Freelance investigating/Investigation business

[Rascal_71]

Does anybody have any experience of either working as a freelance investigator, or running an investigation business?

I'm talking about taking witness statements and preparing reports for insurance companies etc. There are obviously lots of them out there, but none in my immediate area. I was wondering if anyone has any personal experience in running this as a business?

A colleague and I have about 30 years investigating experience between us (Police). My colleague is close to retirement, and I have just had enough!

I have spoken to one person who actually worked on one job for a company, collating evidence for the theft of a lease car. They were paid fairly well for it but they were complained about by the 'victim'. Too intrusive apparently! The company were wishy washy about the whole complaint so this person jacked it in.

If anybody out there can offer any advice, even if it's to say it's a non-starter, I'm all ears.

Thanks

[Eric Mc]

Most professions have some sort of overseeing body. It might be worthwhile checking out what type of regulation and oversight applies in this area -

https://www.theabi.org.uk/

[Rascal_71]

Eric Mc said:

Most professions have some sort of overseeing body. It might be worthwhile checking out what type of regulation and oversight applies in this area -

https://www.theabi.org.uk/

I've had a look at some of the SIA courses for investigators. I'll have a look at that website, thank you!

[48k]

My father was in the job for 35 years and when he retired he got some part time work with a local solicitors going out to take statements. Might be worth approaching some solicitors local to you?
When I was involved in a car accident last year the insurance company sent someone out to interview me. At the end I said "you're ex plod aren't you" and he was taken aback "how do you know?". There's something about ex plod. You can tell them a mile off.

[Rascal_71]

48k said:

My father was in the job for 35 years and when he retired he got some part time work with a local solicitors going out to take statements. Might be worth approaching some solicitors local to you?
When I was involved in a car accident last year the insurance company sent someone out to interview me. At the end I said "you're ex plod aren't you" and he was taken aback "how do you know?". There's something about ex plod. You can tell them a mile off.

That's probably the tick we develop

Thanks for the advice

[User name]

I think the first and most important step is to find yourself an office like this:

Dress code is also important.
If you don't smoke, you need to start.
And you can only work at night, when its raining.

[Eric Mc]

And this MUST be your first client -