The field of private investigation has been the subject of many movie plots, but what the movies fail to show is everything that is involved in the job. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, private investigators often work irregular hours, and the job is often dangerous. Also, many private detectives and investigators have some previous experience in the field of investigative work, as well as some college education. Private investigators are also expected to be able to defend themselves and their clients, especially when they are hired to protect corporate executives.

Imagine that you are the head of an important company. Maybe your products are somewhat controversial, or perhaps your company has been at the center of a recent scandal through no fault of your own. You've been receiving letters and emails and the threats aren't limited solely to you. You are now afraid for your life and the lives of your family members. Hiring a private investigator for executive protection would help ensure your protection and the protection of your family members.

You wouldn't want to hire just any private investigator, though. You would want to be sure that the private investigator you hire for your executive protection had been trained in a variety of martial arts and defensive techniques. Some of these include:

• Small Arms Training: Knowing how to handle and shoot a handgun (typically defined as revolvers and pistols) is essential. The lack of proper training can be dangerous. If your executive protection specialist is not certified to carry and use a handgun, it might be a good idea to seek out one who is.

• Hand to Hand Combat Training: Your executive protection specialist should be trained in hand to hand combat. This generally refers to physical engagements between two or more people within grappling distance, but can sometimes include the use of "striking weapons" such as knives or batons.

• Close Quarters Combat Training: Whereas hand to hand combat refers to physical engagements within grappling distance, close quarters combat refers to a distance just outside of grappling distance and may include the use of weapons.

• Martial Arts Training: Your executive protection specialist's experience in martial arts can greatly increase their chances of protecting you when it comes to hand to hand combat.

Your executive protection specialist may also insist on teaching you, the client, some of these skills. Since your executive protection specialist will likely not be able to accompany you at all times every day, it would be a good idea for you to learn a few of these skills so that you're better equipped to protect yourself and your family should the need arise.

Before hiring an executive protection specialist, you will want to be sure they are licensed. It would also be beneficial to you to consider their experience in similar fields (such as previous military, police, or bodyguard experience). Although the field does not require formal education, it is helpful for private investigators to take courses in criminal justice and police science.