In the U.S., it is not uncommon for former police officers to later become private investigators (PIs). With several years of experience and knowledge, it makes sense that former police take a first seat to the corporate world of investigative work. A good police officer can set the stage for being a good PI. However, having a police background doesn’t necessarily mean someone would make a great PI. Keep reading to learn some key police characteristics that define a great private investigator.
Professionalism
As police officers, maintaining professionalism is a core trait that is learned at the police academy. A professional cop always acts and dresses appropriately, regardless of where they are. This also applies to how they handle a wide variety of situations, many of which are unpredictable and stressful out on the streets. Aside from how they dress, act, and handle situations, cops are also professional when it comes to meeting deadlines and writing up accurate reports.
Their professionalism carries over nicely to private investigative work. Indeed, clients will expect their hired PI to act and dress professionally. This conveys trust and commitment to their job and their clients’ cases. Private investigators are also expected to write up accurate, legible reports that are on time and informative. After all, individuals and companies hire investigators to help them solve their cases, so it’s important for PIs to maintain professionalism on the job.
Essential Experience and Skills
As former police detectives, these individuals most likely have several years of experience in investigative work that can transfer into the corporate world. Police detectives solve a variety of cases, including fraud, murder, missing persons, and other crimes. Indeed, police use the same necessary skills that PIs use to solve these cases. This type of training includes investigating, interviewing, and gathering information, all of which are also used in the private sector.
Former police detectives have years of experience in using these skills and training. This makes it a smoother transition to start a career in private investigation compared to someone without a police background.
Knowledge of Local Law and Legal Processes
Typically, police officers serve 20 or more years before retiring. This leads to a great deal of knowledge regarding local laws and legal processes. If a former police officer later becomes a PI, they will already have a wealth of knowledge about these legal matters. If a client case goes to court, the PI will be a great aid during the legal investigation.
For any legal investigation, gathering legally obtained evidence is essential for it holding up in court. Former police officers will already have extensive knowledge with writing detailed reports. If they later become a PI, this legal experience will make it easier to help clients with legal investigations by collecting, writing, and filing thorough, legal reports. This can be the difference between their clients winning a case or losing it.
Contacts
Overtime, police officers grow a large network of contacts in their local community. If they become private investigators, these contacts can be useful. If a PI needs advice regarding a difficult case, they can reach out to their contacts. Aside from the police, lawyers also can provide legal advice to private investigators.
It’s important to note that PIs cannot ask police officers to reveal sensitive information or do anything illegal or unethical. However, PIs can ask their contacts in the police department for advice regarding their cases.
We hope you enjoyed this week’s article. At PATRIOT Backgrounds and Investigations, the owner and his employees are former police officers with years of experience, which they have taken to the corporate world. If you ever need help solving a case or performing a background check, contact our expert team today.
