Private investigators are hired to discover the truth about specific events. The duties of private investigators or detectives and members of the police force differ only slightly. Private detectives are employed and paid fees by clients, while police officers receive salaries paid by the police force.
Private investigators (PIs) do have a choice as to whether to take on a particular case or not, whereas police officers must investigate whatever comes their way. Most cases handled by private investigators and detectives are those such as missing persons, stolen goods, divorce proceedings and the occasional crime such as assault, accident, arson and, in rare cases, murder.
PIs usually have their own offices and advertise their services to the public. The working conditions depend on the type of case accepted. If a client reported a missing person to the police but hires a PI to investigate further, detailed notes need to be taken about the events leading to the disappearance, photographs obtained of the missing person and all the parties who might have been involved before deciding on a plan of action.
If one partner of a married couple suspects infidelity on the part of the other, a PI would follow the suspect and obtain photographic evidence. In the case of stolen goods, PIs look for leads and follow these up.
Everyone has watched detective movies and most are aware of the kind of work involved with this career. There is a great deal of walking involved and at times it can be an extremely frustrating career. PIs sometimes are required to give evidence in court. Thus, any evidence collected on any case, has to be as fully documented as possible should it be needed for court presentation.