Psychology in the Shadows

Jamie, our newest member of staff gives us an insight into his first week at Taylor Investigations ….

Psychological science provides the tools for a scientific analysis of human development, emotion, cognition, behaviour, and psychopathology[1]

The prior quote was the brief description of the Psychology course at the accredited and well recognised Lander university in sun blessed South Carolina (USA).

Yet as I sit here now in cold wet England over a year after Graduation, I can’t even fill a hands worth of fingers with the times I have applied any psychology within the workplace. With a great sigh of relief and a smile on my face I can see that changing after recently starting a new career within the world of private investigation. But how is it that these two separate fields can allow for integration? or can they at all? The world of private investigation can involve a multitude of different cases. From marital disputes to Asset tracing and Digital Forensics, no day will be the same. Surveillance is also a large part alongside Process Serving (Delivery of legal documents to individuals or businesses) With such a large scope of work I can already see cracks for which psychology can shine through.

First and foremost its important to highlight the predictability of the human brain, if a private investigator is able to tap into the psyche of the individual they are well on the way to getting the full picture of the investigation and in essence, closing the case. I personally believe 3 areas specifically can be of massive assistance in private investigation and they are cognitive, behavioural and social psychology.

Cognitive

Cognitive psychology is the study of the human brain as an information processor, this side of psychology can be highly used within private investigation as it can allow the investigator to understand the individual from a distance. This can include surveillance and watching how an individual reacts to different situations.

Behavioural

Behavioural psychology is the study of the connection between our mind and our behaviour. Take for example an investigator is Process Serving, dependent on the requirement of the individual stated in those papers the reaction of said individual could be aggressive, angry, hostile and a whole host of other things. An investigator with high behavioural psychology awareness would have already vetted the individual and be prepared for any reaction that may come as a result.

Social

Social psychology is the study of how people’s thoughts feelings and behaviours are influenced by others. This can be invaluable within private investigation, take for example an asset tracing case in which an individual’s financial standing is under scrutiny. His or hers reactions and responses when within certain groups of people or at certain places can give sure tell signs on whether he or she is hiding any assets. They key from the investigators side of things is to know the individual well enough to find areas in which they are spending the money they claim not to have. Without knowledge of how the individual acts within each social setting these traces may not be half as effective.

Its clear to see how psychology can be of massive assistance to private investigators within a variety of different cases. Psychology also however has a variety of uses within the business and marketing side of a private investigation company, and any company for that matter! Whether it be tailing social media posts for a target population to generate business or the wording and tone used in letters and client relation to ensure positive feedback.

The further I delve into the world of private investigation the more It will be apparent that psychology is everywhere within it, Like some sort of packed middle zone in a Venn diagram. I look forward to progressing within the shadows of private investigation with my knowledge of psychology firmly kept inside my head.

[1] https://www.lander.edu/academics/colleges-schools/college-behavioral-social-sciences/psychological-science/degree-0

Thank you to all our clients for your continued support. As always if you needs us, get in touch at enquiries@taylorinvestigations.co.uk or 0330 090 4031.

Author: Jamie North – Client Account Representative