They are not just fictional characters that exist in popular crime, thriller or detective novels, nor are they just glamorised characters in a police investigation movie. Private Detectives do exist in our contemporary post-modern culture and they come with many purposes, and skills. They have been around for over a hundred years and are still strong in their professions. So a word of warning to anyone cheating on their partners, watch your back someone maybe watching your every move right now!

History

In 1833 the first private detective agency was formed in France, by Eugene Francois Vidocq former French Soldier, criminal and privateer. Vidocq is credited for introducing the use of record keeping, criminology and ballistics in police investigations. His skills and ingenuity in criminal investigations are still being used today, particularly in America where The Vidocq Society was formed, for members only, who claim to follow the methods of Vidocq for their investigations.

Vidocq was the inspiration of many Private Investigation novels, most famous of all being Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. The character of the nineteenth century private detectives are stereotyped as being cool, relaxed, intelligent, stocky in physique, usually drinking whiskey and dressed in a trench coat.

The detectives were used mainly for crime and police investigations, during which time only a limited number of investigation services were available for solving crimes. The U.S soon followed on forming The Pinkerton National Detective Agency, by Allan Pinkerton in 1850. They became famous for successfully foiling the plot to assassinate then President Abraham Lincoln.

Modern Private Investigations

Private investigators are now used for many purposes and not solely for crime investigation. The investigation service are also involved with celebrity protection, identity theft, pre-employment verification, cases of infidelity, civil liability cases, financial investigation, legal investigation and computer crime investigation.

Modern depictions of the private investigation service have appeared in popular Hollywood films and TV shows such as Charlie’s Angels, Magnum PI, Remington Steele and Veronica Mars. These adaptations make the investigation service seem more interesting, dangerous and usually violent! Such is the exaggerated perception for the world of the PI and yet the truth is life in the private investigation service is quite the opposite.

How interesting the job may be, is dependent upon the assignment. America has taken the world of PI’s to the next level into a reality TV show, involving people who are suspecting their partners of having an affair. The results are nothing less than traumatic and emotional; one can only empathise with the individual and question the moral intentions of the show.

The Private Investigator as we know it are people who deal with more paperwork than action, it is known for them to work in disguise as Vidocq was forced to do, after he was suspected by fellow convicts he was assigned to observe. Hollywood interpretations provide a false perception of their role and overall this service is more accessible to the public than they were before. Yet one thing the films and TV shows have been accurate in, is that they are very good at preserving their identity and do take on any role they feel necessary to help them gain the results they need, including acting as friend or perhaps a work colleague undercover.

Shaun Parker has been involved in the private investigator industry for several years now and is an expert on undercover surveillance and private detective work.

DISCLAIMER: The following is NOT legal advice, nor is it a substitute for legal advice. If you are in Family Court you will need legal advice, so please see a lawyer.

Divorced dads face many problems during Christmas and other holidays with their children. But there are solutions. Let me share a story about my experience with you:

The worst Christmas that I ever had was spent watching Godfather III in a theater after handing over my kids at 4:00 p.m. to their mom. But there are far worse holiday horror stories. Fathers get told with no notice, “No, you can’t have little Jimmy on Christmas Eve like we originally planned. You can see him for a couple of hours on the 26th.”

Fathers who are successful with holiday and birthday visitation issues don’t leave legal action to the last moment. To ensure the holiday schedule goes as planned, especially if problems are anticipated, you may need police enforcement of your holiday access.

In my opinion, “early” for Christmas means getting started in September or before. Don’t wait until the last minute. In December, the court system slows to a near standstill. Faced with the prospect of not seeing your children on Christmas, slow paced legal proceedings make stress even worse.

In court, don’t wage war; wage peace. Judges don’t care about what is good for you. Present evidence to the judge in terms of how your suggestions benefit your children and a GREAT compromise focused on calming their holiday anxiety. That’s what judges want to hear.

Most courts order that holidays, birthdays and Christmas be equally divided. But put yourself in your kids’ shoes for a moment. It’s not good for the kids to chop a special day in half.

If you don’t get your kids for the holidays, buy them a present anyway. Wrap it and put it away. When you finally see your kids, even if it’s March or June, put on your Santa hat and pull out the present. Your kids will appreciate that you didn’t forget them.

Don’t bad-mouth their mother either. Kids are smart. Kids will figure out what is really going on if you are non-confrontational.

Ultimately, we had to get creative. We celebrate two birthdays and holidays; one with each parent. I’ve celebrated Christmas by surprising my kids days early with a full out celebration. We had a great time because we didn’t get stuck on celebrating on a certain day.

I still get lonely at Christmas. BUT, when I see how the kids turned out, due to the efforts I made to make them happy, especially during the holidays, I know I have been a great Dad. And no one can ever take that away.

Don’t ever give up and don’t ever lose hope. Most judges understand how sad a time holidays are. If you come across angry, you do your kids and yourself an enormous disservice. Be the man you claim to be by example: Be a man of peace and extend goodwill to all. This is the best overall approach and strategy successful divorced dads use to maintain a close relationship with their children.

Remember this above all else: Your example of love, peace and fatherly wisdom is the best present you can give your children for Christmas.

During my divorce, I wished for a divorce road map. That’s why we created a weekly telewebcast, to help men like yourself.

If you’ve lost in Family Court, don’t give up. There is always hope. You’ve likely lost because you didn’t understand that winning requires effectively “waging peace” for your children.

If you base your game plan and strategies upon those of successful fathers, you will improve your chances of success immeasurably. You need help from dads who have done what you are trying to do.

Danny Guspie – Executive Director of Fathers Resources International can help you learn the successful strategies of fathers who have won in Family Court. Join us on our weekly calls at

DivorcedDadWeekly.com where we will share with you what works for successful divorced dads.