Common sense and tenacity are two crucial attributes of private investigators, says Roger Miller, who has been working in the field for more than two decades.

Mr. Miller, who landed his first private investigation job in the early 1980s, is now vice-president of Northeastern Investigations Inc., a full service security and private investigation firm in Dartmouth.

The company also has offices in Ottawa and St. John’s, N.L.

“Without a doubt, common sense is No. 1. When you are seeing something, you have to be able to digest what you are seeing and (know) where it could lead you from there.”

Tenacity is a close second, he says. “When you get what you feel is a little bit of a lead, you have got to turn over that stone and keep turning it over until you get to the next one, and just pursue all angles, all avenues,” he said.

Mr. Miller says he accidently stumbled into a job in the security field, and that job turned into a career in private investigation. He now manages other investigators and security personnel at Northeastern.

Being a private investigator is portrayed on TV and in movies as an exciting, fast-paced career, but in reality, private investigators have to be extremely patient and able to handle long periods of inactivity, Mr. Miller said

“You could be literally sitting in a surveillance van eight to 10 hours a day with nothing happening.”

However, just a brief moment of inattention during those eight to 10 hours could cause an investigator to miss something important.

The two most common assignments for private investigators are employee-related issues, such as fraud or theft, and cases related to disability claims, Mr. Miller said.

Private investigators also often work for defence lawyers in criminal cases and are required to interview witnesses and search for new evidence and information.

Most larger investigative firms tend to avoid investigations that involve couples who want to glean information about their partner’s activities, he said

“One of the problems with domestic investigations is that you never have a happy customer.”
WHAT DO THEY DO?

Private investigators conduct investigations for clients and employers. Corporate security and retail loss prevention officers conduct private investigations for their clients in addition to other protective services.

For example, they must put in place security measures to protect property against theft and fire.
WHAT ARE THE WORKERS LIKE?

You should be physically fit and in excellent health and have a valid driver’s licence. Cultural sensitivity, patience and mental stability are important. You must be resourceful and able to work on your own, carrying out instructions given by your employer. It will be necessary to gain a good knowledge of the regulations pertaining to your work.

Excellent communication, observation and problem-solving skills are essential. You should also be able to communicate with and gain the respect of the public.

Candidates are required to pass the appropriate background check.

Twenty per cent are female, and 80 per cent are male.
WHERE DO THEY WORK?

Annapolis Valley 0%

Cape Breton 13%

Halifax 69%

North Shore12%

Southern N.S. 6%

Half of all private investigators work in the management, administrative and other support fields. Eighteen per cent are self-employed.
WHAT ARE THE WORK PROSPECTS?

Employment prospects will differ for the various occupations included in this group. Demand should be greatest for retail loss prevention officers and security officers who are employed by large retail and pharmacy stores.

The average age of this occupational group is approximately 45, and retirements should contribute to some job openings.

Outlook: Fair

Employment in 2007: 244

Estimated average annual number of job openings for new private investigators: 11

Earnings in 2007: averaged $11.25 hourly, with a maximum of $28.50

Typical jobs: Corporate security officer, postal inspection officer, retail loss prevention officer, private security officer.
WHAT TRAINING OR EXPERIENCE IS REQUIRED?

Completion of high school is required. A diploma in law and security may be required for some positions. On-the-job training may be provided.

’When you are seeing something, you have to be able to digest what you are seeing and (know) where it could lead. ’