set of qualities that enable them to excel in their profession. These include:
As with any career, private investigation comes with benefits and drawbacks.
Private investigation consists of several sub-specialties. Here are some specialty areas for you to choose from:
To embark on a journey as a private investigator, one must master the art of investigative methods. This begins with the right education and training. Here’s how you can qualify for a private investigator course in the UK:
In the UK, several institutions offer specialised training for aspiring private investigators. These courses are designed to provide foundational knowledge and practical skills necessary for the profession. Prospective students can begin their search with reputable organisations such as:
To be eligible for enrolment in private investigator courses, candidates must fulfil the following criteria:
Additional prerequisites may vary by the course provider, so it is advisable to check directly with the institution for any specific requirements.
By meeting these requirements, you can take the first step towards acquiring the education and training needed to pursue a career in private investigation.
The average salary of PIs depends on several factors, such as location. For example, PIs in London can make £18.27 hourly. By comparison, those in Birmingham earn roughly £10.25 per hour.
Seasoned private investigators with a decade or more of experience can command higher hourly rates, often exceeding £35.00 per hour on average.
Furthermore, private investigators who have honed their expertise in specific niches may see increased earning potential. For instance, those specialising in fraud investigation typically earn around £36,739 annually. In contrast, surveillance experts can expect average yearly earnings of approximately £42,079.
Although you don’t need to have a licence to be a PI, you’ll need the following to comply with legal regulations:
At the very least, you’ll need three types of insurance when you start your private investigation practice:
Securing clients is the lifeblood of any burgeoning Private Investigator’s practice in the UK. Here’s a guide to developing your client base:
Forge connections with solicitors, accountants, local businesses, and insurance companies, who often seek PI services. A well-known networking group is BNI.
Also attend legal and business gatherings, and become a member of British professional bodies like The Association of British Investigators.
Establish a robust online presence with a sleek, informative website optimised for search engines. You can build a basic website with Wix.com or Wordpress.com for just a few pounds per month.
Consider writing a blog with insights into investigative work to showcase your expertise and improve your site’s search rankings. Both Wix and Wordpress come with blog functions.
Use platforms like LinkedIn for professional networking, sharing relevant content, and engaging with potential clients in the UK.
Explore targeted advertising through platforms like Google Ads, focusing on keywords that potential UK clients might use.
List your services in UK-based online directories for private investigators, ensuring your practice is visible to those searching for investigative services in your area.
Form alliances with security firms, cyber security companies, solicitors and accountants that may offer complementary services to yours.
Increase your local profile by participating in community events and contributing to local causes. This not only builds trust but also establishes your name in the community.
Encourage satisfied clients to refer your services to others. A strong recommendation from a trusted source can be far more persuasive than conventional marketing.
Keep in regular contact with previous clients (where appropriate) with updates and check-ins to stay fresh in their minds for any future investigative needs.
The key is to build a reputation for discreet, efficient, and thorough investigative work. By combining these methods with exemplary service, you will not only attract clients but also retain them for future investigative needs.
Being a private investigator may take time, but it’s doable. Once you become a PI, you’ll be helping clients and organisations as you uncover suspicious activities and keep an eye on persons of interest.
Of course, self-education is essential to being a self-employed sleuth. Educate yourself with our useful articles for self-employed professionals, and supercharge your PI journey.
Stepping into the shoes of a private investigator is an intriguing path, but if you're curious about the more clandestine sides of work and fancy a less intensive start, our next article is well worth your attention. Have you ever thought about becoming a mystery shopper? It's a role that combines discretion with everyday consumer experiences and might just satisfy your appetite for investigative work. Sharpen your observational skills and join us as we delve into the world of mystery shopping.
Our guide, "How to Become a Mystery Shopper," could be the perfect way to test the waters in the investigative industry or simply add an exciting dimension to your side hustle pursuits. So, before you go, make a mental note to check it out—it's an insightful read that's not to be missed, especially if you're considering a side gig that could offer a glimpse into the world of secret evaluation.
🎧 Listen Now: Sidehustles.co.uk One-Minute Podcast
How To Become a Private Investigator.
Welcome to the Sidehustles.co.uk One Minute Podcast. In the next 60 seconds, we're sharing a real-world insight from our network of seasoned side hustlers. This quick tip is designed to offer you practical advice that you can apply immediately in your side hustle journey.
Today, we're talking about how to become a private investigator in the UK. Even if you never aspire to the clandestine world of private investigation, there's a valuable tip that can be applied to any business or personal endeavour: the art of keen observation. Cultivating sharp observational skills can benefit small business owners immensely. By attentively assessing your market, competitors, and customer behaviours, you can uncover subtle trends and insights that others may overlook. This could lead to innovative strategies and improved customer experiences. So next time you're out in the world, practice noting details and behaviours; it's a habit that could yield significant advantages for your business.
That's your one-minute real-world insight. Stay tuned for more!
WHAT ARE OTHER PEOPLE READING?