Michael Julian Shares His Thoughts on the Requirements of an Effective Private Investigator

To become an effective private investigator, you must learn critical skills to excel in your career. And to figure out what these skills are, we reached out to the professionals in the industry. 

An ideal example of such a person is Michael Julian – a highly acclaimed security professional private investigator, entrepreneur, and active shooter survival instructor. Many of you might know him as the CEO of National Business Investigations, Inc., the Creator of the A.L.I.V.E. Active Shooter Survival Training Program, and the Founder of MPS Security and Protection. 

In 1995, Julian joined the California Association of Licensed Investigators (CALI), where he worked as the District Governor on the Legislation and Technology Committee, By-Laws Chairman, and Education & Training Task Force.  

Moreover, Julian is licensed in many states as a private investigator, security professional, and security consultant for various organizations where he provides personal and asset security solutions.

And as a professional with decades of experience, here are a couple of things he has shared on the essential skills you will need to become a successful private investigator. 

Being Aware of Legal Knowledge 

To obtain your provincial private investigator’s license, you must learn some of the basics of laws. The training for a private investigator will include education on relevant acts, codes, statutes, and ordinances on how to apply them to your work. 

Most times, private eyes are required to present evidence in legal environments, so it will be in your and the client’s interests to be prepared for any judicial proceedings. Consider treating all your investigations as if they could go to trial at some point. 

Having Tech Skills 

In a world heavily reliant on technology, it will work in your favour to become more tech-literate, as it is necessary for many fields – and private investigators are no exception. Some of the things you will need to know your way to work out include devices like video surveillance equipment, GPS trackers, etc. 

Plus, a good understanding of how technology works can make your investigations more efficient and helps you better familiarise yourself with operating different tools more effectively. 

Confidentiality 

You need to remember that discretion is required and appreciated in a private investigator’s line of work, especially when you are privy to sensitive information.

Private investigators are not bound by the same confidentiality agreements as legal or medical professionals in some states. However, clients still appreciate it if you can be someone who knows how to keep certain information to themselves. 

Maintaining a high level of confidentiality in all your interactions is crucial, so think of it as a way to gain your client’s trust – and even go the extra mile to start a confidentiality policy in all your agreements.