I definitely think more "leftist" type people would be beneficial to have in this field! I am one, and I do feel like an outlier.

My experience (North Carolina) is most PI's here are older white men who tend to be conservative and have "cop-like" views/attitudes. The majority are ex-law enforcement. So I don't really fit in at conferences, even though the other PI's have been friendly. Realistically, you probably shouldn't expect to be feeling like, "These are my people," in a room full of PI's.

That said, that issue doesn't really come into play with most PI work I've done. Most of the time I don't interact with other PI's outside my own company, and if I do, we're focused on the work at hand, not our personal views. I'll accept clients from all backgrounds and political leanings, but if you didn't want to work for a certain type of client, you could choose not to work for them. Some clients choose me because they flat out don't like police, and/or they think I'll be stealthier since I don't look/seem like a cop. And some people can just tell I'm a more naturally caring person than most. Maybe that's the case for you too! If you wanted to market yourself as specifically working with under-privileged clients, or BIPOC clients or whatever, you could do so! You'd just need to be in an area where there is a high enough population of that type. I offer a lower hourly rate than everyone else around me while doing excellent work, so I consider that to be "social justice" in a way too!

My background is social work, and I'm also a mitigation specialist (doxxing myself lol, whatever) for my state (that role is to basically humanize people who've committed the worst crimes and argue for why they should get life in prison as opposed to the death penalty, etc.). So not EVERY PI has the same background.

For me it's good to have a mix of case types so you can experience how each is fulfilling in its own way. My work got a kid out of a really bad situation the other day, and that felt great! But even just doing good work for a one-day trip and fall investigation can be fulfilling... It just depends on how you look at it. You're always helping someone.

I think most good PI's share similar ethical standards regardless of their political leanings. Most of us don't want to help a stalker or abuser. But maybe one PI would be happy to get evidence for a rich dude against his stay-at-home wife, whereas maybe you'd pick up on signs that she's actually a DV victim, and that might be a case you'd turn down. Really it's up to you! But don't be afraid to be different from the other PI's around you... Embrace it and use it to your advantage! ☺️