Private investigator

By MARK STORY

Charles Payne, 53, Investigators New Zealand

For a retired sergeant, PI work is a lot like police work, only without the danger. The only weapon Charles Payne carries these days is a laptop.

Payne opted for life as a PI 10 years ago when a hearing disability convinced him to take voluntary retirement after 24 years as a country cop.

As one of the country's 357 licensed PIs, Payne does everything from criminal and civil investigations - involving dishonesty in the workplace, theft of power, fraudulent medical and fire insurance claims - through to site surveys and serving notices for lawyers.

"A lot of my work involves evidence gathering for High Court trials. I'm currently working on several sexual violation cases and one involving grievous bodily injury," says Payne.

"This often means re-interviewing parties where there's a conflict between what the accused and the police are saying.

"This once led to a turn-around decision on a rape trial."

While several PI courses are available, Payne says police experience is almost a prerequisite for success in this line of work. "That's because we're doing police work, by filling in the gaps."

With up to 30 active cases on the go at any time, its not unusual for Payne to start at 6.30am and finish close to midnight.

While the money can be rewarding, he says its the sheer enjoyment of dealing with people that keeps him motivated.

"I enjoy people, and in this job, you have to be a good communicator. As any PI is judged by the standard of their correspondence, excellent oral and written communication skills are essential."