Private Investigation (2023)

Course Outline: What You Will Cover

Everything you need to know will be revealed in this course. The ICI Private Investigator course will unveil the secret tricks of the trade and teach what normally takes years of on the job experience.

1Criminal Psychology
  • Comprehending Crimes through Psychology
2Locating People / Factual Inquires
  • How to Locate and Track People Down
3Starting an Investigation
  • Assessing the Matter
  • The Complainant
  • Objectives
  • Investigation Plan
4Obtaining Results
  • Consulting Experts
  • Examinations
  • Surveillance
  • Scene Inspection
5Tracing Missing Persons
  • Why People Disappear?
  • Tracing Methodologies
6Matrimonial and Domestic Cases
  • Means Reporting
  • Child Care and Custody Matters
  • Adoption Enquiries
  • Peace of Mind Reports
7Counter-Espionage & Counter-Surveillance
  • Detecting Surveillance
  • Methods of Surveillance
  • Team Surveillance Techniques
  • De-bugging
8Commercial Espionage
  • Areas of Vulnerability
  • Classification
  • Handling, Storage, Disposal Procedures
  • Clean Desk Policy
  • Access Limitation
  • Electronic Surveillance Countermeasures
  • Computer Security & Hacking
9Statement Taking and Reporting
  • Report Writing
  • Statement Taking
  • Interviewing Witnesses
10How to Investigate Different Cases
  • Personal Injury Cases
  • Malpractice Suits
  • Investigating Workers Compensation & Insurance
11Fraud Cases
  • Investigating Theft Cases
  • Investigating Collections & Repossession Cases
  • Investigation Missing Persons Case
  • Skip Tracing & Public Record Searches
  • Pre-texting for Information
  • How to Spot a Bug or Wiretap
12Surveillance
  • Stationary Surveillance
  • Moving Surveillance
  • Pre-texts and Cover Stories
  • Preparation & Techniques
13Carrying Out Search of the Public Record
  • Searching the Public Record
(Video) Dire Straits - Private Investigations (Full Album Version) - 1982
14Operating a Private Investigation Business
  • Finding Clients
  • Getting Paid
  • Price Strategy
  • Contracts
  • Marketing

How Will You Benefit?

  • Fast track your career in investigation and surveillance sector as well as many other related fields
  • Quickly develop skills in months not years!
  • Study a mediation course that was designed in conjunction with senior professionals in the investigations profession
  • Free up valuable time, don’t waste time and money travelling to classes
  • Study at your own pace whenever and wherever you are
  • Have access to a tutor who will provide prompt and encouraging support
  • Easy interest free payment plans from as low as $39 per week

Start reaping the benefits by enrolling today!

Career Prospects

Private Investigators provide services in respect to the following areas of operation:

Private Investigation (1)

  • Family Law
  • Cheating Spouse
  • Insurance Matters
  • Asset Tracing
  • Intellectual Property (Trademark, Copyright, Patents)
  • Service of Documents
  • Due Diligence
  • Harassment and Stalking
  • Identity Vetting & Verifications
  • Personnel Screening
  • Theft
  • Fraud
  • Insurance Investigations
  • Kidnap / Ransom / Extortion
  • Missing Persons
  • Malicious Damage
  • Teenager Investigations (drug, alcohol and sexual activity)
  • Theft in the Workplace
  • Undercover Investigations
  • Addictions
  • Surveillance and Counter Surveillance
  • Hidden Camera and Bug Detection
People and business typically commissioning private investigations work include:
  • Government Agencies (eg. Social Security Office / Centrelink)
  • Insurance Companies
  • Councils
  • Banks, Credit Unions & Building Societies
  • Small Businesses / Large Corporations
  • Solicitors and Barristers
  • Private Citizens
The ICI Private Investigations course is designed for those:
  1. with an interest in private investigation techniques and methodologies,
  2. those who may wish to carry out their own personal private investigations instead of hiring a PI. Licensed private investigators hold no special powers in comparison with ordinary citizens. Licensing in those jurisdictions that do licence PI’s use it a system of creating accountability and enables them to charge a fee for performing their services,
  3. those in the following professions who are not classified as Private Investigators but find the skills taught in the course particularly useful on a day to day basis:

Private Investigation (2)

  • auditors / forensic accountants
  • corruption investigators
  • counsellors / psychologists
  • customs officers
  • complaints officers
  • corrective service officers
  • council compliance officers (eg. rangers)
  • covert surveillance team member
  • criminal investigators
  • detectives
  • debt collectors
  • environmental protection officers
  • forensic specialists
  • fraud prevention officers
  • genealogists / family historians
  • investigation managers / supervisors
  • insurance claims assessment officers
  • interviewers
  • journalists
  • ombudsman / consumer affairs staff
  • parks and wildlife officers
  • professional standards officers
  • police officers
  • policy development officers
  • quarantine inspectors
  • research officers
  • security officers
  • tertiary and school education managers
  • legal professionals (lawyers, solicitors, barristers) and paralegals
  • workplace health and safety inspectors
  • and people in similar positions or those who have a supportive or administrative role in an investigation.

Completing the ICI Private Investigator course can be beneficial to those employed or seeking employment in the above professions as it will demonstrate a unique set of skills which are seen as valuable in the above jobs. Such training will undoubtedly set you apart from your colleagues. At the same time, it also gives you an unfair advantage in applying / being considered for promotions and new employment positions that you may be competing for.

(Video) Dire Straits - Private Investigations

Course Levels Explained

This course leads to the awarding of an Executive Diploma. This qualification recognises the graduates capacity for initiative and judgment across a broad range of technical and management functions. Diploma holders typically have personal responsibility and autonomy in performing technical operations or organising others in the workplace.

Prerequisites

There are NO previous work or education requirements for entry into any course level.

Course Length

The average time within which students complete studies is 31 weeks.

ICI courses allow you to study at your own pace with no assignment deadlines. This means that you determine the pace of the course and within which time period you will ultimately complete your studies in.

  • Completing your course with ICI is flexible as you can fast-track and graduate in a matter of months. You complete activities and submit assignments whenever you are ready.
  • The maximum time given to complete a program is three years.

Study Mode: Online Learning

This entire course is carried out via Distance Learning (also known as correspondence learning). Distance learning is ideal if you need to adapt around work, family, or other commitments. It is also extremely beneficial should you simply wish to fast track your studies (and career) and not be locked into a timetable.

(Video) Private Investigator Murdered in Cold Blood and Buried on Killer’s Family Farm (Killer Cases)

Our course content and learning experience ensure that your course is relevant and interesting. Learning, tutorial assistance and assessments take place whenever and wherever you are in the country or world. It takes place at your own pace on your own terms to fit your lifestyle. As an ICI student, you’ll never endure a pop quiz, spend countless hours and hundreds of dollars travelling, and never be late with an assignment or for class.

Recognition & Accreditation

Private Investigation (3)

This course is recognised and accredited by the International Association of Private Career Colleges (IAPCC). The courses offered by ICI are unique as they take a very “hands on” approach. Our courses are not designed to teach you just the “theory” behind the industry – they are written and tutored by industry professionals and will fast-track you into a new career of your choice.

Various government departments and businesses have enrolled their own staff with ICI for further training and development and are a strong indicator of acceptance and recognition by employers and industry.

The following is a partial list of companies and government departments which have enrolled or sponsored staff into ICI courses:
  • Ministry of Defence
  • Sports Centre, University of Kent
  • Department of Tourism, Regional Development & Industry
  • The Placement People
  • Skill Hire
  • Metcash Trading Ltd
  • Navman Technologies
  • The European Fund
  • Employment Directions Network
  • The Salvation Army
  • Calvin Klein
  • John Paul College
  • Legal Aid Commission
  • Melton Council
  • Mitsubishi Corporation
  • Commonwealth Bank
  • HSBC
  • American Express
  • Clayton UTZ
  • Hennikers Solicitors
  • Villari Lawyers
  • Prisoners Education Trust (HM Prison Service)
  • Uniting Care Institute of Family Practice
  • Workplace Authority
  • Centacare Employment Group
  • Employment Directions
  • MAX Employment
  • Gunnebo (Security)
  • Brookfield Multiplex
  • Coles Myer Ltd

Already in the Profession or Industry?

This course and qualification is a great way of consolidating existing knowledge via Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), updating your industry skills and contributing towards your professional development. It is also one of the most practical steps you can take towards working towards gaining a promotion or better-paid position.

(Video) Private Investigator On Madeleine McCann And Jimmy Savile | Minutes With Podcast | @LADbible TV

Course fees can be claimed as a tax deduction as long as the course is sufficiently connected to your work activities.

What Do I Get?

All materials essential for course completion are included in the cost of the course fee. Upon enrollment, students receive:

  • All required study materials and course notes
  • Assignment projects with constructive tutor feedback
  • A tutor who will service all of your course and career questions and guidance needs.

On successful completion of the course you will receive:
Private Investigation (4)

  • A graduation certificate officially recognizing your successful completion of studies and qualifications
  • Transcripts indicating units completed
  • Letter of recommendation and validation for current and future employers
  • Post-nominal letters placed after your name which indicate that you hold the relevant qualification. For example: John Smith, ExeDipPI

Cut Off Date

Friday, 16th December 2022 is the next enrollment cut off date. Places are limited, in demand and entry into the course is on a first come first served basis.

Your enrollment is processed and acknowledged within 24 hours of the Institute receiving your application. You can expect to receive your course within days of enrolling. When you start your ICI course it’s at your own pace and you determine when you finish. Don’t miss out. Enroll today!

(Video) 7 True Scary PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR Stories | VOL 3

Course Investment & Payment Plans

How do I get started?

Click on one of the Enroll Now buttons below and you could be working on your first lesson – and towards a new career – in a matter of days!

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Take the first step towards obtaining valuable skills in the field of private investigation today.

FAQs

What is the meaning of private investigation? ›

Private Investigators are independent civilian investigators hired by individuals or organizations dealing with civil or criminal matters that require surveillance, documentation, research, or interviews to provide evidence in legal, criminal, or business investigations. Sponsored School(s)

Can a private investigator find someone? ›

Private investigators have access to public and business records as well as private databases, all of which can all help them to track down a person's whereabouts.

Is a private investigator legal? ›

Yes it is completely legal to hire a Private Investigator. "Are They Safe" and our private investigators will never act in an illegal or unethical manner. All of the information and evidence we gather is obtained 100% legally.

Are private investigators worth it? ›

A private investigator is often useful for a number or reasons, but when a case or claim is necessary in a court of law, these professionals are invaluable at finding information and revealing the whereabouts of needed witnesses.

Why are private investigators better than police? ›

In terms of private investigator vs. detective, the PI has the same rights and privileges as an ordinary citizen – they cannot, for example, make an official legal arrest, but only a citizen's arrest. Police officers, on the other hand, can obtain warrants, arrest suspects and enforce laws.

Can a PI track a cell phone? ›

Just like every other citizen, private investigators are prohibited from wiretapping or monitoring phone conversations without consent from at least one of the individuals. This federal law is present in all states of the USA.

Why do people need private investigators? ›

Private detectives can help individuals and companies find out information that may be nearly impossible to track down on their own, and their level of proficiency and experience make them a trusted and reliable resource, even for other law enforcement teams.

How much does it cost to get a person? ›

On average, most private investigators charge anywhere from $100 for standard cases to up to $500 for more difficult cases. Our fees start at $350 to find a person if you have some basic information about the person, such as a full name, date of birth, recent address, workplace, area of residence, etc.

Can private investigators hack social media? ›

However, there are limits to the information they can obtain online. A private investigator can check social media accounts to see what is publicly posted. They cannot hack into any social media account to see what has been posted privately or collect private information about someone.

Are private investigators anonymous? ›

People reach out to private investigators for many reasons, and it's important they have a confidentiality promise in their contract. Additionally, they should guarantee your anonymity and privacy, no matter the case at hand.

What private investigators include? ›

The role which private investigators play in society is to protect a client through gathering information; search public or court records to uncover clues; conduct surveillance; collect evidence to present in court or to a client; verify employment and income; check for civil judgements and criminal history and ...

Can a private investigator check bank accounts? ›

A private investigator can obtain financial information, but in accordance with legal guidelines. Generally speaking, a private investigator cannot retrieve financial records without permissible purpose. Banks are held to a standard, according to the Right to Financial Privacy Act.

What's the difference between an investigator and a private investigator? ›

The main difference between private investigators and law enforcement detectives is who they are employed by, the types of cases they handle, and their legal authorities. Otherwise, these professionals carry out many of the same day-to-day tasks, such as: Interviewing people to gather information.

How much does it cost to hire a private investigator near me? ›

According to the website Thumbtack, private detectives cost between $99 and $150 per hour, with the national average cost of private investigator services coming in around $105 per hour.

How do you protect yourself from a private investigator? ›

Don't answer your front door

And don't answer your phone. Yes, people will think you're a recluse, but if you aren't expecting visitors or calls, don't open your front door and don't answer the call. Many times, we, as PIs, will ring your doorbell to find out if you're there.

Should I hire a private investigator to follow my husband? ›

Yes! Private investigators are able to uncover information most private citizens cannot. Not only do they have access to additional resources, but they also have a skill set most people don't.

What type of person makes a good private investigator? ›

A private investigator needs a good understanding of how to communicate effectively and courteously with people from different backgrounds. Whether interviewing witnesses, collaborating with the police, or speaking with family members of missing persons, remember to be tactful and compassionate.

What state is best for private investigators? ›

California

How much do top private investigators make? ›

National estimates for Private Detectives and Investigators:
Percentile10%50% (Median)
Hourly Wage$ 15.45$ 28.55
Annual Wage (2)$ 32,130$ 59,380

What phone Cannot be tracked? ›

Among the most secure Phones – Purism Librem 5

These switches are located for the cameras, microphone, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and cellular baseband. This phone has all the significant trackers disabled by default.

Can a private investigator listen to your phone calls? ›

Despite the prohibition on recording telephone conversations, in most jurisdictions, private investigators are legally able to eavesdrop on, and record, conversations that occur in public.

Can a private investigator get deleted text messages? ›

Even if someone deletes text messages, memos, calendar updates and call records, a private investigator may be able to recover this information. This level of detail can inform someone of who the person has had contact with, at what time and date the contact occurred and the content of the contact.

How do you tell if a PI is following you? ›

Drive your car and watch for any vehicle to pull out behind you and start following you. Private investigators typically stay one or two cars behind a subject's vehicle and they tend to keep their vehicle in your blind spot. Try making a U-turn to see if the vehicle follows you. Watch for someone following you on foot.

How do private investigators get clients? ›

Some of these tools are listed below as well as advice from other investigators.
  1. Business cards. ...
  2. Freebies or swag. ...
  3. Visit your target clients. ...
  4. Sponsor events. ...
  5. Get involved with community events. ...
  6. Take on pro-bono work. ...
  7. Send newsletters. ...
  8. Maintain a blog.
4 May 2021

Is being a Private Investigator difficult? ›

Repetitive Tasks

Yes, being a Private Investigator can be exciting. However, much of the work involves research, monitoring, and observation. These tasks can be monotonous, but they're an essential part of the job.

What are the qualifications of a private detective? ›

How to become a private investigator in the Philippines
  • Must be a Filipino citizen.
  • Must be a high school graduate or better.
  • Must be physically and mentally fit.
  • Must be between the ages of 21 and 50.
  • Must be at least 5 feet 4 inches tall.
  • Suffering none of the disqualifications in the previous section.

How much does it cost to be born? ›

Average Cost of Childbirth in the US

Giving birth costs $18,865 on average, including pregnancy, delivery and postpartum care, according to the Peterson-Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) Health System Tracker. Health insurance can cover most of that cost.

How can I find someone's phone number without paying? ›

Whitepages. Want to know how to find someone's phone number for free? Whitepages is the digital equivalent of looking someone up in the phonebook. Just like AnyWho, Whitepages is very simple to use, and it only requires someone's name and location to find a phone number.

How much does it cost to have a friend? ›

According to a new infographic by U.K.-based loan provider Amigo Loans, the average cost of friendship can reach over $201,000 throughout one's life.

Can private investigators see Internet history? ›

Most if not all information on the internet is stored in databases. These databases are available to private investigators. They contain crucial public and non-public records that an investigator can use to locate and track someone.

What apps do private investigators use? ›

15 Apps for Private Investigators
  • WhatsApp. ...
  • Facebook. ...
  • Instagram. ...
  • Dropbox. ...
  • Adobe Clip (Or equivalent) ...
  • Time Stamp Camera (Or equivalent) ...
  • Wotif (Or equivalent) ...
  • LinkedIn.

What websites do private investigators use? ›

The major players in the investigative database & information broker world, still catering to private investigators and independent skip tracers, include (in no particular order) IRB Search, Accurint, Merlin Information, Tracers Info, IQ Data, MasterFiles, PublicData and several others.

Can a private investigator take pictures through a window? ›

Photos Can't be Taken Through Windows into a Home

Private investigators in real life do take a lot of photos, but they must take place in public. Inside a home, the person has an expectation of privacy, so private investigators cannot take photos through the windows into the home.

Can pi be used in court? ›

When Is PI Evidence Legal? The good news is that evidence gathered by a private investigator is completely legal and usually admissible in court as long as it has been gathered in a way that doesn't break the law.

Can a private investigator put a tracking device on your car? ›

An investigator license permits an investigator to follow someone. Once it is clear that the reason is legal and they have no intention to hurt someone, a private investigator can put a GPS tracker on a vehicle or belongings.

How do you find someone's hidden assets? ›

Here are documents that may help you discover hidden financial accounts and property:
  1. Income tax returns. ...
  2. Bank account statements. ...
  3. Loan applications. ...
  4. Credit card statements. ...
  5. Business records. ...
  6. Public records.

Who can legally check your bank account? ›

Who can see my bank account information? You and the bank are the only two able to see your bank information unless you grant access to a third party.

Can private investigators pull credit reports? ›

One of the most frequently asked questions that a private investigator typically receives is “Can you get a credit report?” The short answer to this inquiry is “yes,” an investigator can legally obtain a subject's credit profile report, however there are a few important caveats to consider before asking the question.

Are private investigators cop? ›

In terms of private investigator vs. detective, the PI has the same rights and privileges as an ordinary citizen – they cannot, for example, make an official legal arrest, but only a citizen's arrest. Police officers, on the other hand, can obtain warrants, arrest suspects and enforce laws.

Do private investigators work alone? ›

Due to the nature of the work of a private detective and investigator their work hours are irregular and may require more than 40 hours a week. Most work in an office setting and alone unless they are performing surveillance.

Who is called a private investigator? ›

private investigator. noun. : a person not a member of a police force who is licensed to do detective work (as investigation of suspected wrongdoing or searching for missing persons)

What were private investigators called? ›

A private investigator (often abbreviated to PI and informally called a private eye), a private detective, or inquiry agent is a person who can be hired by individuals or groups to undertake investigatory law services. Private investigators often work for attorneys in civil and criminal cases.

Why do people hire private investigators? ›

Private detectives can help individuals and companies find out information that may be nearly impossible to track down on their own, and their level of proficiency and experience make them a trusted and reliable resource, even for other law enforcement teams.

Who is the most famous private investigator? ›

1. Sherlock Holmes. You simply can't list out famous private investigators in film and television without talking about one of the most popular characters, not just in the mystery genre, but of all time — Sherlock Holmes. Sherlock Holmes was a character created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle in the late 1800s.

Are there any famous private investigators? ›

Paul Henderson – Paul is a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and private investigator. Edwin Atherton – Though he served as a Foreign Service Officer and as a Bureau of Investigation Agent, it was his work as a private investigator that got him his notoriety.

Do private investigators work for the FBI? ›

FBI Agent. You will need a degree in the relevant field of study, law enforcement experience, and a clean background to go through the FBI academy to become a Private Investigator for the federal government. If you have what it takes to make it in, though, the benefits will last a lifetime.

What are the 5 types of investigations? ›

Scientists use different methods of investigation in different circumstances. These methods include (in no particular order) fair testing, identifying and classifying, modelling, pattern seeking, and researching.

Videos

1. Dire Straits - Private Investigations (Official Music Video)
(ΠΛΑΤΩ)
2. Private investigations — Dire Straits 1986 Sydney LIVE pro-shot [SPECTACULAR VERSION!]
(BEST Knopfler LIVE)
3. Private Investigations
(Dire Straits)
4. Private Investigator- What is it like?
(Become a Private Investigator)
5. Slain Idaho Student's Family Turns to Private Investigators
(COURT TV)
6. ❗❗❗ Pros and Cons to Becoming a Private Investigator | Private Investigator Training Video
(The PI Guy)

References

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