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Another difference between working in the public sector and running a private investigation service is the business skills which must be learned. Former police officers are often amazed to learn how much time is involved with accounting, handling compliance forms, tax work, marketing efforts, collection work, personnel problems and the other work that is required to run a small business. They also often do not anticipate the overhead costs involved with running a private enterprise and the out of pocket costs for medical coverage and other benefits.
Additionally, some have problems adjusting to real word economics and learning to investigate cases for clients in a cost effective manner--something which is not always of concern when feeding at some of the public troughs. For instance, it is unlikely any private sector client would pay a $56 million invoice for the investigation of allegations of wrongdoing by an executive. . . particularly if the focus of the inquiries somehow shifted from these serious allegations to unrelated claims of sexual misconduct. Public sector investigators who worked on the Clinton investigation, for instance, would probably find that private sector clients demand more efficiency and better focus.
Other former police officers must adjust to the significantly differing objectives of a police investigation and a private investigation.
Generally speaking, most of the more successful private investigators in the U.S. learned their trade working at private investigation firms or working as proprietary investigators at large corporations. In some other countries, the better ones may have come from law enforcement.
While most anyone can perform carpentry work, a carpenter can do it faster, more efficiently and better. Likewise, most anyone can do the work of an experienced private investigator, just not as well. Modesty is a trait seldom found in the realm of private investigations. Most P.I.s are prima donnas and are not reluctant to tout their successes. Often, though, this has more to do with pride and enthusiasm than ego. (The most egotistical-sounding P.I. encountered by this writer was later found to have substantially understated his abilities.)
However, generally speaking, those who pompously overuse the word "professional" and repeatedly refer to the investigation business as a "profession" are usually novices with little experience who are new to the business. After years of intense education followed by an extended period of internship, a doctor is justified in referring to the practice of medicine as a profession. A private investigator who, in many venues, has done nothing but pay a license fee, is not.
Like carpentry, private investigations is not a profession, but a business or trade. No degree is required, no apprentice period exists in many venues, and no ongoing education credits are required. Although it is not a profession, per se, there are many professionals in the business.
The following points should be considered before assigning a case to a private investigator:
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