Work Profile

The work of a detective has an element of fun, lots of hard work and some thrill as well. As a woman detective, you need not get into the serious, crime-fighting, murder mystery, kind of work.  Background checks of prospective brides/grooms, employees and keeping tabs on your clients' husband/wife or children could be more up your sleeve.

Though most agencies prefer to hire someone experienced or with an army background, college students, housewives and even working women are employed depending on the nature of the case.

You can freelance at any detective or security agency, as most pay detectives on a per case basis. Jobs such as shadowing and verifying are easier to find as a freelancer.

Fit for the Profession

• While a graduation degree is a must, for those with experience, HSC will also do.
• You have to be smart and intelligent. The profession also demands good observation skills and discipline.
• However, you become a professional only after your training and practical experience.

Detective in the Making

• Several agencies train freshers. You can approach a private or government certified detective agency.

Your training will include shadowing, how to tackle certain situations such as being caught in public or caught by police. Shadowing is easier because it generally requires at least two-three people. So you are not all by yourself.

As a trainee detective you have to be ready and alert all the time. Some agencies charge a training fee of Rs 10,000. The training period usually lasts for a month. Others do not give training but simply ask you to observe seniors.

Case Files

• A detective agency generally accepts all types of investigative cases. Initially, you will be given easier cases that involve shadowing, verification and doing background checks.
• Verification and background cases are given by companies to verify the background and address of new/potential employees.
• With experience you will be given cases which involve investigating inside homes. For example, finding out the number of family members.
• After your training period you will get all types of cases - personal, corporate, property related, etc.
• Personal cases involve matrimonial investigation, where one spouse spies on the other. These include pre and post-wedding (divorce) investigations.
• Banks too hire detectives for investigative purposes. For example, to find out the personal background and assets of a person who has taken a loan but failed to pay back the amount.

Rewards

• Every agency pays differently. If you are a junior detective, you will be paid on the basis of your performance.

Some agencies pay incentives for a good performance. But to earn these incentives you need to go deep into the case. Senior detectives receive a monthly pay of around Rs. 7, 000.

• If you want to freelance, your payment depends on the case you are given and the risk involved.

Getting Started

Approach private detective agencies. Ideally, they will give you professional training. You can build your base here and later can venture into the business yourself.

(With inputs from: Deepak Monga, Brand Manager - Tops Security; Kumar, Secret Eye Detective Agencies; Col R K Kurup, Group 7 Guards India Pvt Ltd; Shraddha Verma, Industrial Security Organisation)