Private Investigators Vs Police Investigators.
By Chad Delke.
Investigators in general, play a very important role in keeping crime rates under check. With their sharp eyes and analytical minds, they can solve mysteries in minutes and help us to come to a conclusion. There are two kinds of investigators who work undercover; police investigators and private investigators. Each has their own powers and limitations.
What do private investigators do?
They are detectives working for clients or companies privately. Their expertise is majorly in legal, financial or personal matters. They delve into private sector issues like: –
• matrimonial matters
• fraud cases
• locating witnesses in civil suits
• civil litigation
• investigate about a missing relative
• find out about a suspicious spouse
• sometimes work with the police to collect evidence to present to the court
Detectives have very irregular working hours and dedicate most of their time to surveillance. Private investigators often specialize in particular fields like cyber-crime, insurance fraud, criminal defence etc.
What do police investigators do?
Police investigators work with the police department or law enforcement organization. Their work majorly includes protection of the state. Their services cover issues like: –
• investigating legal crimes
• they work with witnesses and suspects directly
• they work for the state, local or federal systems
• they engage in writing official reports about cases
Police investigators work hard by acquiring special status by becoming a member of the SWAT team or canine corps.
Education qualifications: Private investigators vs Police investigators
Privates eyes don’t need any specific educational requirement; though they need to be great with analytical and logical skills, should have an eye for minute detail and smartly solve puzzling cases patiently. Financial and corporate investigators need rigorous educational requirements though.
To become a police investigator, one needs to first work as a police officer and then specialize as an investigator. You need a degree, and then enroll in the police training academy. You need to go through rigorous training and exercises; reach the level of physical fitness required. After passing all the tests, you successfully become a police officer. After serving as one for several years, you get promoted to a detective.
Job Outlook and Salary: Private investigator vs Police investigator
As a police detective, you have job assurance and a fixed paycheck every month. Private investigators rely on their customers for their success. It depends on the type of cases they take up and their clients. The average salary of a police detective is around $75,000 whereas, for a private investigator, it oscillates between $45,000 to $55,000.
The catch here is that private investigators have more demand in the market. Their employment is set to increase by 11% in 2022, compared to a rise of 2% for police detectives.
Powers that Police investigators possess: –
1. Arrests:
Police investigators have the authority to make arrests if they have adequate evidence. Private investigators are still seen as private citizens and don’t possess any such powers.
2. Warrants:
Trespassing other’s property is considered a crime; thus, private investigators can’t intrude anyone’s personal space. Police detectives can take advantage of warrants. Legal warrants allow the officer to conduct investigations in the suspects’ premises.
Powers that private investigators possess: –
1. Better scope of investigation:
Police detectives work under the jurisdiction; thus, they deal with crimes within an area. Private investigators get more freedom and conduct investigations in any corner of the world.
2. Variety of cases:
Police investigations are limited to criminal cases that concern the state jurisdiction. On the other hand, private investigators conduct background checks, work on private sector matters, their reach is much beyond just criminal cases.
3. Budget constraints:
Police detectives get a fixed amount of money tax-cut by the state. Private investigators are funded better for a case. This is probably due to their ability to pursue evidence that is beyond reach; the reason why their demand is on the rise.
Which profession to choose?
Each profession has its own advantages and disadvantages. If you’re one of them who works alone, is fine with irregular working hours, fancy various mysterious cases; then you could choose to go with the private investigation.
If you would like a secure job which is respectable in the community, then becoming a police investigator is advisable. The risk of potential danger is more in this profession, along with stressful situations and a higher pay.
In conclusion, both are professions in an investigation which need an equal amount of dedication, wit and a watchful pair of eyes.