When it comes to the world of investigation and surveillance, a simple mantra often prevails: “Keep the sun at your back and why garbage is gold”. These are just some of the insights I picked up during my time at a private investigator school. The world of private investigation is a complex and multifaceted one, with a history that dates back to the days of Eugène-François Vidocq, a notorious French criminal turned lawman, who is often considered as the father of modern private investigation.
The legacy of Eugène-François Vidocq
Vidocq lived in France a couple of hundred years ago, but his name and legacy still hold relevance today. His unique approach to crime and investigation, which involved both his criminal background and his law enforcement experience, gave birth to the field of private investigation. Today, in Greater Toronto Area alone, there are as many as 2,285 private investigators licensed by the Ministry of the Solicitor General in Ontario.
I decided to embark on a journey to become the 2,286th licensed private investigator, and enrolled myself in a 50-hour online course at the Canadian School of Private Investigation and Security (CSPIS). As a crime reporter, I was naturally curious about the world of private investigation, and I also noticed how some of my old police contacts had transitioned into this field.
A different set of skills
One thing that became clear during my course was that the skills required for private investigation are quite different from those employed by police officers. As Edward Franco, general manager of CSPIS puts it, “Rather than a uniform, a badge and a gun, private investigators need to develop interpersonal, methodical research skills and an ability to work flexibly rather than be assigned to a routine schedule.”
The course attracted individuals from various walks of life, including authors, journalists, lawyers and paralegals, all seeking to gain insight into investigative methods and techniques. Among my fellow students was Liana Najem, a trained journalist who shared a similar fascination with investigative work. She noted that both journalism and private investigation involve a great deal of curiosity and a desire to understand why people do what they do.
Learning the ropes
The course covered a wide range of topics, including how to investigate fraudulent insurance claimants, working undercover to nab thieves in warehouses, and tracing credit card thieves. We were constantly reminded to keep things simple and not to rely too much on gadgets. We were also warned against venturing into illegal activities such as planting GPS tracking devices on vehicles or snooping into the whereabouts of individuals in witness protection.
The art of surveillance
One of the most intriguing aspects of the course was learning about the art of surveillance. This ranged from tips on how to park your car to the best way to approach a subject’s house. We were also taught how to conduct a Garbage Scene Investigation – a process that involves going through the garbage discarded by your subject. As unappealing as it may sound, this method can often yield crucial information about the subject.
Historical inspirations
The course also touched upon the historical figures who have influenced the field of private investigation. Apart from Vidocq, we learnt about Allan Pinkerton, who started the Pinkerton Detective Agency in the 1850s. Pinkerton’s motto, “We Never Sleep”, and the unblinking eye logo gave rise to the term “Private Eye”. His agency was involved in a wide range of activities, from protecting President Lincoln (although not successfully), to escorting the Mona Lisa across the Atlantic Ocean.
Key takeaways
The course was not just about learning the techniques and methodologies of private investigation, but also about understanding the ethical considerations involved in this profession. As private investigators, we are representatives of law and order, and as such it is crucial to maintain the highest standards of behaviour. In the end, the most important lesson I learnt was to be like Vidocq on his good days, and to steer clear of the chaos and anarchy that sometimes accompany this line of work.
