Private Investigation deep dive

In this episode, we cover:-

1- A deep dive into the Private Investigation industry.

2- How to become a PI in every state of Australia.

3- Skills and attributes of a great Private Investigator.

4- Why we do what we do (and why we love this industry)!

Private investigators in Australia operate within strict legal boundaries, requiring specific licenses and qualifications while utilizing ethical practices that differ significantly from Hollywood portrayals. The pathway to becoming a licensed private investigator varies by state but universally requires obtaining a Certificate III in Investigative Services and demonstrating fit and proper character.

• Private investigation in Australia covers surveillance, factual investigation, infidelity cases, missing persons, corporate investigations, and more
• Licensed investigators must follow strict legal boundaries unlike movie portrayals that show illegal activities
• Obtaining a PI license requires a Certificate III in Investigative Services and meeting state-specific licensing requirements
• Each Australian state and territory has different licensing bodies with specific application processes
• Six essential attributes for successful investigators: discretion, attention to detail, patience, ethical backbone, communication skills, and problem-solving abilities
• Real PI work involves more patience, paperwork, and teamwork than the lone-wolf adventures shown in movies
• Investigators must constantly adapt to new technologies while maintaining professional standards

To get in touch with the team at Down Under Investigation, check out our website at downunderinvestigations.com, call 1300 849 007, or email info@downunderinvestigations.com

Transcript

Speaker 1

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00:00
Welcome to this episode of Down Under Investigations, The Truth. We discuss all things to do with private investigation process serving, skip tracing, surveillance, debt collection and repossessions. You'll hear about the latest news, case studies, technology and real life stories that we know you'll enjoy and, we hope, you will learn from. Stay tuned as we now join Simon, the host of our podcast. 

Speaker 2

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00:31
Welcome, welcome, welcome to our latest podcast. Very excited to have you with us. Today we're taking a deep dive into all things private investigation. See, private investigation is a very large field in Australia. It covers a whole range of issues and a whole range of situations. For example, there's surveillance investigators, there's factual investigators, there's infidelity and relationship investigators, missing persons investigations, corporate and workplace investigations, insurance investigations, background check and pre-employment investigations, cyber and digital investigations, legal support investigations background check and pre-employment investigations, cyber and digital investigations, legal support investigations, plus document servers, process servers and undercover operatives. There's so many areas of private investigation that are active every day in the lives of Australians. So we're going to take a deep dive into all things private investigation today. We're going to talk about the legalities. We're going to talk about ways to become a private investigator and some of the attitudes and attributes of great private investigators. So stay tuned. 

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01:35
Private investigators have been romanticized on screen for decades through movies where we wear trench coats, whiskey-soaked voices, dramatic car chases. But the truth is real. Pi work in Australia looks very different. Let's break it down, see. We have licensing and legal boundaries. A movie myth will say that a PI can do whatever it takes break into buildings, bug phones put tracking devices on people and vehicles, impersonating others, all in the name of justice. The reality in Australia is private investigators are strictly licensed under state-based regulations. We're bound by privacy laws. We can't trespass and absolutely can't hack into someone's phone or computer. We cross the line and we're not just losing our license, we're facing criminal charges. 

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02:24
The second myth is to do with action-packed adventures or patience and paperwork. The movie myth is that every day is a thrilling ride, with foot chases, gunfights and last-minute rescues. The reality is real. Pi work is often consisting of long hours writing reports, conducting interviews and combing through records. It is often coffee in a car waiting for people to move. Slow follows finding information. It's really a job that rewards patience and persistence, not adrenaline, although some surveillance jobs you definitely do get the adrenaline rush. 

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03:05
The third myth is solo mavericks or team players. The movie myth is that the private investigator is a lone wolf detective. They solve crimes in isolation, with nothing but grit and a cynical attitude. The truth in Australia is many PIs are solo operators, but collaboration is common. We often work with lawyers, insurance companies, corporations and even other private investigators. There's far more teamwork and a lot more admin than the rugged individualism that Hollywood loves to show. 

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03:37
The fourth myth endless resources versus budget constraints. The movie myth is that high-tech gadgets, secret lairs, fast cars and instant access to any database is a must and is constant, whereas it couldn't be further from the truth. We often have to deal, and always have to deal, with budget constraints. Real life PA work we work within financial and legal limits. We use tools such as surveillance cameras, gps. We're legal social media, but we aren't hacking into things like the CIA. Much of our work is about knowing where to look and how to ask the right questions, not having a million dollar spy kit. 

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04:20
The fifth myth dramatic crimes versus everyday investigations. The movie myth is that we're always cracking murder cases, taking down corrupt politicians or finding missing treasure. You'll see that always in those Hollywood movies, but the reality is we deal with things like infidelity, workers' compensation fraud, background checks, locating missing persons and corporate due diligence Important but, yes, a lot less cinematic and more grounded in everyday life. So the truth is the real PI work in Australia is much less about the drama and more about the discipline. While the screen versions may be entertaining, the truth is equally fascinating, just in a different way. The real magic lies in quiet observation, ethical investigation and helping people find the answers that they need. We may not look like a Hollywood blockbuster, but we sure make a difference in everyday real life of real people. 

Speaker 1

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05:15
To enter our question of the day competition and be eligible to win a prize value at $100, simply email your question to info at downunderinvestigationscom. Now let's get back to the podcast episode. 

Speaker 2

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05:32
One question we are constantly asked is how do I become a licensed private investigator in Australia? See, the world of private investigation is more than just magnifying glasses and mystery. In Australia, becoming a private investigator means following strict legal processes, undergoing training and obtaining a license that meets your state-specific regulations, Whether you want to uncover fraud, conduct surveillance or help people with missing loved ones. Here's how you get started, state by state. The first step is meet the basic eligibility requirements, because, no matter what state or territory you're in, to become a private investigator you must be at least 18 years of age, be an Australian citizen or permanent resident, have no disqualifying criminal convictions, be deemed a fit and proper person. Yes, character checks are very common and complete a nationally accredited qualification, usually a Certificate 3. Step 2, to complete the required training. The standard entry level qualification is a Certificate 3 in Investigative Services, which is a CPP 30619. Currently, this course is offered online and in person by registered training organisations across Australia. It covers conducting surveillance, taking witness statements, making ethical and legal compliance and managing such things, gathering factual information and evidence. The course duration typically goes for 6 to 12 months, but can vary depending if you're studying full-time, part-time or self-paced online. Step 3, once you've completed the course, is to apply for a licence, which is different state by state. Here's a breakdown of how the licensing works in each state. In New South Wales, the licence issuer is the New South Wales Police, their Security Licensing and Enforcement Directorate. The licensing class is a CAPI licence commercial and private inquiry. How to apply? You've got to complete your Certificate III in Investigative Services, apply via Service NSW or submit a paper application, pass a National Police Check and Character Assessment and pay the application fee. There's a website on NSW Police a link on their website to SLED. That's where you want to look. In Victoria, the licence history is Victoria Police Licensing and Regulation Division. The licence class is a private security individual licence with the investigator subclass. So how do you apply? You need to complete the Certificate 3, lodge your online or hard copy application. You need to submit to fingerprints and background checks. The website to look at is Victoria Police's website and then look for licensing and regulation. You'll find it there. In Queensland, the license issuer is the Office of Fair Trading in Queensland. The license is called a Private Investigator License. How do I apply? You complete your Cert 3, apply through the Queensland Government Portal. You need to provide ID, police check and proof of training. And best way to apply is jump on the website for the Queensland Office of Fair Trading. In Western Australia, the license issuer is the WA Police Force Licensing Services License class is called an investigator license. How do you apply? You need your Certificate 3. Again, you'll see all states. Certificate 3 is a must. Your application in WA includes fingerprinting and police checks. Your application in WA includes fingerprinting and police checks. You must attend a police station in Western Australia for ID verification. So you jump on their website, WA Police and look for licensing the subheading licensing In South Australia. The license issuer is the Consumer and Businesses Services of South Australia. The license class is called an Inquiry Agent Licence. How do you apply? It's called a Certificate 3. Once again, there's an online application. Then you undergo background and criminal history checks. So the website you want to jump on is the SA Consumer and Business Services website. 

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09:57
In Tasmania we have a license issue of the Department of Justice, Consumer, Building and Occupational Services. The license class is an inquiry agent license. How do you apply? Submit an application, submit proof of training. There's an ID and a police check and then you wait for approval. It takes a few weeks. There's an ID and a police check and then you wait for approval. Takes a few weeks. The website is the Tasmanian CBOS, which is the Tasmanian Consumer, Building and Occupational Services website. 

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10:26
In the ACT, the license issuer is Access Canberra. 

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10:31
The license class is a private investigator license. 

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10:34
How do you apply? Again, the the Certificate 3. You need to complete an application form and have your background checks conducted, and the website is the Access Canberra website. In the Northern Territory, the licence issuer is the Northern Territory Licensing Commission. The licence class is called a private investigator licence Licensing Commission. The license class is called a Private Investigator License. How do you apply? You submit ID, Certificate 3 and pass a police check. So that's the Northern Territory Government Licensing Authority. So that's how you apply, state by state. So step four. What you need to do is maintain your license. Most licenses must be renewed every one to five years, depending on the state. You may need to complete ongoing training or professional development. You must comply with all relevant laws, including surveillance, privacy and record keeping legislation. So you may want to become a private investigator. 

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11:31
What makes a great private investigator? Getting licensed is just the start. To truly excel at becoming a private investigator, it takes a particular set of skills, qualities and attributes. Here's what separates the good from the great. Firstly, discretion and confidentiality. Clients trust you with sensitive, often painful, information. Keeping things private, even when the case is over, is essential. You need to be trustworthy. Second thing attention to detail. See small inconsistencies. Timelines and behaviour shifts can make or break a case. Pis must be hyper-aware and methodical. They need to be aware of the small details. 

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12:15
The third attribute patience and persistence, Because surveillance can mean hours, even days, of sitting, waiting and watching. If you're easily bored or give up too quickly, it's not for you. Some files require many, many days, many, many hours of searching databases, looking for information, searching all sorts of places to find that little bit of information. If you don't have patience and persistence, if you give up quickly, then maybe it's not for you. Number four the fourth attribute have an ethical backbone. Real investigators say no to illegal shortcuts. Operating within the law with integrity earns you respect and repeats business. I have a personal ex-employer from years and years ago who trained me in private investigation, but then he decided to do something which was totally unethical, Decided to put a tracking device on a vehicle which was not his vehicle and wasn't even owned by his client. He got in a lot of trouble, faced jail time, lost his license and went through the ringer because he decided that his ethics weren't worth it and he's no longer in business. 

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13:24
However, I am Fifth attribute got to have great communication skills being able to speak to a client, being able to interview or witness and write a report. You need to be clear, respectful and professional at all times. We dealt with a fellow private investigator only in the last few months who just was name calling and and just not a nice. He was nasty and we've cut all ties with that investigator in a different state Just because there's no point having such poor communication skills where you've got to resort to that sort of thing. You've got to remain professional in your communication. 

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14:04
And the sixth attribute we believe is having a problem-solving mindset. See, every case presents a different puzzle. You get many, many pieces that you have to work through and put together and find information, find missing pieces and putting together those pieces. You need to have a problem-solving mindset. You need to be able to think laterally, you need to be able to think deep, you need to think outside the square. Lots of different ways to think and approach each problem and approach each case, which is obviously its own puzzle. A good PI knows how to follow leads, think creatively and adjust when things don't go as planned. So having that problem solving mindset means you're going to have that persistence and you're going to have that way of working around certain restrictions, working around the limitations that you might face to find that information. 

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14:53
For example, if we're looking for someone and we know that they're not found on any database, on any search, they just have an absolutely clear digital history. What we do is we then find out who their parents are or who their spouse is or who their kids are, and through using a close associate like a family member or friend, we can often locate a person. So the first hurdle we face is okay, that person's not listed anywhere. Well then we need to think around that. What are we going to do? We look left, we look right, we look okay. Who are they married to or dating, or who are they seeing? Who do they spend time with? We might be able to find something to do with a workplace and then, from the workplace, be able to find out where this person's residing. Not going to tell you exactly how we do that, but that's a way that you have to have that problem solving mindset and use the piece of the puzzle that you do have to complete the rest of the picture. So some final thoughts. 

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15:49
Becoming a private investigator in Australia is a legitimate, professional, licensed career. It's one that requires training, legal compliance and a sharp mind. It's not always glamorous, but it's very rewarding, especially if you are driven to uncover the truth and help people through difficult situations. So if you've got a curious mind, a strong moral compass and a good dose of patience, the world of prior investigation might be calling your name. You know how to apply Re-listen to this. I will put it in a blog post as well and you'll know so much about how to apply and how to get started in this amazing, amazing industry of private investigation. So we really hope that today's episode has been really helpful for you. Whether you're interested in becoming a private investigator or just interested in what we do and how we do things, it's a great starter point. If you know someone who wants to become a private investigator or someone who you think could become a good private investigator, why not share this podcast with them? We give you all the details we have earlier on how to become a private investigator in each state in Australia, and also those attributes and just a realistic perspective on our amazing industry. 

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17:01
We love what we get to do. Our core, I guess motivation, is helping people. We love helping people. We love seeing lives changed. We know that what we do can really help set people up. When we find the truth or we find a missing person or we conduct that surveillance job and get the results, we know that we're helping people. We're helping people's lives get better, we're helping reconnect people and if you've got that sort of mindset, then you can go a long way in this industry. 

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17:32
We've been doing what we've been doing for over 20 years now and we love it. We've had to adjust with growing times to do with online, to do with different technologies that are advancing all the time, and we love this industry. We want to protect this industry. We've got no space for cowboys and idiots in this industry. We want to protect this industry. We've got no space for cowboys and idiots in this industry and we want this industry to keep growing and becoming the best it can be to help people, help people's lives, help people's businesses, help people's marriages, help people's relationships, help people's families. We're all about helping people, so that's why we do what we do, and we hope you've enjoyed today's episode of Down Under Investigations the truth. Have a great day. 

Speaker 1

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18:16
Thanks for listening. To get in touch with the team at Down Under Investigation, check out our website at downunderinvestigations.com or call 1300 849 007 or email info@downunderinvestigations.com