Private investigation in the modern age

After decades working with a number of law enforcement agencies, including the FBI and DEA, Adam Quirk has started his own private investigation practice. He has often said how much the PI business has changed. Adam Quirk cites technology as one of the main drivers of this change.

With technology reshaping the way PIs do their work. There are a lot more ways PIs can get information today than ever before, due in large part to the technological advances and development of many new surveillance and investigative gadgets. Even the speed at which PIs can gather information has increased because of the internet.

Adam Quirk cites social media as a leading source of information for PIs. What used to take weeks to achieve, PIs can now accomplish in a matter of minutes. Add to that the digitization of public records and investigators have their work cut out for them.

Digital cameras have also replaced old school lenses, taking hi-res images of subjects. Listening devices are now smaller, and their range, much more extensive.

However, while technology has greatly aided private investigation in the modern age, Adam Quirk believes that technology is just that – an aid. It is no substitute for things such as intuition and human interaction. There are still a lot more pillars and principles a person should learn to become an effective PI. But yes, technology helps.

Adam Quirk obtained a degree in criminal justice from the University of Wisconsin and a master’s degree from Boston University. He worked with both the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. More FBI-related reads here.