Investigation Services and Government Investigation 

We are often asked with is the difference between a private investigator and a government investigator. 

Private investigators (PI) also known as a private detective, is a professional who is engaged to conduct investigations to gather information and evidence. PI’s typically work for private clients, including individuals, businesses, insurance companies and law firms. They may work for investigation agencies or operate as independent contractors. On occasions a private investigator may be engaged to conduct investigations on behalf of a government body. 

Private Investigators do not have the same authority as law enforcement officers. They must operate within the bounds of the law. 

Some key aspects of what a private investigator includes: 

Gathering Evidence by collecting information and evidence for use in legal proceedings, such as divorce cases, custody battles, or insurance claims. 

Surveillance where an operative will discreetly observe the activities of individuals or a business to gather evidence of misconduct, fraud or to verify information. 

Background checks of individuals for various purposes, such as pre-employment screening, tenant screening, or due diligence for business transactions. 

Locate Persons, also known as skip tracing, to locate the whereabouts of a person, whether they are estate beneficiaries, lost relatives, runaways, abducted children, or individuals avoiding legal obligations. 

Factual or circumstance investigations working with businesses and insurers to uncover fraudulent activities. such as insurance fraud, corporate fraud, workplace injury or identity theft the interviews.  

Legal and Civil Investigations working with legal practitioners to gather evidence, locate witnesses and preparing for court cases. 

Investigators use a range of tools, equipment, and techniques to conduct their work, from surveillance equipment, such as covert cameras, binoculars, and computers to specialised databases, online platforms, and public records.  Techniques also include conducting interviews with people to gather information and observation and analysis: Using observational skills and analytical and critical thinking to piece together information and evidence. 

In Australia, Private Investigators are generally required to be licensed in the jurisdictions where they operate. Licensing requirements vary but often include background checks, and completing training programs. 

Private investigators must operate within the boundaries of the law. They cannot engage in activities such as trespassing, wiretapping without consent, or impersonating law enforcement officers. 

Private Investigators must undertake training, such as the Certificate III in Investigative Services as part of the licencing requirement. Key skills an Investigator must have include attention to detail, observant, critical and analytical thinking, discretion, communication, written and computer skills. 

Government Investigators are typically employed and appointed by the Government and may work for various government agencies and departments or other regulatory bodies.  The key focus of a government investigator is the compliance with legislation. 

A Government Investigator in the employment of a department, may have legal authority granted by the government, through legislation, which may include powers such as making arrests, executing search warrants, and accessing restricted information. 

Government Investigator’s scope of work typically relate to criminal matters, compliance with laws and regulations, national security, and public safety. They may work in various fields such as criminal investigation, forensic analysis, counterintelligence, financial crimes, and more. 

Government Investigators have access to government databases, forensic labs, and other resources that are not available to the public. They may use advanced investigative tools, including forensic software, government databases, and may work with other law enforcement or government agencies. 

Government Investigators are required to undergo training specific to their agency, which may include law enforcement training, investigative techniques, and legal procedures.  A good starting point for a Government Investigator is the Certificate IV in Government Investigation. 

The key differences between a private investigator and a government investigator can be categorised as: 

• Private Investigator’s scope of work typically involves civil matters, and generally do not have statutory authorities and must be trained and licensed to assist in their work. 

• Government Investigator’s, employed in government, scope of work typically relate to criminal matters, and generally have statutory authorities to assist in their work. 

The Professional Investigation College of Australasia provides a range of education and training in investigation techniques for both the private and public sectors. 

Professional Investigators College of Australasia, are a team dedicated to providing a hands-on learning experience. Our trainers, having experience in private and public sectors are focused on delivering practical and valuable knowledge and are dedicated to your success, through a blend of online and virtual engagement. 

Our courses equip you with the knowledge and practical skills required to be a successful professional investigator. 

Our courses are designed to help you develop crucial communication skills, master the art of effective interviewing, surveillance and develop your report-writing.