Hiring an eye to keep a watch

If you thought private detectives were confined to the movies then its time to get a dose of reality because private detectives have now become a full fledge functioning practice of society. This is the reason why there are institutes actually offering private detective courses in India.

Why a career option?
The need for security has increased and the demand for detective personnel has also shot up. This has come about at a time when domestic problems like spouse infidelity are on the rise. Similarly industrial security conditions are deteriorating which forces the people to call upon private detectives. The growing industry of private detectives now requires a properly trained work force.

Job profile
Private detectives and investigators use many methods to determine the facts in a variety of matters. To carry out investigations, they may use various types of surveillance or searches. To verify facts, such as an individual's place of employment or income, they may make phone calls or visit a subject's workplace.
In other cases, especially those involving missing persons and background checks, investigators often interview people to gather as much information as possible about an individual.

Nature of work
Private detectives and investigators often work irregular hours because of the need to conduct surveillance and contact people who are not available during normal working hours. Early morning, evening, weekend, and holiday work is common.
Many detectives and investigators spend time away from their offices conducting interviews or doing surveillance, but some work in their office most of the day conducting computer searches and making phone calls.

Educational requirement
A detective does not require a license to operate within India. So, no particular educational background is required to pursue any course on private investigation. A graduation in any subject makes a person eligible to take up diploma courses offered by certain institutes across the country.

Who might like this job?
Alertness, agility and an analytical mind are prime requirements for becoming a private detective. Ambition, diligence, and creativity are important characteristics employers look for when hiring investigators.
Good communication skills, quick thinking, and an ability to confront problems are crucial. Earlier law enforcement careers help candidates develop essential interrogation techniques and interviewing methods.

Career prospects
Because there is not a lot opportunity to be promoted in the small detective agencies that are most common, advancement usually involves only a raise or increased responsibility; there are typically no ranks or hierarchies to rise in. Many private detectives start their own agencies after learning skills and techniques working in established firms at the commencement of their careers.

Remuneration
For a fresher, the yearly salary varies from 1.2 to 1.4 lacs which gradually which increases in the course of time. In cases of family disputes, it varies from Rs 1.8 to Rs 2.5 lac a year.