Detective Diaries

Private Eye Work Experience

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Detective Diaries: Etienne Middleton, a Criminology undergraduate at Reading University, spent a month in work experience with Answers Investigation learning how to be a Private Eye; Etienne tells her take on life and her new experiences

To learn more, see https://www.private-detectives.co.uk/office/etienne.htm

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Imagine growing up in one of the safest countries in the world, then diving headfirst into the unpredictable world of private investigation. This episode follows Etienne Middleton, a criminology student, as she recounts her eye-opening month of work experience, challenging her perceptions of crime, facts, and her own career purpose.

Chapter Summary:

00:00 Welcome & Introducing Etienne Middleton

01:45 Criminology Interest & Singapore Crime
05:07 UK University & Career Path
07:45 Work Experience as a Private Detective
12:07 Applying Experience to University & Fingerprinting
14:36 Unexpected Challenges & Forensic Lab Work
17:03 Defending Generation & Information Sourcing
22:00 Questioning Facts and Perspectives
24:28 Working with an ‘Interesting’ Colleague
26:35 Future Aspirations & Embracing Uncertainty

Featured Quotes:

  • “I’ve known that I wanted to do it since I was like 7, 8 years old, not really knowing what it was, but I always kind of knew that I had a passion in it.” — Etienne Middleton
  • “That was the biggest crime, someone going into a rhino enclosure and just doing a back flip.” — Etienne Middleton
  • “Stay with that attitude and you will make a fantastic investigator. It’s what we do. We don’t take anything at face value.” — Nigel Parsons
  • “I think looking for the purpose of what you want to do career wise is more fun than actually reaching the purpose.” — Etienne Middleton

    • Behind the Story:

    Etienne Middleton, a 21-year-old criminology student from Reading University, spent a month gaining practical experience as a Private Detective with Answers Investigation. Having grown up in Singapore, a country known for its minimal crime, her interest in investigation developed despite her surroundings. Her work placement provided a contrast to academic theory, offering hands-on experience in surveillance, fingerprinting, and the unpredictable nature of detective work. She shares how this exposure shaped her understanding of the field and her future career aspirations, particularly in youth crime.

    Additional Resources:

    • Private Detectives Answers Investigation: Learn more about their services and approach to investigations. www.private-detectives.co.uk
    • UK Fingerprint: Explore specialist fingerprint analysis and services. www.ukfingerprint.co.uk
    • Torva Copeman’s Forensic Insights: Listen to more forensic investigation discussions on Detective Diaries.
      • Share This Episode: “Fascinating insights from criminology student Etienne Middleton on her private investigation work experience! From Singapore’s low crime to UK surveillance, this episode on Detective Diaries offers a unique look at the investigative world. #DetectiveDiaries #Criminology #PrivateInvestigation”
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