Course descriptionEverything You Need To Know Is Fully Revealed In This Eleven Lesson Home-Study Course. You'll Find Step-By-Step Instructions To Help You Master The Private Investigation Business -- Whether You Want To Work For Yourself or Work Alongside Another Agency.
They Majority Of The Students Who Complete This Course Go Onto Setting Up and Running Their Own Private Investigation Business.
Qualified Investigators Charge Between £50-£100 An Hour Working Freelance. Most Successful Private Investigators Have Clients Waiting For Their Services.
You'll Learn The Necessary Skills Required To Get Into This Exciting And Rewarding Career.
Module 1 – An Introduction to Private Investigation
In this module we look at the personal characteristics needed by private investigators, and the key requirements for carrying out the job successfully. We look at what you can earn, the importance of personal appearance, and the effects that being a PI can have on your personal life. The benefits for a PI of possessing a personal computer are outlined, and we also examine who will be your clients. The module concludes with an outline of the course contents.
Module 2 – Tracing Missing Persons
For many agencies, tracing is their bread-and-butter. In this module we consider why people ‘disappear’, and why other people (your clients) may wish to trace them. We reveal a wide range of methods for tracing missing persons, and explain how to write up a report of a missing person investigation for your client. Business Basics looks at computers and the Internet (an invaluable resource for tracing, by the way).
Module 3 – Surveillance Secrets
Surveillance is a key aspect of much private investigation work. In this module we explain the main occasions when surveillance may be required, with hints and tips on how to go about it successfully. Business Basics looks at the art of marketing your agency – that is, advertising and selling your services as a professional private investigator.
Module 4 – Matrimonial and Domestic Cases
Not to put too fine a point on it, matrimonial work generally means checking up on cheating partners! Domestic work covers a very wide range of jobs, including means reporting, child care and custody matters, adoption enquiries and peace of mind reports. This module sets out what work may be available and how to go about it. In Business Basics we look at invoicing and financial record-keeping.
Module 5 – Debt Collecting and Repossessions
This covers collecting debts on all kinds of items, including cars, television sets and video equipment, and even houses, credit cards and business equipment. It is an area of work which can be dangerous at times, and following the correct procedures is vital. In this module we look at the skills required, and explain how you may go on to become a certificated bailiff if this type of work appeals to you.
Module 6 – Counter-Espionage
Forget about James Bond and MI5. For private investigators, counter-espionage is about commercial spying. In this module we look at why companies try to steal one another’s secrets, and what can be done to counter it. We also examine electronic surveillance, counter-surveillance, “de-bugging”, and so on. Business Basics examines some of the key skills for report-writing.
Module 7 – Personal Protection and Bodyguard Services
Investigators are sometimes hired to protect their clients as bodyguards, or simply to act as a person's eyes and ears if the person is restricted in some way (perhaps by fear, illness or incapacity). In this module we reveal the work which may be available and the skills required. We also examine driving skills such as ‘tailing’ a suspect, how to lose a tail, and the principles of ‘defensive driving’.
Module 8 – Process Serving
Process serving describes the service of legal documents such as writs and statutory demands, bankruptcy papers, and notices to quit premises or repay a debt. The business is usually straight-forward and is all about making sure documents reach the people they are intended for. The module explains what the work involves and who are your most likely clients. It also explains your options if the person concerned does not wish to accept the document.
Module 9 – Statement Taking and Reporting
Investigators may be required to take statements and prepare reports for a wide range of purposes (e.g. they may be engaged to interview witnesses to a road accident on behalf of a solicitor acting for one of the victims). This module explains the work available and how to go about doing it. Also in this module we look at courtroom procedures and etiquette.
Module 10 – Building your Investigation Business
In this module we look at special investigations. This category covers all kinds of tasks, from tracing a person's exact movements over a period of time, to maintaining contact with someone whom your client suspects is about to abscond with money belonging to him. We also look at other types of cases you may wish to take on, and list some possible sources of help.
Module 11 – Conclusion and Final Assessment
In this module we offer a further wide range of tips and advice on all aspects of running a successful private investigation agency. The module also includes essential contact addresses, including organisations for PIs, further reading, suppliers of electronic surveillance equipment, and so on. The module concludes with a final self-study exercise with which you can test your knowledge of private investigation. And, in recognition of your hard work and dedication in completing the course, you will receive the Diploma in Professional Private Investigation, an attractive and prestigious document to frame and put on your wall to impress your clients.