Writing a Believable Private Investigator Character
This article is for the Christian writer who wants to develop a private investigator character.
I worked as a private investigator (PI) alongside my husband in his private investigations agency for 30 years. He was a sharpshooter in the military, former lawman, and sheriff. I was an educator and started out as his novice assistant, basically proofreading case reports. Over time, I became a PI intern and eventually a full-fledged private investigator and voice stress examiner (lie detection).
When my husband passed away, I closed the investigative agency and began writing full-time. Drawing on skills I learned over the years, I write Romance, Romantic Suspense and Mystery/Detective stories that include lawmen or PIs.
In this post, I will share who the PI is and is not, PI responsibilities, PI essential skills, and common mistakes of inexperienced PIs. The writer can use these clues to create a believable private investigator character to use in a story.
Clue #1- Understand Who the Private Investigator Is and Is Not:
The roles and responsibilities and motivations of a police investigator and private investigator are very different. The police investigator works for a law enforcement agency (local, state, and federal) to protect and serve the public and enforce the law. Their focus is criminal investigations, enforcing laws, and maintaining public safety. The police investigator possesses full law enforcement powers, including the ability to arrest, detain, and conduct searches with warrants.
The private investigator is licensed by the state but works independently for clients or for private firms, handling a broad range of civil, legal and personal matters– such as infidelity, child custody, background checks, and missing persons. Their authority is limited to the same authority as a private citizen, without arrest powers or ability to obtain warrants.
Clue #2- Key Responsibilities of a Private Investigator:
- Client meetings:
PIs meet with clients to discuss case details, objectives, and expectations. These initial meetings may take place in the investigator’s office or with the client, but sometimes a separate place is selected if secrecy is a concern.
- Gathering information and interviews:
PIs conduct research, which may involve using online databases, public records, and other resources to gather information about individuals or entities pertaining to a case. They also conduct interviews with witnesses, informants, or individuals related to the investigation.
- Evidence collection:
PIs collect tangible evidence, such as documents, photographs, and video recordings to use in legal proceedings. An eye for detail is a must-have in this line of work. Catching the smallest pieces of evidence can make or break a case. (Example: In a personal injury case we found and photographed a loose tread on a step that contributed to the client falling.)
- Surveillance:
PIs often discreetly monitor individuals, locations, or activities. This can involve sitting in parked vehicles or using hidden cameras in various public outdoor and indoor settings or private places with permission.
Good observational skills play a major role in surveillance. A PI might spot a thief who gives away his intentions with a quick look around to see if someone is watching, or a subject taking evasive measures before a rendezvous.
- Reporting:
Compiling detailed reports of findings to give the client is a must. Aways include case number, place, and purpose of action being reported. Record accurate times and observations (Example: 6:08 p.m. lights on, 10:15 p.m. lights out, 5:40 a.m. newspaper delivered, 6:34 a.m. subject arrived in subject’s car, entered garage, and garage door closed, subject out of view at 6:37 a.m.)
- Legal compliance & ethics
PIs must adhere to all applicable laws and regulations during their investigations. A solid understanding of relevant laws is essential to ensure investigations are conducted legally, so that evidence is admissible in court if needed.
PIs cannot engage in activities that infringe upon an individual’s privacy or violate their rights. Unauthorized wiretapping, hacking, or trespassing can lead to legal repercussions. Operating without the required license can result in legal penalties.
Maintaining the confidentiality of the client and not disclosing sensitive information to unauthorized parties is an ethical requirement.
- Cooperation with law enforcement:
At times, PIs need to coordinate with law enforcement agencies. While PIs do not have law enforcement authority, they can collaborate with law enforcement agencies by providing information or evidence they have legally obtained during their investigations.
Clue #3- Essential Skills of the PI :
- Good communicator:
A PI needs good verbal skills (to make conversation, rapport build, conduct an interview) and written skills (to write detailed reports, client requests, objectives, and case initiation). Having a solid understanding of the need for objectivity in evidence gathering and analysis of the information without bias is critical.
Document all surveillance, fact gathering activities, phone conversations, observations, mileage, time spent, and out of pocket expenses.
- Observes and gives attention to detail:
A key trait to stress for the PI character is an eye for detail and the ability to observe and scrutinize information. (Example: spot inconsistencies in a subject’s statement or notice a missing button.) A PI should not be so focused on a subject that he/she loses sight and awareness of the surroundings and what is ahead, beside and behind him/her.
- Creative and resourceful:
PIs often encounter challenges during investigations and need to find creative solutions. Critical thinking and problem solving is an important skill for the PI. (Example: If someone questions what the PI is doing, he/she should be ready with a clever response— “I’m mapping the constellations in the northern hemisphere for an astronomy class.”)
Use pretext to establish if a subject is present in a residence. Go to a door on the pretext of conducting a survey. (Be careful to use a fictitious company name and purpose to not be guilty of misrepresentation.)
- Tech skills:
One of the greatest tools used in the investigation is the Internet. Basic computer skills can help you find information online. Additionally, private investigators must know how to use devices, such as GPS trackers and video surveillance equipment. Tech savviness helps make the investigation process far more efficient.
- Patient and persistent:
Investigations can be lengthy and challenging, requiring patience and a determined approach to meticulously follow leads and overcome obstacles.
- Stealth and discretion:
PIs often need to work covertly, requiring discretion and the ability to remain unnoticed. Depending on the nature of the investigation, PIs may engage in undercover work or covert operations, which can take them to various locations such as bars, clubs, or social events to gather information discreetly. Keep extra clothing and accessories to change appearance handy.
Clue #4- Types of Cases a PI Might Investigate:
- Background checks:
Verify financial status, employment history, places of residence, and criminal records.
- Locates:
Find individuals who have disappeared or whose information is difficult to find.
- Financial crime:
Investigate cases of fraud, theft, or other suspicious financial crime a client is experiencing.
- Infidelity:
Gather evidence in cases of suspected infidelity or marital disputes for clarity and closure.
- Legal support:
Assist attorneys with their clients’ case needs by gathering evidence, taking statements, surveillance, etc. as the attorney requests.
Clue #5- Common Mistakes of New PIs or Amateur Sleuths:
Inexperience may cause amateur investigators to find themselves breaking the protocol without even realizing it. Here are some of the most common mistakes new private investigators make and must avoid:
- Breaking and entering:
Working as a licensed private investigator does not give you the right to pick locks or enter premises to search a property for evidence. PIs must also get consent from the owners before they can enter and search the premises.
- Posing as a police officer:
Impersonating a police officer to gather data from potential sources is illegal and can lead to the revocation of the private investigator license or even incarceration, depending on the gravity of the offense.
- Stalking:
Not Following Surveillance Procedures – While private investigators can perform surveillance in public places, such as a malls or in the park, they are prohibited from going on private property and getting into the subject’s private space. It could be considered stalking or harassment.
- Accessing information without court consent:
While digging of information is permissible, some requires a court order. The PI should know the difference. Wiretapping phones and recording conversations and GPS tracking without consent in most cases is a violation of the law, unless permission has been granted by the court. (There may be exceptions if a person is chatting in a public place with a phone on speaker and anyone can hear the conversation.)
For examples of using the PI tips in novels, check out my Seasons of Mystery series—Autumn Vindication, Winter Deception, Spring Betrayal, and Summer Cover-Up—which features a private investigator hero and an amateur investigator heroine. (My romance Hamilton Harbor series has a secondary PI character, and my romantic suspense Secrets of Sweet County series features law enforcement characters.)
In Summary, as a writer if you want to make a private investigator in your story believable, develop the character using the concepts associated with these five clues. Consider what the PI role is and is not, the responsibilities, essential skills, case types he/she will encounter, and common mistakes of the inexperienced PI.
Happy Sleuthing!
Author Bio
Sally Jo Pitts is an award-winning author who brings experience as a private investigator, licensed lie detection examiner, high school guidance counselor and home economics teacher to the fiction page. Having worked thirty years alongside her late law enforcement husband in his private investigations agency, she learned to teach by day and snoop by night. Currently, she draws on real-life experiences to pen faith-based stories of romance and mystery. Her works include the Hamilton Harbor Legacy romance series, the Seasons of Mystery detective series, and the romantic suspense series—Secrets of Sweet County. Connect with her at