Across the rest of the world many private investigators are required to be licensed. Depending on local laws many private investigators can be armed. Some private investigators are former police officers while others are former spies, have worked for the military or are former bodyguards or security guards. In many countries private detectives do not have the same authority as their police force and are often limited to the power of a citizen’s arrest. The main role of a private detective is to keep detailed notes and photographic evidence and be prepared to testify in court what they have seen on their client’s behalf. The private investigator needs to ensure they are up to date with the laws and regulations that are in place in the area they are working in as an investigator can face criminal charges if they break the law.