Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Private Investigator
What private investigators actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
Set up surveillance outside a workers’ compensation claimant’s home. From there, the day usually includes conduct surveillance, research public records and databases, and run background checks. Hours are irregular, including early mornings, nights and weekends, depending on cases.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a private investigator working full time.
- Set up surveillance outside a workers’ compensation claimant’s home.
- Document activity with video and notes.
- Research court and property records for a skip trace.
- Interview a witness for a defense attorney.
- Run a background check for a business client.
- Write the surveillance report with timestamps.
- Update the client and bill hours.
Where private investigators work
PIs work in offices, cars and the field, sometimes for long hours waiting and watching. Some work involves travel or confrontations.
Hours and schedule
Hours are irregular, including early mornings, nights and weekends, depending on cases.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Conduct surveillance
- Research public records and databases
- Run background checks
- Locate people and assets
- Interview witnesses and subjects
- Gather evidence for legal cases
- Write detailed reports for clients
Tools you’ll use every day
- Cameras and video equipment
- Investigative databases
- Public records portals
- GPS and mapping tools
- Laptops and phones
- Case management software
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Independence
- Variety of cases
- Option to run your own business
- Uses law enforcement or military skills
What’s hard
- Irregular hours
- Long, boring surveillance at times
- Licensing requirements
- Income can vary
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I’m patient and observant
- I like finding information
- I can work alone
- I write detailed reports
- I can keep secrets
- I might want my own business
Not sure? Take the free Private Investigator fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Plan for personal safety during surveillance
- Know and follow privacy and recording laws
- Avoid confrontations
- Share your location with your office