History Of Private Investigation

If you think that private investigation has evolved recently, then you are mistaken. The history of private investigation can be traced back to the early 19th century. There in fact, is an interesting story behind the evolution of private investigation. Read this article and get yourself acquainted with the fascinating history of private investigation.

Founder

The very origin of private investigation has its roots in France where in the year 1833 a French soldier and criminal, named Eugene Francois Vidocq founded the first known private investigation firm. The French police were not happy with him and his firm and tried to stop him. Eventually, Eugene was arrested in 1842 in suspicion of his unlawful imprisonment and taking money on false pretenses. He was sentenced for five years. Since, then this man has been known as the founder of record-keeping and private investigation.

The Pinkerton National Detective Agency

It was in 1850s, when the US had its tryst with its first detective agency or private investigation agency called the Pinkerton National Detective Agency. This agency played a vital role in the civil war, as its detectives were used as military intelligence to get the secrets about the enemies. At one time, the Pinkerton Detective Agency had even more agents than the U.S. standing army. In the late 19th century, Pinkerton’s guards were used to keep strikers and suspected unionists out of the factories by the businessmen.

Twentieth Century

Private investigation became accessible to the common men in America around 1920s. Since then, the private investigation industry has groomed in a number of ways. Many social issues like unionization and infidelity were brought before the private investigation agencies. In the late 20th century, with the evolution of several online monetary options and insurance companies, the focus in private investigation has shifted more towards solving cyber crimes.

Summary Of Facts

• In 1833: Eugene Francois Vidocq, a French soldier and a criminal and privateer, founded the first ever private detective agency, called Le bureu des renseignments or Office of Intelligence.
• In 1850: The Pinkerton National Detective Agency was established in the US by Allan Pinkerton.
• During the Civil War: Pinkerton detectives were used as military intelligence by the Union Army.
• After the War: The Pinkerton Agency reached its pinnacle in growth and was involved in many tough detective cases.
• Later 19th Century and Early 20th Century: Pinkerton Agency and other similar firms provided security guards during the rise of the Union movement in America.
• Mid 20th Centaury:  Servicesof Private Detectives still a preserve of rich  come in the rich of middle class Americans and start dealing with issues like infidelity and fraud.
• Late 20th Centaury: Corporate Intelligence and cyber crime take center stage

Present Scenario

If we explore the present scenario of private investigation, we could see private investigation has been taken up as a serious profession by many unemployed and sharp-minded people. It is now more associated with the common man and is within their reach with the affordable fee. Earlier, issues like divorce and family disputes were popular for private investigation and now there are more online crimes and insurance frauds have taken the center stage in private investigation. That apart there has been instances of private security agencies been hired to provide protection from terrorists and subversive elements.