Private investigators play an essential part in the legal system and work closely alongside solicitors. KERRY ANN EUSTICE talks in secret with an active sleuth

Qualifications:

I am a full member of the Association of British Investigators (ABI), which requires you to have experience in the field and to sit an exam. The ABI interviews you and checks you have no criminal record or CCJ's. Until you meet the ABI's criteria you are classed as an associate, but you can take more training to become a full member.

I gained most of my experience while working as a police officer. Most investigators are ex-police or ex-military. To be a private investigator you need some knowledge of court procedures, the law and statement taking. You also need to be a good communicator.

Place of work:

All over the UK.

Earning potential:

If you have a good client base, reputation and work hard it can be up to £25,000 per annum.

What hours do you work?

If I was tracking someone I would be out early in the morning or late at night and could be following them for a whole week. I would then work on any paperwork in between.

What is your typical day like?

I often have to serve people with documents such as injunctions and demands for money. I have worked for solicitors by examining scenes of accidents by taking photographs and drawing plans for use in court. The accidents can range from murder scenes to trip claims, where I would measure the ground. Much of the work private investigators do is commissioned by solicitors.

I also spend a lot of time in court, swearing on oath I have served a document or I will provide evidence for a case.

There is surveillance work, following cheating partners for example. Sometimes this is done in teams of up to four investigators with multiple vehicles.

Why did you decide to become a private investigator?

I started off as a police officer in Kent and spent much of my time working in CID. After 30 years in the service I had planned to run a guest house but changed direction and have been investigating for 16 years. In the early days I worked in partnership with my wife, which is quite common in the field.

Where do you want to go from here?

I am winding down the business now but I have enjoyed it. It's such a different and interesting occupation.