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19 Attributes of a Successful Investigator

Successful investigators possess a unique set of qualities that allow them to succeed in their challenging and demanding field. And, in my humble opinion, if you possess the skills listed, not only will you be successful as an investigator, but more importantly, you will be successful as a human being.

Suspicion. A healthy dose of suspicion is essential for investigators, as they must be able to identify and investigate inconsistencies and discrepancies.
Curiosity. Investigators must be curious and have a strong desire to learn the truth. They must be able to ask the right questions and follow up on leads, even if they seem insignificant.
Observation. Investigators must have keen observation skills. They must be able to notice and remember details, even under pressure.
Memory. Investigators must have a good memory in order to recall facts, events, and physical characteristics accurately.
Unbiased and Unprejudiced Mind. Investigators must be able to conduct objective investigations, free from bias or prejudice. They must be able to consider all sides of an issue and draw conclusions based on evidence, not personal opinion.
Ability to Play a Role. In some cases, investigators may need to assume different identities or roles in order to gather information or conduct surveillance. This requires a high degree of skill and adaptability.
Persistence and Capacity for Hard Work. Investigations can be long and tedious, and investigators must be able to persevere in the face of challenges. They must also be willing to put in long hours to get the job done.
Resourcefulness. Investigators must be able to think on their feet and adapt to changing situations. They must also be able to use their resources effectively to solve problems.
Ability to Obtain the Cooperation of Others. Investigators must be able to build rapport and trust with people from all walks of life in order to obtain information and cooperation. This requires strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Interest in Your Work and Pride of Accomplishment. Investigators must be passionate about their work and have a strong sense of pride in their accomplishments. This will motivate them to stay focused and motivated, even when faced with difficult challenges.
Street Sense. Investigators need to have a good understanding of the criminal underworld and how it works. This can be developed through experience and training.
Good Listening Skills. Investigators must be able to listen actively and attentively to the people they interview. This will help them to gather accurate information and build rapport with their subjects.
Ability to Put People at Ease. Investigators need to be able to make people feel comfortable talking to them. This is essential for conducting successful interviews.
Ability to Speak at the Level of the Audience. Investigators must be able to communicate effectively with people from all backgrounds and educational levels. They must be able to tailor their language and explanations to the individual they are speaking to.
Understanding of Body Language. Investigators need to be able to read body language in order to assess the credibility of their subjects and identify signs of deception.
Good Manners. Investigators must be polite and respectful to everyone they interact with, regardless of their social status or background.
FlexibilityInvestigators must be able to adapt to changing circumstances and be willing to think outside the box.
Intuitive Understanding of Human Nature. Investigators need to have a good understanding of human behavior and psychology. This will help them to better understand and predict the actions of their subjects.
Self-Confidence. Investigators need to be confident in their abilities and their ability to handle any situation.

These are just some of the qualities that make a successful investigator. By developing and honing these qualities, investigators can increase their chances of success in this challenging and rewarding field.