CLN4C1 Mr. Nero

1. Private Investigators CLN4C1 Mr. Nero

2. Private Investigators can have many small roles associated to their job. Each role may have a uniques title such as: • Corporate Security Officer • House Detective • Private Detective • Private Investigator • Security Consultant • Store Detective

3. Private Investigators conduct investigations to obtain information for use in civil and criminal litigation matters or for private clients. • They can often times work in tandem with police in order to solve crimes, but often times a police force will have their own detective on the scene of the crime. • As a result they are usually civilian and business related hires.

4. Private Investigators conduct investigations to find missing persons and obtain information for use in civil and criminal litigation matters or for other purposes. • Included as well are retail loss prevention officers who prevent and detect shoplifting and theft in retail establishments.

5. How to become a P.I. • People in this field usually need a high school diploma and for some positions require completion of a college diploma in an area such as criminology. • On the job training is also provided to help Private Investigators learn on the fly. • Those who work in protective services generally must have a good knowledge of fire-prevention, first aid, building safety and emergency procedures.

6. In order to get the job applicants must also receive medical and security clearances • Self-defence training is also an asset as is having a valid driving licence. • P.I.'s are also required to have excellent communication skills as the job often requires individuals to work with people. • A criminal record is an immediate red flag and can prevent individuals from entering the field. • P.I.'s must also be mentally alert, emotionally stable and self confident.

7. Like a police officers, private investigators must also be physically fit and have good hearing and vision skills. • Knowledge of computers is also a plus as technology continues to see an increased role in crime scene investigations • Time should be no object as weekends and late nights are a regular occurrence for P.I.'s

8. As mentioned earlier, P.I.'s will often have a high school diploma and in most cases will also obtain a college degree. • In Canada we currently have 11 colleges that offer programs related to this field with Mohawk College in Hamilton and Fanshawe College in London being 2 of the closest options. Both offer 2 year programs. • There are currently no specific bursaries (other than entry scholarships) provided for this program.

9. Associations • Being a private investigator also means being a part of the greater group known as the Professional Protection Association of Canada (PPAC). • Both private and public P.I.'s are required to be members of this group in order to be considered as official investigators.

10. Currently Private Investigators do not make an incredibly large salary. • The average annual salary currently sits at $43,659. • That number varies based on the location of occupation as well as the nature of the work (Private vs. Public). • Being a public related job means P.I.'s will also often find themselves being paid as a salary employee working store or business hours.

11. The current retirement rate in the field of investigating is about average. As retirees leave the field spots will open up. • Since it is a less desired occupation the market stays fairly static.

12. Time to become a sleuth!!! • Follow the instructions to play the online sleuthing game. • www.playsleuth.com