The Survival of Private Investigation

WILL PRIVATE INVESTIGATION SURVIVE?
Leroy Cook - 2006 - 2008

A long time private investigator recently made the following comparison. Private investigators and paid lobbyists struggling to protect the rights of private investigators are not unlike the buggy whip merchants years ago who struggled against public acceptance of the automobile. The person who made this astute observation felt the business of private investigation is going to be destroyed by changes in information access and availability. While there is some validity to his concerns, private investigators who have the skills and abilities private investigation required thirty years ago need not despair. The basics of private investigation haven't changed and the need of the public for people with those skills will continue as the laws and society change.

Before greed turned "friends on the inside" into information brokers, good sense was an important part of being a private investigator. It is possible many of today's new private investigators will be put out of business when their pre-packaged investigative solutions dry up but investigators who understand the difference between investigating and buying information will survive. They will continue to be needed and used by enough attorneys and people to earn a living.

Without the support of badges, bureaucracies or lobbyists private investigation requires starting from where you are with what you have. From this starting point, which is never the same on any two cases, a private investigator does whatever needs to be done to get the job done. Using resourcefulness, good sense, ingenuity, intelligence, creativity, integrity, good human relations, good communication skills and tenacity investigators do what others aren't able or willing to do. Information sources and investigative tools continue to change and have come and gone over the years but the basics have not changed. People who want all the rules clearly spelled would be more secure keeping their jobs for organizations or governments. Trying to change the nature of private investigation to fit their aversion to risk won't work. When private investigation becomes clearly defined and thoroughly regulated as some would prefer, it will no longer be private investigation but another government job.

Self management, managing your time and managing your business affairs are the keys to success in business. Being a private investigator is a pretty good business if one has at least a moderately high risk tolerance and doesn't mind the required sacrifices. Life is good and the future is good. Enjoy it.

The essence of the private investigation business is "good judgement and singleness of purpose". A client is much better off hiring an investigator with average skills and equipment who uses good judgement with singleness of purpose than with one who counts on framed certificates of completion and gadgets.