An introductory chapter defines a private detective/investigator, identifies types of investigations, explains the terms plaintiff and defendant, and gives the practical assignment of observing trials. Chapters on investigative techniques cover surveillance and stakeouts, undercover work, descriptions of subjects, and searching public records and sources of information. Chapters on specific types of investigations address background, personnel, and credit investigations; missing persons investigations; theft, burglary, and robbery investigations; store detection and shopping services; insurance and personal injury investigations; and divorce and miscellaneous investigations. Other chapters discuss detecting equipment; report writing and confessions, court procedures, laws and evidence, self-defense and physical conditioning, and establishing a detective agency. The manual includes a bibliography on investigations; a list of suppliers of investigative equipment; practical assignments; and self-test examinations as well as forms, checklists, photographs, and a glossary of terms. Principal types of employers who hire investigators are listed for those who want to work for established agencies or in other fields of investigation rather than open their own agencies.