Private Investigator

Private Investigator - NCFE evel 3 Award
Supported Home Study
Course Summary

Reach Your Potential as a Private Investigator
Do you yearn to do something a little bit different? Can you stick to a task until you've cracked it?

If you are intrigued by the prospect of working as a Private Investigator, first consider whether you are patient, methodical and systematic. You'll need all of these attributes to be successful.

Forget the stereotypes of lone mavericks working from smoky offices. Today's private investigator examines a case systematically and thoroughly, collecting and recording data and reporting all the relevant facts. A knowledge of police practice and the range of laws and regulations, which apply to investigation are also vital.

Once you have gained your Diploma you will have the skills and knowledge to start out on this novel career which could find you tracing missing persons, investigating traffic accidents or taking statements in a blackmail case. Emerge from the shadows ad set your sights on becoming a reliable and respected, professional private investigator.

Get started today, and you can earn your Private Investigator Diploma in as little as six months, or take up to two years, if you prefer - the choice is yours.

Private Investigator Course Outline

Module 1:

The first module of the Private Investigator course identifies methods of evidence gathering and assessment of evidence. It provides the individual with an introduction to forensic evidence and what constitutes crime in legal terms. It further introduces investigation techniques and helps the student to understand what constitutes evidence in the eyes of the law. It explains which elements of police procedure relate to investigators and allows the student to be able to match relevant laws to crimes committed.

• Identify different types of crime
• Understand the different types of evidence and why it is important
• Explain the correct legislation the police use for categorising crimes
• Identify different kinds of evidence
• Understand what is meant by the term evidence
• Explain factors which relate to criminal offences
• Explain terminology linked to forensic investigations
• Identify the correct procedures processes linked to investigating crime scenes
• Identify best techniques for collecting and preserving evidence at a crime scene
• Identify the materials, methods and procedures used to collect different forms of evidence
• Identify the methods and processes for storing evidence
• Recognise the value of different types of evidence to an investigation

Module 2:

The second module focuses on taking statements, and handling interview situations when interviewing witnesses and others. It also details the legal ramifications of statements as evidence, and considers the ethical implications of types of questioning which may be used by private investigators.

• Explain the value of statements and the need for accurate and legally obtained statements
• Systematically acquire information from witnesses, victims and suspects
• Identify the correct questions to ask in specific circumstances
• Identify ethical considerations for the private investigator
• Identify the main parts of a good investigation
• Identify the key questions to ask during investigations
• Write statements in a useful/appropriate relevant way
• Develop techniques to improve information-gathering during interviews
• Identify how statements should be prepared for the UK court system, i.e. the format, the content, the structure, the conventions of statements
• Identify the legal responsibility concerning statements as evidence
• Demonstrate knowledge of how a statement should be completed
• Explain the legal ramifications of providing false evidence in a statement.

Module 3:

The module covers material concerning collecting debts and acting as a credit reference agency. It also covers data mining and data handling and the relevant areas of law. The module also covers practical concerns to the individual embarking on starting their own private investigative business, including ethical considerations and structuring your investigative business. Finally, the module also provides practical guidance on tracking missing persons.

• Identify the key elements of legislation concerning collecting debts and acting as a credit reference agency
• Discuss the ramifications of data protection legislation
• Explain how legislation affects evidence-gathering and identify legal methods of evidence-gathering
• Identify the correct Act of Law for specific circumstances including: harassment, computer misuse and public order.
• Explain types of monitoring and the legal ramifications of monitoring, such as e-mail, CCTVand in-vehicle monitoring
• Identify methods of workplace monitoring
• Identify methodologies for monitoring telephones
• Explain the important ethical considerations laid down by the Association of British Investigators
• Demonstrate a knowledge of the Human Rights Act and The Freedom of Information Acts and how they impact on the private investigator
• Identify the legal responsibility concerning statements as evidence
• Identify different methods of tracing missing people.

Module 4:

The fourth module deals with issues of process serving and surveillance. The module also covers all aspects of surveillance including covert surveillance, and planning and preparation for surveillance. The material covers still and video photography and other technical issues relating to mobile, foot and static surveillance.

• Identify the key methods of surveillance
• Discuss the qualities of a good surveillance operative
• Explain the key concerns when planning surveillance
• Identify the correct and legal way of gathering evidence in a manner that will be accepted by the courts.
• Recognise the key communication skills needed to ensure group surveillance works
• Explain types of monitoring equipment required for surveillance
• Define best practice for foot surveillance
• Identify the best practice for individual and group surveillance
• Identify mobile surveillance methods
• Identify methodologies for different and difficult surveillance situations and potentially difficult areas
• Identify different methods of static surveillance
• Explain important considerations for surveillance on people, buildings and objects
• Demonstrate a knowledge of how photography can be used effectively in surveillance
• Identify methods of counter-surveillance
• Demonstrate knowledge of methods of technical surveillance.