They are hired for various reasons, such as to keep tabs on certain individuals or to unearth evidence of misconduct. But if you think private investigators are real-life James Bonds, think again! It’s not realistically possible to perform car stunts or to leap between buildings and escape unscathed.
“A private investigator is an interesting job but don’t be fooled by the movies,” said Wan Zairi Afhtar Ishak, the founder of My Private Eye Consulting Sdn Bhd.
Another common misconception, he shared, is that private investigators only deal with “Mak Datins”. He explained that in fact, clients come from all walks of life including corporations.
Throughout his career as a private investigator, 60% of the cases that Wan Zairi has taken up were corporate cases while the remaining 40% comprised personal cases involving matrimony, family and private affairs.
“There is no ‘one pill treats all’ in terms of the investigation process. Every case has to be treated uniquely and proper advice given to all our clients,” said the 43-year-old who has had over a decade of experience in the field.
He first served as a senior investigation officer with the Royal Malaysia Police for six years before becoming an investigator and intelligence coordinator for the corporate sector. He set up his private firm in 2011.
When asked why he chose this career, he said: “It is the best thing that I can do.”
Fictional investigators may be on the go all the time as they chase down their targets, but for Wan Zairi and his team, a fair amount of their time is spent in the office.
“You wake up, head to the office and respond to clients’ e-mails,” he said.
Later in the day, you could be meeting a client face to face, coordinating an investigation or gathering intelligence.
“After a long day at work, you return home, still responding to clients’ phone calls and planning for another exciting day tomorrow,” he shared.
To carry out their jobs, private investigators have the help of tools like tracking devices, covert cameras and walkie-talkies.
“Surveillance is not easy. It requires a lot of teamwork and patience,” he said.
To develop their surveillance operation skills, Wan Zairi’s team receives training based on
the syllabus from the British Secret Intelligence Service, commonly known as the M16.
“There are security and legal risks in the job but with proper training and guidance, it can be mitigated,” he added.
According to Wan Zairi, to operate a private investigation firm in Malaysia, one must obtain a licence from the Ministry of Home Affairs. A private investigator also has to abide by certain work ethics.
“For example, as a certified fraud examiner, I am bound by the ethical principles outlined by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiner,” he explained.
“I also have to abide by the ethical practices prescribed by the World Association of Detectives as I am a member of the association.”
For Wan Zairi, this line of occupation plays an important role in our society because there are times when clients want to seek the truth and make an informed decision regarding matters such as staff issues and company internal disputes without involving the authorities.
“This is where our role as private investigators comes into play – to facilitate the truth-seeking process.”
To be a good investigator, Wan Zairi pointed out that one should not only have the right qualifications and the passion to investigate, but also to be inquisitive in nature and sceptical when looking at things.
“You must be excellent in dealing with people and with difficult situations. Being highly-disciplined is also a plus point.”
He advised teens who are up for the game to join an enforcement agency and the corporate sector to earn experience.
“But don’t stay too long to set up your own firm.”
Note: This article was written and published in The Star's NIE pullout in July 2018.
Comments