Interview with a P.I.

What did I learn?

• If someone disappears, think about how much (if any) planning went into it? What precautions were made to prevent detection?
• Investigate those around the missing person – who did they go off with? Did they take as many precautions?
• People will always have a history somewhere – what were they doing 5 years ago?
• Investigations are simply about collecting information; drip, drip, drip, and then fitting the pieces together.
• All investigations go through high and low stages. You think you have found someone and then nothing! Most investigations will reach a dead end at some stage. Stories don’t go in a straight line….
• Often it is the long shots that produce a result!
• The most information comes from simply talking to people. The use of the Internet comes a close second. A P.I. has to be able to gain peoples confidence and trust. People like to gossip. What do people say when they let their guard down?
• Information can easily be elicited from people who don’t realize they are being questioned. How much information do you give away to strangers?
• Perhaps easier to find someone in a rural area rather than a city because of this.
• Knock on doors, knock on neighbours doors, ask about old school friends. Think about reasons to keep in touch. Whom did they confide in?
• Sites such as Friends Reunited, Facebook can provide interesting details.
• The Data Protection Act prevents access to personal records i.e. bank, health, police etc.
• Not everyone is on the Electoral Roll.
• Buy a shredder; preferably a cross cut one!!