Are you a self-motivated and detail-oriented individual? Do you enjoy gathering information and solving mysteries? If so, a career as a professional investigator might be perfect for you! Professional investigators play a crucial role in gathering evidence for various private, corporate, government, and legal purposes. Let's take a closer look at what this profession entails.
Duties of a Professional Investigator:
Professional investigators are responsible for uncovering evidence and information. Some of their main tasks include:
- Preventing business losses caused by theft or fraud.
- Monitoring individuals who are claiming disability insurance to ensure their activities align with their claimed disability.
- Conducting searches for missing persons.
- Collecting information on defendants or witnesses for lawyers in criminal and civil court cases.
- Obtaining material or evidence for individuals involved in divorce or child custody cases.
- Carrying out pre-employment background checks.
- Collaborating with government agencies, such as provincial family maintenance agencies.
Methods Used by Professional Investigators:
To gather the necessary information and evidence, professional investigators employ various methods, such as:
- Interviewing subjects' employers, friends, relatives, and other relevant sources.
- Documenting events through photography and videography.
- Locating and obtaining statements from witnesses.
- Searching public records.
- Conducting surveillance on individuals of interest.
Working Conditions and Skills Required:
No two assignments are the same for professional investigators. However, it often involves long hours and hard work. They may have to work during regular office hours, evenings, nights, and weekends, depending on the assignment. To excel in this profession, investigators should have traits and skills such as:
- Tact and excellent interpersonal communication skills.
- A sharp memory and mental alertness.
- Physical fitness to handle the demands of the job.
- An inquisitive mind with an eye for detail.
- A strong determination to thoroughly investigate each problem.
- Integrity and the ability to remain neutral.
- Proficiency in photography and videography.
- The ability to adapt to different environments.
- Strong analytical skills to assess how evidence relates to an investigation.
- Effective report writing skills.
- Excellent driving skills for mobile surveillance operations.
Professional Investigator List of NOCs:
- 2006 NOC: Private Investigators (6465.2)
- 2006 NOC-S: Other Protective Service Occupations (G625)
- 2011 NOC: Security guards and related security service occupations (6541)
- 2016 NOC: Security guards and related security service occupations (6541)
If you enjoy adapting to new challenges, searching for individuals creatively, working with people, compiling information methodically, and utilizing technology, a career as a professional investigator may be a perfect fit for you!