Private investigation or detective work can appear glamorous in movies and on television, but the modern PI is more of a researcher than an action hero. Most of the time, qualified private investigators or detectives gather facts rather than offenders. Some private investigators undertake private investigations for customers in search of missing persons or proof of infidelity. However, considerably more workers in this profession work for retail establishments, hotels, major agencies, or security and risk management firms. Their role is to look into theft, fraud, and other financial crimes. 

Their tools are laptops, phones, and cameras, as well as a persuasive demeanour and the ability to think beyond the box. They must be astute, tenacious, and inventive in order to obtain the information their clients require while being inconspicuous. 

The work is becoming more specialised. The vast majority of investigators work for insurance firms on workers' compensation and other potentially fraudulent claims. Legal investigators typically work for law firms to assist in the preparation of criminal defences. This could entail tracking down and questioning witnesses, serving legal documents, and examining evidence. 

Investigators may be responsible for executive protection, record searches, accident reconstruction, 'de-bugging,' and polygraph testing, among other things. Most private detective and investigator positions have no formal schooling requirements, while many in this field have college degrees. They frequently have prior experience in the military or law enforcement. People in this area are willing to put up with the monotony in exchange for the occasional drama, and 'being nosy' is considered a virtue.