What is it like to be a PI today?

Many people when they hear that you are a Private Investigator, they instantly conjure up pictures of a large mustache toting playboy driving a Ferrari and always getting the girl. Many of us investigators wish that were the case, however, investigative work is not quite so glamorous.  To be honest, it is quite the opposite.  We have traded the Ferrari in on a Mini-van, and the mustache is most likely a prop, to hide our identity.

I can't tell you how many times I have heard, "that is so cool, it must be interesting"?  At this point, I want to ask them their definition of interesting.  Don't get me wrong, I love what I do, however more times than not, interesting is not the case.  This is at least when you have been sitting in your vehicle for 7 hours and have had no activity to speak of.  At that point, I am about ready to scream from boredom.  This is just a small section of what investigators do, but is probably to most draining.  These moments are trumped by those moments when you have struggled getting video on a claimant that has evaded the camera for so long, all of a sudden is working on cutting up downed limbs in the front yard, and the camera is rolling. Or there is the moment when you realize that you have just found someone that has been missing for 25 years and now there they are.  My favorite is finding that witness that puts the nail in the coffin of the conglomerate company that has done a great job of hiding the truth and now you busted them.  I can't think of much that tops that.

We do this because we like revealing the truth.  I love feeling like I accomplished something for the good of those involved.  We love finding the hidden, so I guess the answer would be "Yes" it is interesting.  The truth of the matter is with the internet much of a PI's work is done behind the computer.  There is a wealth of knowledge that is available to investigators that cuts down on the need to be in the field as much.  This however is in no way easy work.  Hours of research prior to hitting the field is taxing on most.  I know it is on me.  I do however see the need for this area of investigation.  With conducting per-surveillance research, and investigator can know a lot about his/her subject, before ever turning the key on his/her vehicle.  This makes for a more efficient investigation. 

All in all, being a PI is a very interesting profession, and I have no desire to do anything else.  It gives me a sense of purpose and accomplishment.

Jason
WGR Investigations
www.wgrinv.com