Teaching Private Investigation Courses Helps Give Licensed Private Investigators Special Advantages

Teaching Private Investigation Courses Helps Give Licensed Private Investigators Special Advantages

            Some licensed private investigators in Oklahoma often stay on top of the game by teaching private investigator certification courses at places like Metro Tech and elsewhere.  It is true that teaching these Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training (CLEET) classes at career technology schools seldom pays as much as an Oklahoma private detective could earn while on a stakeout.  Nevertheless, not everything is about making money. Oklahoma Judicial Process Servers www.OklahomaJudicialProcessServers.com explores the other benefits that a private investigator can receive by taking an active role in helping to educate future private investigators . . .

            One of the biggest benefits that a private detective can receive is the knowledge that he or she has helped train others in a wonderful field.  The intangible reward of knowing that one has made a lasting difference in the world is truly incredible.  Private detectives can truly make their mark in the specialised field of private investigations.  Indeed, teaching others is a way to stay current and can help private investigators learn and relearn what the latest and greatest methods are.  After all, is all too easy for experts to become complacent and lose touch with how the field has evolved.

            Teaching future Oklahoma private detectives also helps private investigators who are already in the field continue to network.  Those who are students now may provide referrals later down the road.  Teachers can often gauge how a student might perform in the field by how well he or she does while in class.  Unless the school has policies in place that prohibit doing so, teaching these classes can help the instructor recruit new private investigators to work at his or her private detective agency.  Thus, access to the up and coming stars in the field are right at the teacher’s fingertips!

            What experienced armed private investigator does not also concurrently work in the field of private security?  Well, perhaps some do not, but many do!  Numerous students who take Phase III, or the private investigation course, and Phase I, the first part of the CLEET security guard certification class, often take Phase II and Phase IV, too.  Phase II involves the remaining part of the security certification portion, while Phase IV entails the use of a firearm.  Students who take all four phases can receive their license to become certified as an armed security guard and armed private investigator.  Once again, many teachers have the chance to make a difference in mentoring students in all phases, while also gaining access to high quality future security officers!  What a bargain!  Hiring can become so much easier.

            Since the field of private investigations is often, though not always, more of a competitive field rather than a collaborative one, teachers at these schools sometimes like to size up their potential competition in advance – their students.  Sometimes unscrupulous instructors will try to crush their new competition down before or after they become licensed, but this is a horrible reason to teach those CLEET classes.  Private investigation educators who go into the teaching aspect of the field for this reason have no business being in the classroom.

            Licensed private detectives also have the opportunity to help future Oklahoma private investigators and sometimes even others in the community stay safe from harm.  By providing and carefully supervising opportunities for meaningful, practical, hands-on activities that most private investigators perform, new private eyes will not find themselves left wondering what to do.  It is amazing to see just how many people do not know how to sweep for bugs, operate a video camera while conducting surveillance, and much more!  These students have to learn how to do this, and it is often hard to do while in the field with no one to lend a hand.  Sadly, many private investigators have no mentors and often have to struggle to learn the trade on their own.

            These are just a few of the many reasons that those who run their own private detective agencies should also teach school.  Blending investigations and educating those who conduct them can yield many rewards for Oklahoma private investigator instructors, their students, clients, and society as a whole.  Private detectives with a proclivity for teaching should definitely consider teaching and mentoring others in the profession as well.

Moral and Ethical Dilemmas Process Servers and Private Investigators Face When Asked to Serve and Investigate Friends, Relatives and Colleagues

Moral and Ethical Dilemmas Process Servers and Private Investigators Face When Asked to Serve and Investigate Friends, Relatives and Colleagues

            Anyone who has ever worked as a process server or private investigator for any length of time knows all too well that eventually the profession hits a bit too close to home.  Perhaps an attorney sends out a serve to the owner of a process serving company without ever mentioning the name of the person the papers are for.  The process server opens up the envelope only to find that – wow – the serve is for a friend, family member, or even a colleague.  Likewise, at times businesses, governmental agencies, or even friends, relatives or colleagues will ask an Oklahoma private detective to investigate someone close to him or her.  These kinds of situations can present moral and ethical dilemmas for both Oklahoma process servers and private investigators.  Oklahoma Judicial Process Servers www.OklahomaJudicialProcessServers.com examines ways to handle these situations.

            Obviously, most process servers and Oklahoma private investigators do not want to serve their friends, family and colleagues.  Well, perhaps those who feel wronged or otherwise badly mistreated these individuals might, but generally speaking most people would not.  So, what is a process server or private detective to do?  Several possibilities exist.

            The process server or private investigator could ethically decline the serve or private investigation, citing a conflict of interest.  Indeed, the Oklahoma City process server or private eye could also not simply not provide a reason for choosing not to perform the serve or conduct the private investigation.  Under Oklahoma law, no private investigator or process server is ethically or legally obligated to take on any particular case.  However, this begs the question: does declining to perform the serve or conduct the private investigation allow the process server or private investigator free to tell his or her friend, family member, colleague, etc. about the situation?  After all, is justice, at least in theory, not supposed to be blind?

            Professionally speaking, it is not advisable to inform someone else that he or she is about to get served with court papers or that he or she is the subject of an investigation.  Process servers and licensed private investigators must remember their duty to their profession and the level of integrity involved.  It goes without saying that in this particular circumstance, this is seldom an easy thing to do. 

Of course, professionals on the other side of the fence would contend that because the process server or Oklahoma private detective declined the case, he or she should be able to inform the other parties involved.  Those with this contention would emphasize the ethics of family and friendship over professional obligations.  Surely this is justifiable, right? 

Then again, should society permit police officers, judges, district attorneys, etc., to simply toss out any legal charges against their family members and friends, without going through a presumably unbiased legal process?  Should teachers whose own children are in their classes be allowed to give them the highest grades without requiring that their kids put forth any effort?  Should librarians get to waive any late return fees for their friends and family that they would not otherwise waive for other patrons?  These are all legal and ethical issues that many public servants must face. 

Of course, what if the client is a governmental agency that wants to investigate a family member for fraud?  If a private investigator or Oklahoma process server tips that person off, could the agency hold the private investigator civilly and criminally responsible?  Could the process server or licensed private investigator’s actions affect his or her professional licenses and certifications?  Does society hold private investigators and process servers to the same legal and ethical standards that it holds police officers, judges, district attorneys, teachers and librarians?  Should it?  After all, society does not consider Oklahoma process servers and private detectives to be public servants, right?  These are indeed complex legal questions for all licensed process servers and private eyes to carefully consider.

Are these types of abuses of power by public servants even in the same category as that of a process server or private investigator who simply tells a family member or friend that he or she is about to get served or investigated?  While the legalities clearly favour process servers and private investigators who have not accepted a case and wish to tell their family, colleagues and friends, the ethical line for process servers and private investigators is indeed a much more complicated, unclear issue.  The ultimate decision is up to each private detective and process server to decide for himself or herself.

There is one action that a process server or private investigator could take that would definitely cross both legal and ethical boundaries.  Let us assume that a process server in Oklahoma City, Edmond, Yukon, Norman, Moore, El Reno, Stillwater, Bethany, Midwest City, Mustang, Tulsa, Stillwater, Del City, Piedmont, Guthrie, Lawton, or elsewhere accepted the assignment from the client, knowing that the person who he or she needed to serve or investigate was his or her relative, friend, colleague, etc.  How ethical or legal would it then be for that private process server to then turn around and tell the client that he or she “could not find” the individual?  What if the process server eventually “found” the person, but not before he or she had first had the opportunity to file suit or take other preemptive legal action against the client?  Once again, what if the private investigator investigated the matter, but not without first tipping off the individual who was the subject of the investigation, thus ensuring that any devious or criminal behaviour that person might have been engaging in changed accordingly for the duration of the “investigation”?  This kind of activity on the part of the private process server or Oklahoma private eye would definitely constitute both legal and ethical violations.

Another option that private investigators and Oklahoma process servers have is to refer the case to another professional in the field.  Of course, while doing so may help garner additional return referrals from that process server or private investigator in the future, it might also cause problems right away, too.  That person might know of the relationship that exists between the process server or private eye and his or her friend, relative or colleague.  The Oklahoma process server or private detective who received the referral might let that person know who provided it.  In addition, the same legal and ethical dilemmas as noted earlier would still apply.  Thus, in an attempt to garner additional referrals and dodge the ethical and legal complications, the Oklahoma City private investigator or process server could potentially lose client and still damage his or her standing with the family member, friend, etc.

The only other viable option would be for the process server or private investigator to take the case.  He or she could choose to have an employee work the case, making it possible to still make some money.  While process servers usually do not have to go to court to testify, many private investigators do.  Thus, a company’s name is likely to surface in the judicial process of testifying.  Ergo, even though the owner of the private detective agency might have delegated the serve to another private eye, the friend or relative is still likely to end up knowing the owner’s company name and/or his or her personal identity.

On the other hand, the process server or private detective could also opt to perform the work, whereby the family member or friend would almost definitely know who served or investigated him or her.  This might work well for a process server or private investigator with a vindictive streak and nothing to lose.  This tactic could also give the person an “inside track” to the friend or relative, as that person is probably less likely to suspect that a friend or family member would serve him or her papers or conduct a private investigation.  Of course, this approach will likely burn any existing or future bridges toward positive friendship or family ties.  One never knows when he or she will need to cross that bridge or build a new one in the future.  Thus, all process servers and private detectives should give serious consideration as to whether or not this pathway constitutes the best approach.

All of the options involved in deciding whether or not to serve or investigate a friend, colleague or relative are indeed very complicated.  There is no clear road or path to take that does not mean losing a potential client, money, friendship, or running into ethical or legal issues.  Those who run process serving companies and private detective agencies should give serious thought as to whether or not to serve a friend, family member or colleague, as well as the possible ramifications of their decisions.   

Avoiding Burnout: How Private Detectives, Process Servers and Notary Public Officials Can Thrive Longer

Avoiding Burnout: How Private Detectives, Process Servers and Notary Public Officials Can Thrive Longer

            All too often in life, many people work extremely hard and then later find themselves tired of their jobs.  They no longer want to do the work and may not even try their very best.  While it is true that most people seldom find each and every single minute of their chosen professions enjoyable, it is important that individuals find themselves happy with their jobs at least 80 percent of the time.  This same principle holds true for process servers, private investigators, and those who serve as notary public officials.  Oklahoma Judicial Process Servers www.OklahomaJudicialProcessServers.com examines some of the ways in which individuals in these fields can avoid burnout and enjoy their work longer . . .

Ø  Keep Stress Levels Low:

Oklahoma private investigators, process servers and mobile notaries should always try to keep their stress levels as low as possible.  A strong correlation between high stress levels and faster burnout rates for those in these professions certainly exists.  Thus, minimizing the stress and maximizing output can help lead to a longer lasting career.

Ø  Do Not Overwork/Get Overzealous:

All too often, process servers can get extremely excited and will often want to do extra work when they first start.  This is sometimes even true of Oklahoma City private investigators who have served in the profession for an extended period of time.  Thus, viewing one’s work as a marathon rather than a 100 yard dash is vital to a lasting career in these legal fields.  It is vital that all Oklahoma process servers place limits on the number of hours they work and get plenty of sleep, so that they can arrive fresh and ready to go each day.

Ø  Ensure That You Get Paid What You Are Worth:

Many newer process servers, notaries and private detectives often work for too little money.  This often occurs because they do not fully understand their true value.  Thus, they tend to work for less than they are worth.  Many employers know about this tendency and will often exploit it.  Thus, process servers and private investigators who work for companies need to politely assert what their time is truly worth. 

Sometimes it is not until a process server or Oklahoma private detective has been out in the field for a little while that he or she knows just how valuable he or she is!  For those who do not know what their time is worth, they can ask another process server, notary public, or private investigator and see what they charge.  This can help one have a better understanding of one’s monetary value in the professional world.

Ø  Take Vacations/Rest When Needed

The old saying, “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy” is quite valid.  Indeed, the same holds true for females.  Sometimes everyone needs a little vacation.  It is permissible to rest and relax, and private investigators and notary public officials in Edmond, Norman, Oklahoma City, Moore, Yukon, El Reno, Piedmont, Stillwater, Lawton, Tulsa and elsewhere need to take time off to rest up.  Going in to work sick, skipping family funerals, and seldom or never taking a break will almost certainly lead to early burnout.  This is not to say that process servers, private detectives and mobile notaries should always be on vacation, but every hard working individual deserves a rest.    

Ø  Delegate Work And Authority When Possible And Needed:

Private investigators and process servers who work in administrative roles can and sometimes need to delegate authority and ease the workload.  Trying to do all of the work to make the most money or otherwise taking on too much job responsibility is simply not healthy.  Not only does it deprive team members from learning, gaining valuable work experience, and sharing in the profits, but it is another contributing factor to early burnout.

Ø  Avoid Taking Every Assignment:

Not every assignment is worth taking, as some of them are too dangerous and/or unprofitable.  Indeed, even if a process server, private investigator, or notary public could take every assignment, would that make doing so healthy?  Likewise, private investigators also do not need to investigate every single case they hear about and/or do not have an adequate amount of experience for.  For these same reasons, this is why many attorneys will often take only the best cases and will usually decline the others. 

Ø  Get Help When Needed:

Sometimes all Oklahoma process servers and private investigators need help.  Notary Public officials often need additional training, advice, and mentoring, too.  One should not hesitate to speak up and ask for advice when needed.  Process servers should not shy away from asking for counsel or seeking guidance.  Those who are not as wise will tend to want to take everything upon themselves and convince themselves that they can do it all.  While “doing it all” might possibly work in the short run, it is not a realistic long term strategy.

Ø  Work With Colleagues, Not Against Them:

Unlike teaching, which is often but not always a field which requires more collaboration, the legal areas of private investigations, process serving, and mobile notary services tend to lean more toward the competitive, profit-driven side.  While schools can become very competitive, too, teachers tend to collaborate more with one another and help each other out.  Indeed, all private detectives, Oklahoma process servers, notary public officials, and teachers should all strive to be results-oriented. 

Many skilled public school educators often have an upper hand on the corporate world, as corporations have to compete for their customers.  However, even those working for highly competitive private investigation companies and process serving firms should be able to collaborate with those within and outside of their own companies.  This can prove to reap many rewards for everyone involved. 

If, for example, someone from another private detective agency calls and sincerely asks for advice, it is more beneficial to both them and to you to kindly provide it to them.  If a private detective really does not know what to do in that particular situation, then he or she should kindly say so and try refer the other private detective to another resource.  Indeed, there may be a time when the tables are turned and advice is requested from the other party.  Those who work at reputable private detective agencies know all too well that work referrals come not only from clients, but occasionally from other private investigators.          

Ø  Work Easier Cases:

While working the easiest cases is not always advisable, it can certainly help to reduce the stress load.  Indeed, harder cases can sometimes help a process server in Oklahoma City or a private detective in Lawton gain more experience.  These same cases might also pay more money and sometimes carry more prestige.  However, trying to be the one who performs all of these types of cases will often make one feel overworked, tired, and can lead to burnout faster.  It is important for process servers, notary public officials and Oklahoma private detectives to share the best cases.  There is plenty of excellent work to go around.

Ø  Widen Your Sphere of Influence:

Every notary public, Norman process server, and Oklahoma City private detective should take it upon himself or herself to try to widen his or her social standing with others.  The more people in other influential places know and like you, the easier life becomes.   When clients, staff, law enforcement officials, and the general public respect a reputable Oklahoma private investigator, they are more likely to hire him or her, pay more money for services, go out of their way to provide assistance, and call upon that professional for advice.  Mastering social graces and taking the time to effectively and appropriately network with others is key to long term job success.

Ø  Avoid Unnecessary Stress, Strife And Conflict:

Lawton process servers and private investigators should take great care to avoid unnecessary conflict and strife with colleagues, clients and others in general.  Doing so not only makes the workplace safer and more fun, but it also increases productivity and maximizes profitability.  This can prove to be a wonderful boon to companies that wish to excel and get ahead of their competition.  It definitely helps cut down on burnout rates and also tends to attract and keep higher quality staff members.

Ø  Work Smarter, Not Harder:

It is true that many wise experts have often proclaimed the principle of working smarter, not harder.  Oklahoma private detectives, process servers, and mobile notaries should always strive to become more efficient, task-oriented, and solution-focused, making the most out of every possible resource and nurturing relationships along the way.  This is how people make their tasks easier, maximize profits, and enjoy more free time.  Knowing how to work smarter instead of harder is often a learning process, but it can and should be done.   

These are a few of many examples of ways in which Oklahoma private investigators, process servers, and mobile notaries can help reduce stress, make their work environment more positive, and curb or even eliminate burnout.  Our society needs exceptional experts to remain in these invaluable fields and gain the experience needed to do the job right.  By making a few simple changes to workplace habits and the general environment, private detective agencies, process serving companies, and notary public officials in Oklahoma and elsewhere can find even greater long term job success and satisfaction.