Private Detectives and Investigators

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Private Detectives and Investigators

Careers / Private Detectives and Investigators

Summary Description


	Gather, analyze, compile and report information regarding individuals or organizations to clients, or detect occurrences of unlawful acts or infractions of rules in private establishment.

Sample Job Titles

1.	Alarm Investigator

2.	Asset Protection Detective

3.	Background Investigator

4.	Bonding Agent

5.	Cash Shortage Investigator

6.	Certified Legal Investigator

7.	Detective

8.	Detective Investigator

9.	District Agent

10.	Field Investigator

11.	House Detective

12.	House Officer

13.	Intelligence Agent

14.	Investigations Director

15.	Investigator

16.	Loss Prevention Agent

17.	Loss Prevention Analyst

18.	Loss Prevention Associate

19.	Loss Prevention Detective

20.	Loss Prevention Investigator

21.	Loss Prevention Officer

22.	Private Detective

23.	Private Eye

24.	Private Investigator

25.	Protection Specialist

26.	Security Analyst

27.	Security Consultant

28.	Shopping Investigator

29.	Skip Locator

30.	Skip Tracer

31.	Special Investigator

32.	Store Detective

33.	Surveillance Investigator

34.	Undercover Agent

35.	Undercover Operator

Job Tasks

	Write reports or case summaries to document investigations. Prepare investigation or incident reports.

	Conduct private investigations on a paid basis. Investigate personal characteristics or activities of individuals.

	Search computer databases, credit reports, public records, tax or legal filings, or other resources to locate persons or to compile information for investigations. Examine records or other types of data to investigate criminal activities. Use databases to locate investigation details or other information.

	Conduct personal background investigations, such as pre-employment checks, to obtain information about an individual's character, financial status, or personal history. Investigate personal characteristics or activities of individuals.

	Expose fraudulent insurance claims or stolen funds. Investigate crimes committed within organizations.

	Obtain and analyze information on suspects, crimes, or disturbances to solve cases, to identify criminal activity, or to gather information for court cases. Examine records or other types of data to investigate criminal activities.

	Testify at hearings or court trials to present evidence. Testify at legal or legislative proceedings.

	Question persons to obtain evidence for cases of divorce, child custody, or missing persons or information about individuals' character or financial status. Interview people to obtain information about actions or status of individuals.

	Observe and document activities of individuals to detect unlawful acts or to obtain evidence for cases, using binoculars and still or video cameras. Observe individuals' activities to gather information or compile evidence. Record crime or accident scene evidence with video or still cameras.

	Investigate companies' financial standings or locate funds stolen by embezzlers, using accounting skills. Investigate crimes committed within organizations.

	Perform undercover operations, such as evaluating the performance or honesty of employees by posing as customers or employees. Investigate personal characteristics or activities of individuals.

	Alert appropriate personnel to suspects' locations. Communicate situation details to appropriate personnel.

	Count cash and review transactions, sales checks, or register tapes to verify amounts or to identify shortages.

	Monitor industrial or commercial properties to enforce conformance to establishment rules and to protect people or property. Inspect facilities to ensure compliance with security or safety regulations.

	Confer with establishment officials, security departments, police, or postal officials to identify problems, provide information, or receive instructions. Collaborate with law enforcement or security agencies to respond to incidents.

	Apprehend suspects and release them to law enforcement authorities or security personnel. Apprehend criminal suspects.

	Warn troublemakers causing problems on establishment premises and eject them from premises when necessary. Prevent unauthorized individuals from entering restricted areas. Warn individuals about rule violations or safety concerns.

Work Activities

Importance	Work Activity

Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

Interacting With Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

Communicating with Persons Outside Organization — Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.

Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People — Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.

Performing Administrative Activities — Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.

Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

Scheduling Work and Activities — Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.

Developing Objectives and Strategies — Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.

Thinking Creatively — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment — Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.

Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.

Performing for or Working Directly with the Public — Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.

Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others — Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.

Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information — Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.

Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others — Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.

Monitoring and Controlling Resources — Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.

Training and Teaching Others — Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.

Coaching and Developing Others — Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.

Selling or Influencing Others — Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.

Provide Consultation and Advice to Others — Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.

Developing and Building Teams — Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.

Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates — Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.

Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment — Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.

Performing General Physical Activities — Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.

Nature of the Work


	(Abstract from Career Articles)

	Private Detectives and Investigators
	Private detectives and investigators search for information about legal, financial, and personal matters. They offer many services, such as verifying people's backgrounds and statements, finding missing persons, and investigating computer crimes.

	Read More >>

Working Conditions


	(Abstract from Career Articles)

	Private Detectives and Investigators
	Private detectives and investigators work in many places, depending on their assignment or case. Some spend more time in offices, doing computer searches, while others spend more time in the field, conducting interviews and performing surveillance. They often work irregular hours. Nearly 1 in 4 were self-employed in 2014.

	Read More >>

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Interesting Fact

Only 70% of the total cost of employment in the U.S. goes to pay wages and salaries -- the rest goes to pay benefits and employment taxes.

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