February 12, 2021 - Reading time: 9 minutes
Updated on: April 30, 2024

Private investigators are often depicted in films and television programs, and if Hollywood movies are anything to go by, then the average private investigator is typically a chain-smoking middle-aged man donning a trench coat. Of course, the reality of any modern detective agency could not be any further from this type of stereotype. However, as many people might never be in a position where they decide to instruct a private detective, they might have little understanding about private investigators and how we operate. 

Private investigators are usually required to blend in with their environment; if a private investigator is working in one of London’s business districts then they will need to wear business attire such a suit in order to blend in. For surveillance work in urban or suburban areas, agents will typically wear normal street clothes and try to remain as unnoticeable as possible. If surveillance is taking place in a rural area then perhaps a wax jacket and wellington boots are more appropriate. The key is to blend in and match the surrounding environment, as well as to present a reasonable excuse for the agent to be in the location of the assignment. 

If surveillance is taking place in a shopping mall, for example, then the agent will need to look as though they are genuinely shopping – taking steps such as carrying shopping bags can help to make the effect more convincing. On the other side of the coin, if surveillance is taking place in a small village or a rural location, then posing as a dog walker might help the agent to blend in and not look out of place. By dressing appropriating and using suitable props, we can ensure the best likelihood of success in each case.

There are also times when a detective might choose to disguise themselves overtly, rather than covertly, in order to better fit in. From posing as a dog walker, a courier, or workman, there are countless different professional disguises which can be used depending on the circumstances and nature of the assignment. Virtually any occupation or hobby could be used as a cover for a detective conducting surveillance. 

If utilizing a disguise is more likely to produce a successful outcome during a surveillance assignment, then it may be a path that is considered by the agent, depending on their preferences and what they think is most likely to produce the best possible outcome. 

Typically, a private detective conducting surveillance will aim to blend themselves in with their surroundings as much as possible. The goal is to fit into the crowd and not present any visual features which could make the agent more memorable. The correct attire would all depend on the circumstances and the location of the assignment. Whether or not it would be appropriate to use any form of disguise would also depend on the circumstances and location, as well as the detective’s preferred methods.

In some cases, if a detective is conducting surveillance from the comfort of their vehicle, then it doesn’t really matter what clothes they wear, as they might expect to remain out of sight for the duration of their assignment… Though a competent agent will remain prepared to exit their vehicle if doing so is necessary and likely to benefit the case.

What type of clothes should private investigators not wear?

What type of clothes should private investigators not wear? Bluetooth ear pieces, clothing with camouflage patterns, any type of “tactical” gear such as tactical pants, any clothing which carries insignia linked with law enforcement or military. Suffice it to say that both trench coats and fedoras would be strictly off-limits for any detective that is tasked with conducting surveillance – besides from maybe the occasional fancy dress party.      

The goal is to avoid clothing or accessories which hint at your occupation. Even small accessories such as paracord bracelets (which are popular with law enforcement/military) or Bluetooth earpieces can act as subtle clues and should be avoided.

Do private investigators wear suits?

Yes, some private investigators do wear suits during their day-to-day business of meeting with clients, organizing assignments, or writing reports. For court appearances or other formal occasions, a suit would be a likely outfit for a private detective. During a surveillance operation however, it would be wise to wear clothing which is most appropriate for the setting, and this may or may not be a suit depending on the circumstances.

Whether or not a detective wears a suit would be a matter of company policy in most cases. In general however, people that wear suits on a day-to-day basis within a detective agency are more likely to be staff that are tasked with meeting clients face to face or acting as a representative for the company. Agents that are tasked with conducting surveillance generally do not wear suits unless the occasion calls for it… In many cases, formal clothes such as a suit would be more of a hinderance during undercover surveillance work.

Hiding hidden cameras inside clothes

During certain investigations the agent may decide that using a hidden camera could benefit the case. A competent private detective will be able to hide hidden camera equipment inside items of clothing or accessories which could be incorporated into any outfit in their wardrobe. 

Modern hidden camera and recording equipment is small and discreet enough to be incorporated into virtually any outfit or style of clothing with relative ease. Private detectives are usually equipped with the best and latest in camera technology, and choosing an outfit capable of concealing camera equipment is never usually an issue.

Changing clothes during surveillance 

There are some cases where during surveillance it is beneficial to change items of clothing. Typically, if “on foot” surveillance is taking place for any prolonged period in multiple different locations, then changing items of clothing could help to make the agent less noticeable. 

If the subject is being followed on foot through multiple different shops, for example, then some detectives would seek to alter their clothing or appearance to try and ensure that the subject does not remember or notice them. Accessories which obscure the face, such as sunglasses or hats for example, are thought by some to help make their faces less memorable, but these accessories should only be used where they are tasteful and appropriate... Dark sunglasses at night for example, might draw attention to the agent when their aim is to remain unnoticed. The goal is to “not make yourself look like a private investigator”.

Do private investigators wear bullet proof vests?

We should make clear that information which is published by PrivateInvestigators-UK obviously relates to the United Kingdom only. For a private investigator working in the UK, there should be no need for them to wear a bullet proof vest or a stab proof vest while conducting surveillance assignments. During surveillance the objective is to collect evidence in the form of images/video while remaining unnoticed by the subject… If an agent feels that they are likely to become noticed and potentially attacked whilst conducting surveillance, then frankly they are not doing their job properly.

Surveillance assignments, when conducted properly and by trained agents with the right experience, have a very low risk of going wrong or resulting in an outcome where violence is used towards the investigator. However, if that same investigator is also involved with work such as close protection (security, or even process serving in some cases), then they might decide that wearing protective clothing such as a bullet/stab proof vest would be a good idea. This would be a matter of personal preference or company policy in some cases.

What type of cars do private investigators drive?

Just as private investigators typically wear clothes which blend into their environment, detectives usually take the same approach with vehicles. Surveillance vehicles can be either covert civilian vehicles, or in some cases they might be more overt and adopt the method of hiding in plain sight. If you are interested in the subject of surveillance vehicles, then read our blog post What type of cars do private investigators drive? for a more comprehensive answer to this question. 

PrivateInvestigators-UK are a leading detective agency serving all areas of the UK and beyond. Please read our homepage for more information about us and the different services that we offer.

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February 9, 2021 - Reading time: 11 minutes
Updated on: July 23, 2025

This article has been written by PrivateInvestigators-UK, and relates to cars used by private investigators in the UK (England, Wales, Scotland and NI). If you are not based in the UK, then the answer to this question will of course depend on your local environment. 

Private investigators should drive cars which are suited to the type of environment they are working in. A late model or high-end vehicle will match its environment best in an affluent area, for example. Whereas in rural areas a muddy land rover might be less conspicuous, in urban areas surveillance agents tend to choose vehicles which are comfortable for working long hours, but that are also as discreet as possible.

Of course, the answer to this question also depends on whether the surveillance will be static (watching a property and photographing anyone coming and going), or mobile surveillance where the agent is seeking to follow the subject and find out where they are going.

What types of vehicle are used by private investigators?

Small car-derived vans are popular in the UK which make them a good choice as surveillance vehicles – without having any seats in the rear of the vehicle there is space for an agent to setup camera equipment and go about his or her work. Transit vans of all sizes are also very common on British roads and are often used by private investigators; they can provide a lot of space to setup equipment and make a comfortable space for a detective to work. Estate cars are also popular with surveillance agents, especially if the seats can be removed or folded flat so that the rear of the vehicle can accommodate a camera and tripod setup.

However, private detectives can use almost any type of vehicle that is properly setup for surveillance. SUVs or crossovers are also popular, we have also seen many examples where small and compact cars were used for surveillance. Cars which have easily removed seats and tinted windows can be used effectively in many cases.   

We cannot condemn any specific type of surveillance vehicle, as we have seen countless ingenious setups and uses of virtually every type of vehicle for surveillance that you can imagine… All it takes is some thought and creativity as to how the specific vehicle can be best used in each individual case.

Vehicle signage used by private investigators

In the case that a detective is using a car-derived van or a transit van for surveillance, they may choose to add fake business signage to their vehicle to make it seem less conspicuous. If you choose to take this path then we would recommend purchasing magnetic signs, so that your signage can easily be removed or changed depending on the location of the assignment.

The key with using dummy signage is to match the environment where the vehicle is being used. For example, there is no reason for a TV aerial company to be parked at the bottom of a dirt track or in a field for days on end… Dummy signage can actually make your vehicle more conspicuous if done badly.

The key is to purchase professional signs which match your type of vehicle (make/model/year), and to match your environment. For example, if construction is taking place within a certain area, then it would not seem suspicious for a builder’s van to be parked in the area for many days or even weeks. 

If a van is being used by a construction company, for example, then you would expect to find dirty high-vis jackets, hard hats, and muddy work boots in the cab of the truck.  

Keeping your surveillance vehicle low-key   

Whether you are using a car, van, or truck, it would be wise to choose a common, nondistinctive vehicle. Cars which are silver or white in colour are favoured by many detectives. If you have a bright pink car or a vehicle wrapped in metallic gold then you really ought to consider purchasing a different vehicle, or getting the one that you have repainted.

Customising your vehicle with chrome accessories, a body kit, loud exhaust, private number plate, or indeed anything which will make it stand out would be a definite no-no for cars which are being used during surveillance cases. The goal is to make your vehicle as benign and ordinary as possible – modifying a vehicle in ways which make it stand out is not a good idea.

Renting vehicles for private investigation

In the event that a case requires the use of many different vehicles, it is not uncommon for private investigators to rent vehicles, particularly if they are working for a small firm and do not have the resources to maintain a fleet of different vehicles which can be used for surveillance. Whether the cost of renting a vehicle would be included as part of the investigation or billed separately would be a matter for the detective agency; though suffice it to say that any additional charges will need to be explained and made clear to the clients in each case.

Using window tint for private investigations

Vehicles which are being used by private investigators to conduct surveillance are very often fitted with dark window tint (usually 5% “limo tint”). Window film can be fitted professionally or at home with relative ease. UK law prevents dark window film from being applied to the front windscreen of a vehicle and the driver and passenger side windows. Rear windows in your car can be tinted to any level or even covered with curtains.

Particularly if a rented vehicle is being used for surveillance, then static cling window film can be used temporarily, which can be applied to the window and then removed and reused as necessary.

Window tint does have limitations and it’s important to understand them when using a vehicle for surveillance. If the amount of light outside your vehicle is greater than the amount of light inside, then the effect of the film will be reversed. A camera or laptop screen will be visible through dark window film at night, for example, and could easily blow your cover during surveillance. Blackout curtains would typically be used to help solve this problem at night.

Window film can be difficult to see out of at night, depending on the amount of ambient light in the area outside your vehicle. Ceramic window film, while costing slightly more, generally provides better night-time visibility and greater heat reflectivity than standard window films.

The essentials for any surveillance vehicle

Surveillance vehicles can be setup with very little effort; or with a huge amount of effort with external cameras placed around the vehicle and a battery system able to power them. At the very least surveillance vehicles should have a tripod for stabilising any camera equipment that is being used and any provisions the agent will need during the course of the assignment.

There is no single correct method when it comes to setting up a vehicle for use in surveillance during private investigations. How a vehicle is setup, and the tactics that are used, will typically vary depending on the circumstances in each case and the aims of our client.

Power inside your surveillance vehicle

Using a vehicle for surveillance will always consume some form of power, whether that is a simple DSLR or video camera, a computer, or a more elaborate setup with multiple different cameras. In summertime it is often necessary to keep cool by running fans. Solar panel and battery setups are popular for people that are using commercial vehicles (such as transit vans), on smaller vehicles however solar panels mounted on the roof may create unwanted attention.

Idling a diesel or petrol engine for any length of time during surveillance would be off-limits during the vast majority of investigations. Rechargeable battery packs can be used in some cases where solar is not viable; as technology continues to evolve, there are many battery packs on the market which are capable of powering equipment for the length of an assignment.

Many electric and hybrid electric vehicles are able to supply power to your electronics without needing to run a noisy petrol or diesel motor. Electric vehicles can also allow you to run your air conditioner, which would make a huge difference to comfort levels on particularly cold or hot days. We are seeing more investigators choose electric or hybrid vehicles, partially for their usefulness to power camera gear and other electronics.

Dash cams for private investigators

Dash cams are becoming more essential for motorists in general, as well as private investigators. Their main benefit is the ability for video to be captured hands-free while the agent drives their vehicle; dash cams are generally not relied on to capture evidence, though they can come in handy from time to time.

We would recommend purchasing a good quality dash cam, which preferably records in 4K or at least 1080p. While some people power their dash cams using their car cigarette lighters, they can also be professionally wired into the vehicle’s fuse box, which can allow the dash cam to record 24 hours per day, even when the vehicle ignition is switched off.

We also highly recommend installing a rear facing camera externally on your vehicle so that video is captured from the rear. Camera setups with 4+ cameras are becoming more common as technology improves and becomes cheaper. If your vehicle is being used for surveillance then choosing a dash cam which is discreet and cannot be easily noticed from outside the vehicle would be a good idea.

As with all equipment and gadgets, we believe that you get what you pay for with dash cams, and that spending money for a higher quality device is almost always a wise decision.

PrivateInvestigators-UK

If you enjoyed this blog post, then check out our other related articles:

• What clothes do private investigators wear?
• Window tint for private investigators
• How to become a private investigator in the UK
• Top 20 surveillance tips for private investigators

January 25, 2021 - Reading time: 13 minutes
Updated on: October 1, 2025

As a leading UK private detective agency, we see a lot of confusion about what modern private investigators actually do and how to become a private investigator in the UK. TV is fun, but a real UK private investigator job is different. Many people will never need a PI, so the role isn’t as familiar as other professions. It’s a niche field and the work spans a wide range of skills.

At PrivateInvestigators-UK, we cover services for private clients and companies across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. The qualities and experience we look for depend on the specific service. Each job goes to an agent with the right skill set. If you’re serious about a UK PI career, start by understanding the day-to-day work and then build training that matches it.

What type of people become private investigators?

Forget the trench coat cliché. A competent UK detective agency should reflect the population. We work with agents from different backgrounds, ages, genders and nationalities. That range helps us blend in, act lawfully and get results.

Types of work completed by private investigators

The industry is broad. Some agencies mainly help private clients, for example checking suspected infidelity or verifying claims. Others focus on litigation support for solicitors. Many firms serve corporate clients with due diligence, internal investigations and fraud risk work.

Inside those niches are dozens of specialist roles: process serving, document review, TSCM/bug sweeps, covert surveillance, tracing people, insurance investigations, cohabitation checks, witness interviews, desktop research/OSINT, and more. The experience you need depends on the task. If you want a UK PI career, pick a speciality, then build qualifications and experience that make you a strong hire.

Surveillance is still the bread and butter for many detective agencies. It means watching a person or place, following discreetly and collecting photos or video as evidence. Surveillance supports infidelity cases, injury and insurance claims, employee misconduct and corporate due diligence. If you want to work surveillance in the UK, expect early starts, late finishes and a lot of driving.

Qualities that we look for in private investigators

Many of our agents previously served in law enforcement or the military and we value that training. Plenty of excellent private investigators come from civilian careers and have built “career PI” skill sets over time. Both routes can work.

You’ll need more than field craft. A surveillance agent might be a strong photographer, but they also need to edit and organise media, compress files and write a clear report. Basic to moderate video editing helps. Strong written English matters. Reports must be grammatically correct, well punctuated and easy to read while still detailed. Sloppy spelling or poor formatting sets the wrong tone. Proofread your work, use paragraphs and make it readable on a phone.

Good communication is vital when explaining results to a client or briefing a colleague. We look for intelligent, motivated people. Extra skills are a bonus: advanced driving, languages, OSINT and data analysis, fraud investigation, process serving, consumer law knowledge or technical skills for TSCM bug sweep work.

Are you interested in running a private investigation company in the UK?

The website you are on right now is currently for sale. You can buy it outright and own a fully established UK private investigation site that is already generating enquiries, or we may be open to a joint venture if you can bring capital. This is a rare chance to step straight into the industry with a serious platform, rather than starting from scratch.

View Business Sale Details

Legal and ethical basics (UK)

Do I need a degree to work as a private investigator in the UK?

No. There’s no legal requirement for a degree to work as a private investigator in the UK. Some firms like relevant degrees, but experience often outweighs classroom learning. Besides sensible training, most useful skills are learned on real jobs and improved over years.

Get qualified as a UK private investigator

There’s a lot of choice. ISS Training and Titan Investigations are often recommended for practical courses. You might also look at UKPIN for a diploma covering investigative skills. You’ll find many online “investigation” courses. Some are useful, some less so. Before spending money, ask working PIs which training actually helped them. Cheap online certificates tend not to impress established agencies, but showing continuous learning does help your CV.

Plenty of people who search for how to become a private investigator in the UK also ask about things like PI training courses, private investigator salary UK, or whether there are entry-level surveillance jobs. These are all natural steps on the path into the industry, and the answers depend on your experience, training, and where you’re based.

Past investigative experience

Experience is everything. Many detectives come from policing or military, which gives a solid base in surveillance and evidence handling. If you’re new, stack practical experience however you can: assisting on operations, shadowing, editing reports, doing desktop research or taking on limited tasks inside a larger case. Many trade associations require a minimum experience level for membership.

Without experience, a strong list of recognised courses can help you get your foot in the door and show that you take the work seriously.

Tools of the trade

• Reliable vehicle and clean presentation – blend in, don’t stand out.
• Cameras with fast low-light autofocus, discreet audio recorders where lawful, and power banks.
• Mapping, route planning and note-taking that timestamps events for reports.
• Basic video and image editing software to package evidence clearly.
• Desktop research/OSINT tooling for open-source checks, companies and assets.

Getting employed as a private investigator in the UK

PrivateInvestigators-UK is a large UK agency. We cover England, Wales, Scotland, NI, ROI, Europe and beyond. We’re always looking for new talent across the UK, from surveillance to OSINT, process serving, due diligence, TSCM and more. If you’re interested in working with us, read our careers page and get in touch with your CV, location and availability.

Frequently asked questions (UK PI career)

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January 9, 2021 - Reading time: 4 minutes
Updated on: August 8, 2025

If unauthorised travellers have moved onto your private land, it can be a stressful and urgent situation. Many landowners aren’t sure what steps they can legally take or how quickly action can happen. At PrivateInvestigators-UK, we provide a fast, discreet and legal service to remove travellers from land across the UK. Our enforcement team can serve legal notice and help restore access to your land-quickly and lawfully.

Can I Legally Remove Travellers from My Land?

Yes. UK law does allow landowners to evict travellers from private land, but it must be done using the correct process. Acting unlawfully-even with good intentions-can lead to legal consequences for the landowner.

In most cases, the process begins by serving an official notice. If the travellers do not leave within the given time, further legal or enforcement action can be taken under Section 61 or Section 77 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act.

What We Can Do to Help

We provide a complete traveller removal service for landowners, solicitors, and site managers. Our services include:

• Serving legal notice to unauthorised occupants (e.g. Section 77)
• 24-hour response in most UK regions
• On-site support and enforcement where required
• Advice on legal compliance throughout the process
• Post-eviction guidance to help you secure your land

What Not to Do

We strongly recommend that you do not attempt to remove travellers yourself. You should avoid:

• Confronting or threatening individuals on your land
• Attempting to tow, block or damage vehicles
• Creating traps or barricades that could cause harm

Taking matters into your own hands may escalate the situation and lead to criminal or civil claims against you. Our team will handle the process legally and efficiently on your behalf.

Serving Legal Notice

Our team can quickly serve a formal notice to trespassers, giving them a specific time to leave the land. If they fail to comply, we can escalate the matter appropriately, involving enforcement officers and, if necessary, working alongside local authorities or police.

We aim to begin the process within 24 hours in most cases.

Preventing Future Encampments

After travellers have been removed, we offer advice on improving land security to reduce the risk of repeat incidents. This may include:

• Installing concrete barriers, gates or bollards
• Using padlocks, security chains and hinge protectors
• Deploying CCTV and warning signage
• Making the entrance less visible or accessible from public roads

While no solution is foolproof, these measures can make your land a less attractive target.

Get Help Now

If you have travellers occupying your land, don’t delay. We can often serve notice within hours and guide you through every step of the removal process.

Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation. We’ll assess your situation and explain your legal options without pressure or obligation.

Visit our homepage: PrivateInvestigators-UK.com