Have you ever had a story idea that just sits in your head, quietly simmering, waiting for the right moment to burst onto the page?
Well, that's how it usually goes for me. But this time, something was different. I’ve written plenty of detective stories, all from the perspective of a police officer, but this new idea was all about a private detective.
It seemed simple enough – except I quickly realised I had no idea what being a private detective entailed.
I was immediately hit with a wave of questions. Questions such as:
- What are the real limitations of a private detective in the UK? What powers do they have – or more importantly, not have?
- How does a private investigator conduct interviews? Do they need to recite a formal caution like the police?
- How do they record witness statements for court?
As someone who prides themselves on accuracy, I wanted to dive deep into the world of private investigators before I even thought about writing a word.
For months, I struggled to find clear answers, and my confidence to start writing the story took a hit. But then I found something that could change everything – an online resource that promised to answer all my questions.
So, I did what any writer would do when faced with an opportunity: I signed up, paid the fee, and threw myself into the course.
What happened next was the last thing I expected. Weeks later, I found an email in my inbox saying I had passed the first stage of a BTEC Private Investigation course – and the next step? A trip to London to sit the formal exam.
And just like that, I went from crime fiction writer to accidental private detective. Here's how it all happened...
What do you need to become a private investigator?
One of the most important aspects I discovered during my research was understanding the limitations of a private investigator’s powers in the UK.
Unlike police officers, private investigators can’t make arrests or access police databases.
This is vital for anyone who wants to write about a private investigator – knowing what you can and can’t do will shape your approach to the job and help you craft a more authentic PI story.
So, how do you become a private investigator? In addition to training and certification, a key component is learning the legal framework that governs investigative work. I spent a lot of time researching the Privacy Act, the Data Protection Act, and other relevant legislation.
I also gained insight into the skills required, such as surveillance techniques and report writing. This helped me understand what specific techniques PIs use to gather information legally. For instance, surveillance isn’t just about following someone around; it requires understanding the limits of privacy and consent.
How to become a licensed private investigator: the exam process
One of the biggest hurdles in how to become a private investigator is completing the necessary certification. The UK's Security Industry Authority, which regulates private investigators and anybody else working within a security business, requires somebody who wants to work as a PI to pass the Level 3 Award in Professional Investigative Practice.
To gain a private investigator license, you must complete this qualification, which covers everything from investigative techniques to ethical concerns and legal considerations.
I enrolled in a course that prepared me for the exam. The training was comprehensive, covering topics like surveillance, client management, and understanding the law.
I didn’t have any plans to work as a private investigator, but I figured I’d made it this far, so I may as well finish the job and sit the exam.
After three months of studying, I passed the exam and received my qualification.
Passing this course didn’t just help me with the legal aspects of writing a realistic detective story – it gave me the confidence to write about a private investigator who was bound by real-world constraints, so that the character feels more authentic to readers.
Writing a realistic (and entertaining) PI story
After completing the training and passing the exam, I finally felt confident in my ability to write a believable private detective story. I had learned not only the "how" to become a private investigator but also what it takes to operate as a private detective in the real world.
I now knew the ins and outs of surveillance, the laws private detectives must follow, and the ethical dilemmas they often face. I could now write about a private detective who followed legal protocols and used realistic investigative methods.
As a result, my confidence improved dramatically, and I could approach my private detective character with a newfound sense of realism and depth.
It took me another two years to find the time to sit down and write about my private detective, but Melody Harper’s first investigation Murder in the Lakes is published in 2025, and I’m over the moon to share it with readers.
The value of realistic private investigation research
Whether you’re a writer or someone simply curious about how to become a private investigator, doing your research is essential to understanding the real-world implications of the job.
Through my research, I learned how to get a private investigator license, passed the necessary exam, and gained the confidence to write with authenticity.
It took time, but the knowledge I gained was invaluable – not just for my career as a writer, but also for the respect I gained for the profession.
If you’re interested in how to become a licensed private investigator, I encourage you to take the plunge – it’s an eye-opening experience that will give you the tools you need to create truly believable characters.
Interested in learning more? Find out how I research a detective novel here.
