Investigative and Enforcement Industries Set to Boom

PENNSYLVANIA - According to a recent government analysis, more investigative and enforcement professionals will be needed by 2014. The need stems from new homeland security positions, retiring professionals and new types of criminals. It is projected that between 2005 and 2014, demand in these professions will increase by more than 10 percent. Now is a great time to be in the profession!

School Districts Hire PIs

CHICAGO, IL - School districts are hiring PIs to find families who are trying to circumvent residency laws. From far-flung south suburban communities to those that border Chicago, school districts have hired the firm National Investigations Inc. to cut back on students who are trying to enter the district. So far, the firm has 6,000 students in its caseload. PIs often use surveillance to weed out nonresident students who cost taxpayers money.

PIs Join Support Group

STOCKBRIDGE, GA - Private Investigators allegedly joined a Southside Christian Fellowship Church in an attempt to get information about two participants. The PIs were working for an insurance company who wanted to gather incriminating information about two insurance claimants who happened to be part of the support group. Bill and Leandra Pitts made a claim with the Progressive Northern Insurance Company after being in a traffic accident. The insurer asked the PIs to look for and tape record any information that would discredit the claim. The Pitts have filed a lawsuit against the insurance provider and the PIs.

PI Stares Death in the Face to Get His Man

UNITED KINGDOM - PInow.com staff knows how far PIs will go to crack a case, but even we were intrigued by news of a PI who hid in a hearse to solve a crime. The PI was hired by a group of funeral directors in the UK who were frustrated by a vandal who had damaged their property for three years. After being on the job for five days without success, the PI hid in the back of a hearse to catch the vandal in the act. A computer screen in the body bag allowed the PI to see the vandal, Richard Bullen. Bullen was caught trying to puncture the wheels of the hearse. He was arrested soon afterwards.

PI Says Industry is Not Glamorous

MEMPHIS, TN - Commercial Appeal ran a profile of PI Rachael Geiser this past week. According to the article, Geiser has a master's degree in criminal justice from the University of Memphis and has worked with Memphis-based Inquisitor Inc. since 1999. Unlike PIs on TV, Geiser notes that her job is mostly about grit, and glamour does not play a role. Geiser does not even carry a gun.

The Private Detective Agencies (Regulation) Bill

INDIA - India continues to pursue The Private Detective Agencies (Regulation) Bill, which was tabled in the Parliament. The new bill suggests establishing a Central Private Detective Regulatory Board (CPDRB), as well as state level boards. The CPDRB would issue licenses, develop a code of conduct for PIs, establish training standards for detectives, and advise the government on policies that relate to PIs or the industry.