Professional investigators (or private investigators, as many in the industry like to be called) have long held a mystery, popularised by novels, films, and television dramas. Yet the real-world work of professional investigators (PIs) is far more complex and rooted in detailed legal and ethical standards. In the UK, PI’s have carved out a vital niche in the pursuit of truth for individuals and businesses. Although my time as a PI is just starting, I have been Investigating for 17 years!
I would like to delve into the differences I have found going from public sector to Investigations in the private sector.
The Foundations
After many years on the frontline, trading in my police uniform for the role of a professional investigator has been a leap into a world both familiar and foreign. Moving from the structured environment of the police to the dynamic and often unpredictable landscape of professional investigations, this has been a transition filled with unique challenges and surprising opportunities.
My career began in the Metropolitan Police, where I served for almost 17 years. The training was rigorous, the hours long, and the experiences varied. From being on the frontline answering 999 calls, walking the beat in local communities, searching the most prestigious events, to working on complex investigations, the job taught me resilience, attention to detail, and the importance of teamwork. However, what many don’t realise is how transferable these skills can be to other industries—especially professional investigations in the private sector.
After years in the police, I started feeling the itch for a new challenge. Policing, while rewarding, has its limitations. In search of a better work life balance, the idea of becoming a private sector investigator intrigued me. Unlike the police, where cases are assigned and prioritised based on public interest, professional investigations cater to individual clients and their unique concerns. It’s a more personal form of problem-solving, often requiring creativity and flexibility.
But the transition hasn’t been without its challenges. The most significant shift has been moving from a structured organisation with clear protocols to a role where I must be self-reliant and entrepreneurial. There is no backup team, no immediate access to resources or databases. I have to rely on my network, my experience, and my wits.
My first taste of investigative work beyond the standard day-to-day policing was less about immediate responses to calls and more about meticulous planning, gathering evidence, and analysing behaviour.
The Shift in Mindset
Becoming a PI has required a complete shift in mindset. As a police officer, I was used to wearing a uniform and having a visible presence, which often acted as deterrents. In the private sector, invisibility has become my most valuable asset. Whether I conduct surveillance or interview witnesses, the ability to blend in and remain unnoticed is crucial. Patience, discretion, and thoroughness have become my most valued tools.
One of the steepest learning curves in the transition is understanding the legal boundaries in the private sector. In the police, I had the backing of the law to detain, question, and search suspects. However, in the world of professional investigations, while gathering information, I have to ensure I stay within legal limits, avoid trespassing, ensure privacy laws are respected, and understand data protection regulations in the UK. PI’s must respect the legal rights of individuals, including rights under the Human Rights Act. While PI’s can play a crucial role in investigations, methods must be lawful and proportionate to the issue being investigated.
Building a Business
One of the biggest adjustments in transitioning to the private sector is the entrepreneurial aspect of the job. As a police officer, I never had to worry about finding work—cases were always coming in, handed down from higher up the chain. In the world of professional investigations, I am learning how to market my services, network with potential clients, and establish a reputation that will bring in steady business.
This is a far cry from the public service mindset I had in the police. I am no longer just solving problems—I am running a business. From building a website to managing client relationships and in particular their expectations, I have to wear multiple hats. Yet, despite the challenges, there is a certain satisfaction in knowing that every case I take on is mine to manage from start to finish.
The Satisfaction
While police work had its rewards, professional investigations offer a different kind of satisfaction. Helping individuals and businesses resolve personal matters, uncover hidden truths, or bring closure to difficult situations makes the work deeply meaningful.
Transitioning from a police officer to a professional investigator is a journey of growth, adaptation, and discovery. The skills I had in the police—attention to detail, patience, and a commitment to uncovering the truth—are serving me well in the private sector. However, the independence, entrepreneurial spirit, and legal knowledge I’m developing as a PI have expanded my horizons even further.
For anyone considering a similar career change, I would say this: Be ready to embrace the unknown, learn new skills, and think outside the box. But most of all, be prepared for a job that challenges you in ways you never thought possible, while offering the freedom to approach investigations with creativity and determination.
Assist Investigations Ltd
