What Skills Do Private Investigators Need?
June 10, 2021 - Reading time: 7 minutes
Updated on: August 8, 2025
Detective films, series, books, stories, are extremely popular and exciting. We follow the investigator’s actions and marvel at their sharp mind and ability to catch the criminal. But a real-life private investigator (PI) has to have certain skills to be able to crack a case. These skills can be learned through training courses or from past experience within law enforcement or the military.
A private investigator has to have some basic inherent characteristics that make him a suitable candidate for detective work and there are skills that he or she can learn to become proficient in the profession.
Inherent skills required to become a private investigator
- An investigative mindset: Curiosity is what compels a private investigator to analyze situations and logical thinking directs the thoughts in the right direction. Well-developed reasoning skills help the PI decipher evidence and reach the correct conclusions. He/she also has to have the ability to keep emotions out of the picture and remain completely objective.
- A keen sense of observation: An essential quality of a detective is his keen sense of observation and attention to detail. The smallest of clues can make or break a case. It pays to be thorough. This quality helps the investigator to solve the cases by getting to the bottom of a riddle.
- Intuition: A private investigator has to depend on his/her intuition to be able to guess when a person is lying. It’s this intuition that aids his/her deduction skills. He/she also has to be a keen student of human behavior and be aware of and trust his/her deducing abilities.
- Patience: A very important quality of any investigator is patience. Hours of watching and waiting are a part of conducting surveillance assignments. A dedicated investigator has to be tenacious to ferret out the truth. Patience and that persistence are the keys to successful surveillance and interviewing of difficult persons of interest.
- An unbiased mind: Any preconceived notion will negatively impact an investigator’s conclusions vis-a-vis the case he/ she is handling, particularly if it is regarding the color of the skin or race of a person. A PI has to be impartial and detached from the case which they are investigating.
- A great memory: A private investigator has to depend on this quality to be successful in his trade. He/she has to be able to think on his/her feet and make prompt decisions. He has to be well-read and aware of previous cases of crime which can be used for reference.
Private investigation skills which must be learned
1. Surveillance skills: The primary job of any private detective is surveillance. Many hours have to be spent sitting or standing without being conspicuous. Handling cameras and video equipment to gather evidence is a part of surveillance. Photographs and video footage form the primary evidence in most cases. Investigators should be proficient in their camera equipment and have good photography skills.
2. Research skills: Today there are different types of sources like phone calls, interviews, social media, online documents, and of course informants and police evidence. Being able to understand the crux of the matter from the varied information is a skill to be learned. Reading body language and understanding the implications is another skill that can be learned.
3. Critical thinking skills: A private investigator has to have well-developed reasoning skills. His/her logical mind should guide him to the motive behind a crime, the method used to commit the crime, and reach the correct conclusions. He can learn the intricacies of filing a log with relevant information. A well-written report will not only collate all relevant information, it will also help in communication with the client or the authorities.
4. Verification of evidence: A good private investigator should be able to verify the truth behind evidence. Evidence is collected from varied sources, so computer proficiency is as important as handling GPS trackers and video surveillance. Photography skills come to good use since the most credible type of evidence is usually photographs or video, especially in court.
5. Communication skills: Interrogation is an important part of a PIs daily routine. He/she must know the art of persuading, convincing and listening to people. The actual meaning behind the words uttered can be deciphered by an intuitive, well-trained detective. Studying body language, facial expressions, and asking appropriate questions are skills that a diligent detective or PI must develop.
6. Sound knowledge of the law: Many surveillance actions are restricted to the police and law enforcement agencies. A PI must be educated about relevant codes and statutes in the area he operates. This legal knowledge will prevent him/her from indulging in activities that may cause their license to be revoked, and to ensure that evidence is admissible in court.
7. Organizational skills: For a busy private investigator, organizational skills are essential to prevent evidence from different cases from getting mixed up or losing the focus of each case. Time management is a part of this skill too. He/she will be able to build up the clients’ faith by responding promptly to their call and being available to them at all times.
8. Confidentiality: This is a quality possessed by most dedicated private investigators. Not only is it highly appreciated, it also builds up the client’s trust.
9. Resourcefulness: New technology has made it easier and faster to access records. With the right training, a diligent detective will be able to utilize public records online, such as employment history, driving records, criminal records, and even financial records of the subject.
Private investigators are highly regarded and their services are used and much appreciated by individuals as well as law enforcement agencies. Stories about them line the shelves and the video platforms. But although on-screen or in books the private detective’s life seems glamorous and exciting in actuality it is a difficult profession. It requires dedication, honesty, commitment, and all the skills described above. It can be tedious, boring, and often frustrating. But those bitten by the curiosity bug make very good private investigators. After all, they do not rest easy till they have found out the truth.
Private investigator resources
If you enjoyed reading this post, then check out these related articles:
How Private Investigators Catch Cheating Partners UK
May 25, 2021 - Reading time: 6 minutes
Updated on: August 8, 2025
Looking for proof of cheating for divorce in the UK? Wondering can a private investigator catch a cheating partner? You're not alone. For many, infidelity is a deal-breaker, and catching a cheating spouse is essential to moving forward—both legally and emotionally. Here’s how professional investigators help you get the truth you deserve.
Signs You May Need an Infidelity Investigation
If you're unsure whether to take the next step, consider whether you’ve noticed the following behaviours:
- Sudden secrecy around their phone, messages or online activity
- Changes in routine, like late nights or unexplained trips
- Increased grooming, new clothes or sudden focus on appearance
- Unexplained expenses on joint accounts
- Less intimacy or emotional distance
These could be signs of a secret relationship. When suspicions rise, hiring a private investigator for infidelity can offer the clarity you need.
How Private Investigators Prove Infidelity
Our experienced team uses a range of methods to collect legally sound, court-admissible evidence of cheating. Here’s how we do it:
Surveillance
One of the most effective tools in our work. We observe the subject discreetly, monitor their movements, and gather timestamped photo and video evidence. This approach is ideal for documenting suspicious behaviour and confirming infidelity beyond doubt. Learn more about our surveillance services.
GPS Vehicle Tracking
If legally appropriate, we may recommend the use of GPS tracking devices to monitor the subject’s movements. This can reveal patterns such as regular visits to unknown addresses, late-night travel, or secret rendezvous spots.
Honeytrap Investigations
In some cases, our clients request a honeytrap investigation. This involves a trained operative making contact with the subject in a controlled and discreet way to assess whether they respond inappropriately. This can help confirm suspicions when traditional surveillance isn't conclusive.
Online & Social Media Investigations
Open source intelligence (OSINT) and background checks can expose hidden profiles, messages, or photos suggesting an affair. We know where to look and how to dig legally and discreetly.
Why DIY Investigations Usually Fail
Trying to follow or photograph your partner yourself can easily go wrong. We’ve seen many cases where evidence was lost, subjects were tipped off, or things escalated unnecessarily. Here’s why DIY doesn't work:
- You may breach privacy laws without realising
- Poor quality images or shaky footage is useless in court
- Your partner might spot you and alter their behaviour
Once a person suspects they’re being watched, they often become more secretive—making it far harder to prove anything. Always speak to a professional first.
The Benefits of Using a Licensed Private Investigator
When you work with us, you’re guaranteed professionalism, experience and discretion. Most of our investigators come from military or law enforcement backgrounds, and we operate across the entire UK and beyond.
- Evidence that stands up in court – Photos, videos and reports gathered legally
- Discreet operations – Your partner will not know they’re being watched
- Clear reporting – We give you everything you need to make an informed decision
What to Provide Before We Begin
The more information you give us, the more efficient (and cost-effective) your case will be. Helpful details include:
- Regular hangouts – gyms, cafes, friends' homes, etc.
- Photos and description of the subject (and suspected partner)
- Vehicle info – make, model, number plate, colour
- Work schedule or any regular travel plans
- Links to social media profiles
- Known habits – smoking, drinking, tattoos, jewellery
Let us know if you've already confronted them, conducted your own investigation, or mentioned hiring a PI—this could impact our strategy.
Hire a Local Private Investigator
We cover every corner of the UK, from rural villages to city centres. Our nationwide network of private detectives ensures fast, local support wherever you need it. We understand the emotional stress this type of situation brings and approach every case with care and confidentiality.
If you’re ready to take the next step, contact us for a confidential chat. We’ll talk through your concerns and help you decide the best course of action based on your situation and budget.
Related Articles
If you found this article helpful, you might also like:
What Private Investigators CANNOT Legally Do in the UK
May 24, 2021 - Reading time: 11 minutes
Updated on: August 27, 2025
Private investigators in the UK are bound by the same laws as everyone else, and a competent detective will never perform tasks which could be construed as breaking the law. With that said, there are sadly some rogue elements within every sector who may decide to play by their own rules. It’s important to note that if you intend to use evidence which is collected by a private investigator in court or for any official purpose, then you must ensure that the evidence was collected legally.
Are private investigators legal in the UK?
Yes - private investigators are legal in the UK. There are no laws that ban the profession, and anyone can set up as a PI without needing a licence. However, investigators must still follow the same laws as everyone else. That means they cannot hack, trespass, or break data protection rules, and any evidence they collect illegally would be inadmissible in court.
With that in mind, we have put together the following list of tasks which private investigators CANNOT legally perform in the United Kingdom:
Contents
1. Hack a phone, computer, website, or social media account
Hacking is against the law, full stop. And there is no exception to this for private investigators. We are often asked to help to hack into social media accounts, phones, computers, or websites for our clients.
Particularly in infidelity (cheating partner) investigations, our client may be keen to view messages which their partner has been exchanging with other people. As a responsible agency, we refuse all such requests and advise our client that the task they are asking us to perform is against the law.
We have been contacted by numerous individuals who have ordered “hacking services” over the years. Typically, after someone has paid for one of these services, the provider will take their money and do nothing. As the service itself is against the law, most people will not be willing or able to pursue action against the fraudster. We advise all of our clients to avoid such services and not be tempted to break the law in this way.
There are some exceptions to this rule, for example, if a company provides its employees with company owned laptops or phones, the company may choose to install monitoring software on those devices to keep tabs on how the devices are used by their staff. Software can also be used to monitor children’s use of the internet, where the parents purchased the device and retains ownership of it. Where monitoring software is used on a device, the end user must be aware that they are being monitored and consent to the collection of their data.
2. Go through people’s rubbish
Going through people’s rubbish can often reveal a surprising amount of information about them and their lifestyles. In addition, many people will not think twice before throwing away private documents such as bank statements or utility bills in their general waste without first shredding it. Information found in rubbish bins can not only prove useful to private investigators, but also to stalkers, fraudsters, and criminals.
The merits of going through a person’s rubbish are not often disputed, however, the legality surrounding this task is not as cut and dry as you might think.
If you have a wheelie bin filled with rubbish in your garden, then no-one should be going through it and taking any items away from your private property. When refuse is disposed of in a communal bin (at a block of flats, for example), then the legality of going through that waste and removing items can vary depending on how you (and your legal advisors) interpret the law.
If a private investigator (or anyone) enters your land/property without your permission, this may be considered trespassing, which is a civil matter. If your rubbish is stored outside the boundary of your property, such as in a communal area or on the side of a road, then establishing wrongdoing can prove more difficult in these cases.
3. Break the speed limit
In spite of what Hollywood might have you believe, private investigators are not permitted to break the speed limits or drive dangerously. Any investigator worth their salt will break off a surveillance assignment if the subject vehicle begins driving dangerously or speeding.
Private investigators have an ethical obligation to the welfare of themselves, the subject of their investigation, and to members of the general public. Breaking speed limits is a definite no-no for private investigators working in the UK.
4. Take photographs on private property
Private investigators are free to take photographs in any public space, just as all members of the British public are. In practice, this means that private investigators are able to photograph you on the street, or in public areas. Private investigators can also take photographs of your private property from public areas. There is only wrongdoing when a detective takes photos of your private property whilst on your private property.
A private investigator would technically need permission to take photos while standing on your private property, or anyone else’s private property.
5. Fit a tracker to your car
As a leading detective agency based in the UK, we use GPS tracking devices to track vehicles on a day-to-day basis. However, tracking devices can only be used under certain circumstances. Private investigators are not allowed to trespass onto your property in order to fit tracking devices, for example.
6. Install bugging devices in your home
One task that private investigators often perform is installing hidden microphones inside properties in order to record conversations and listen in to what is being said. Bugging devices can be used with permission of the property owner; generally speaking, if you need us to install a bugging device in your property, that’s fine. Private investigators are not able to fit bugging devices where they are not wanted or without permission from the property owner.
Our agency has seen numerous examples where hidden microphones have been installed by other private investigators, police, or members of the public. As part of our bug sweeping services, we can search for and locate these devices, and our likelihood of locating bugs during bug sweeps has actually increased in recent years, as these devices become more advanced and widely available for purchase through the internet.
If you suspect that a private investigator, or anyone, might be watching you, then we would recommend that you consider the possibility of adversaries using bugging devices to spy on you.
7. Access confidential records such as bank statements
As private investigators, we are often tasked with locating people through the searching of public records, or running criminal record/litigation checks for our clients. Whilst private investigators are allowed to use publicly available records to assist during investigations, they are not allowed to access private records such as a subject’s bank statements or other confidential records.
When a client asks whether we can help to access private bank account records, we are obliged to refuse and advise them that this information is private and that they have no right to access it.
More private investigator resources
If you enjoyed this article, then check out our other investigation related articles:
What Are Private Investigators Allowed To Do in the UK?
May 23, 2021 - Reading time: 15 minutes
Updated on: September 3, 2025
There is currently no licensing system for private investigators in the UK. That means British private detectives must follow the same laws as anyone else and use lawful, proportionate methods. Below is a practical guide to what reputable PIs can do, the limits you should expect, and how we work within UK law.
Quick Navigation
As a leading UK detective agency, we handle surveillance, process serving, people tracing, background checks, and more. Many clients have never instructed a PI before, so here is a clear list of lawful tasks and the boundaries we follow.
1. Use camera equipment in public places
Private investigators may take photographs or video from public places. This can include filming private property from a public location. We use long lenses, low light and night vision equipment where needed to capture clear, time stamped evidence.
Limits: no trespass, no filming where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy, and no harassment. Hidden body-worn cameras are used in lawful settings where recording is permitted.
2. Install listening devices - only with lawful authority
Listening devices or covert cameras may be installed by or with the consent of the lawful owner or occupier of premises to protect property or gather evidence, provided they do not record places with a high expectation of privacy (for example bathrooms) and do not unlawfully monitor third parties.
Limits: no planting devices on property you do not own or lawfully control, no interception of communications, and strict compliance with privacy and data protection rules. We also provide bug sweeping when clients suspect illegal devices planted by others.
3. Fit GPS trackers to vehicles - case by case
GPS tracking can be a powerful intelligence tool in infidelity, fraud, or internal misconduct cases. Trackers are used to identify patterns and help schedule surveillance efficiently.
Limits: legality depends on ownership, consent, and circumstances. We will only deploy trackers where it is lawful and proportionate. If it is not lawful, we will refuse and advise alternative evidence routes.
4. Process serving
A core task for UK agencies is process serving - formally serving legal documents on respondents and providing sworn proof of service. Typical paperwork includes:
- Non-molestation orders and other injunctions
- Divorce petitions and family proceedings
- Bankruptcy and winding up petitions
- Statutory demands and court orders
Why use a PI: we locate respondents, serve safely and discreetly, and produce the correct affidavits or statements for court.
5. Use public records and open sources
PIs cannot access bank records, medical files, or other protected data. We can lawfully use open sources and public records to build a clear picture:
- Companies House filings, insolvency registers, County Court listings
- Land Registry title documents, electoral roll data where accessible
- Press archives, professional registers, planning applications
These sources underpin background checks, due diligence, and people tracing.
6. Conduct social media research
Open-source intelligence includes social media. We identify persistent digital identities, historical content, and links that matter to your case.
Limits: we respect platform terms and UK law. No hacking, no unauthorised access to private accounts, no harassment. Ethically gathering public content and tips from lawful sources produces evidence that stands up better if a case reaches court.
7. Perform covert surveillance
Surveillance is the bread and butter of most UK agencies. We monitor a subject, follow when necessary, and record photos and video without being detected. It is used for cheating partner cases, false injury claims, cohabitation checks, due diligence, and more.
Limits: surveillance must be reasonable, non-harassing, and conducted from lawful vantage points. We plan routes, timings, and coverage to minimise risk while maximising evidential value.
What private investigators cannot do
Briefly: no hacking, no phone or bank data access, no pretexting authorities, no bugging without lawful authority, no trespass or harassment. For a fuller list see what PIs cannot legally do.
Key UK legal notes we follow
- Data protection: UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018. We collect only what is necessary and secure it properly.
- Harassment: Protection from Harassment Act 1997. Operations are planned to avoid alarm, distress, or persistent pursuit.
- Privacy: misuse of private information and related case law. We avoid locations with strong expectations of privacy.
- Communications: no interception of communications. Investigatory Powers Act powers apply to public bodies, not PIs.
If a client’s requested tactic would be unlawful, we refuse and propose a compliant alternative.
Our UK team handles surveillance, tracing, background checks, and process serving nationwide. Request a free, no obligation quote with dates, locations, and objectives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a PI film me inside my home?
No. We cannot enter or film inside your private home without consent. Evidence is gathered from lawful positions and public places.
Is it legal to put a tracker on a partner’s car?
It depends on ownership, consent, and the facts of the case. We assess lawfulness first. If it is not lawful or proportionate, we will not deploy one.
Do you access bank accounts or phone records?
No. That data is private. We rely on open sources, surveillance, and lawful evidence gathering that stands up if challenged.
Will the subject know they are under investigation?
Professional operations are discreet. If no legal action follows, the subject usually remains unaware.
Related articles
You are reading the PrivateInvestigators-UK blog — home to the UK's leading detective agency. Learn more about us by visiting our homepage PrivateInvestigators-UK.com.