Private Investigation in Narcotics Division

Another area that private investigators often work in is the narcotics division of a local, state or federal police department.

Private investigators in Sumter, SC just finished up a three month narcotic investigation, resulting in the arrest of one drug dealer.  Disguised as druggies, the investigators purchased illegal drugs, including cocaine, from the man on several occasions.  The drug dealer even went as far as to sell the druggies a non-narcotic substance, claiming it was a drug.

The investigation came to an end this past Tuesday, July 2, when the investigators arrested the dealer.  He is presently being held at the Sumter-Lee Regional Detention Center pending his trial.

Read more here: http://www.thestate.com/2013/07/04/2847881/sumter-man-held-on-drug-charges.html#storylink=cpy

The Importance of an Investigator’s Job

As our entire nation watched another terrorist attack take place on American soil, we saw a couple of things happen.  First of all, people forgot about themselves and the danger they were facing and concentrated on helping those around them.  It was a beautiful picture of what has made America great for all these years.  Ordinary everyday people worked right alongside medical professionals, and no one pointed out the difference.

As people were moved from the scene to the hospitals and the street began to clear, investigators of different kinds began to move in and do their job.  It was up to them to secure the area to keep the evidence from becoming contaminated.  This is the first step in making sure that the individual or individuals who perpetrated this terrible crime can be brought to justice.

It is the job of the investigators working the crime scene to find evidence and to conserve it.  They look for anything they can find to prove the case in court.  They must be extremely careful not to leave their fingerprints on evidence that is found.

Over and over investigators have asked that people come forward with any information that might help them find the perpetrator.  Pictures that were taken, suspicious actions or words or mere suspicions are being looked at with the greatest of care.  It is not always a large, important clue that solves the case. This is the important job of an investigator.

Being a Private Investigator

Written by:  Barton Archer

Many people have glamorized visions of what it is to be a private investigator.  Car chases, beautiful women, and blazing gun fights capture the imagination.  And the imagination is where such notions belong.  Books, TV, movies and other media reinforce these images.

Real private investigators are basically fact-finders.  Their job is to locate information for clients who would not be able to locate it themselves.  Sometimes it involves researching records, examining documents, or conducting surveillance.  Surveillance operations can involve several hours of boredom in search of maybe a few minutes of activity.

Private investigations can cover a wide range of activities.  The insurance industry employs investigators to look into possible fraud, such as false worker's compensation claims.  Corporations use investigators to research potential business Partners, also known as due diligence investigations.  Lawyers often have investigators, either on payroll or on retainer, to work on their cases.

Another thing to keep in mind is that there are actually several different types of investigators who work in the private sector.  Traditional private investigators are essentially freelance fact-finders who offer their services to a variety of clients, ranging from lawyers to suspicious spouses to corporations.  More...


Private Investigator Entry Level (02E): An Introduction to Conducting Private Investigations

Surveillance Tips for Private Investigator on Stationary Surveillance

Stationary surveillance is an important part of many jobs in private investigation. These surveillance tips can help you "do it right" the first time around. Car Dashboard Mount Camera for Private Investigators  

Important Information for Private Investigators and Detectives

If you are considering becoming a private investigator or detective, it's important to know what the job consists of and what the prospects for the job are.  No one wants to spend time and money learning about a job that they will dislike later on or that will pay so poorly that they can't even pay their bills.  The information you will find below is invaluable.

What they do

These folks trace missing persons, investigate computer crimes, verify perople's backgrounds for jobs and special relationships and protect celebrities.  They also hunt for the facts and analyze information about personal, legal and financial matters.  When secrets need to be discovered these are the folks that get called.

Education

Interestingly, a private investigator or detective can enter the job force with only some college, but they do not need a degree.  One to five years of work experience in a related occupation is a plus.  Training is given on-the-job.  Private detectives and investigators do need a license in some states.

Job outlook

In 2010, there were 34,700 jobs.  The job growth outlook through 2020 for private investigators and detectives is expected to be 21 percent which is faster than the average type of job.  This job pays $20.61 per hour, averaging an annual income of $42,870.

Where they work

Depending on the case, an investigator or detective may work in an office or out in the field.  Some do computer searches and make phone calls to see what secrets can be discovered.  Others are out in the field interviewing possible witnesses and performing surveillance.