A detective’s job is an adventurous one. Besides the thrill to be had in resolving disputes and solving crimes, there’s always the satisfaction to be had in being instrumental in delivering justice. A detective may be employed by a citizen, an organization or the law enforcement agencies to help conduct an investigation. The nature of a detective’s job is so varied, that no two cases can be said to be the same, and yet some generic techniques can be applied in most of them. So what are the various qualifications that you must have in order to become a detective?

Award For Professional Investigators (ABI)

The Award for Professional Investigators (ABI) is an industry qualification in the UK, designed for those individuals who would like to become professional detectives. This qualification focuses on how research must be conducted by gathering information from various sources and interviews, and how surveillance operations must be conducted to support an on-going investigation. It also involves the requirement of complying with the relevant laws and regulations that need to be adhered to while investigating a particular case.

Security Industry Authority (SIA)

The Security Industry Authority (SIA) is the regulating authority for managing the private security in the UK. The primary responsibility of the organization is to compulsorily license people working under the various sectors in the private security industry. To learn more about their training and licensing requirements, check out their website: https://www.sia.homeoffice.gov.uk/Pages/home.aspx

Degree In Science Honours/Masters In Forensics

Some of the other qualifications that a private investigator will have in general are a degree in science honours or masters in forensics. Such humanities level degrees equip an individual with the necessary theoretical knowledge. In addition to this, a person seeking to become an investigator may need some background in computers like a degree in information systems as most detectives today have to work around computer or information’s systems for conducting their research and gathering data. They must thus be well versed in the usage of electronic and computer systems.

There are several other training courses being held across UK that help amplify a private investigator’s resume. For instance, the CTR Strategic Learning in the UK provides training for private investigators. This training course is accredited at Level 3 by the Industry Qualifications (IQ) body and is recognized by the Security Industry Authority (SIA) for licensing. Such courses are suitable for both practicing investigators looking to hone their skills further as well as new entrants into this industry. You can learn more about such training programs online.

Besides having the necessary degrees or training, the job may also require you have some relevant work experience in the industry. This usually comes in handy when you have to conduct complicated investigations or need to conduct research involving complex legislation. Also, to become a detective in the UK, different citizenship laws may be applicable; for instance, you must be a British citizen or a citizen of the European Union. Certain other qualifications that may be applicable include minimum age criteria – being 18 or above in most cases, being physically and mentally fit and undergoing an eye examination.