Private Detectives & Investigators
Investigator, Loss Prevention Detective, Loss Prevention Officer, Private Investigator
What they do:
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.
On the job, you would:
- Write reports or case summaries to document investigations.
- Conduct private investigations on a paid basis.
- Search computer databases, credit reports, public records, tax or legal filings, or other resources to locate persons or to compile information for investigations.
Knowledge
Arts and Humanities
- English language
Business
- customer service
- administrative services
Safety and Government
- law and government
- public safety and security
Engineering and Technology
- computers and electronics
Skills
Basic Skills
- listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
- talking to others
Problem Solving
- noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
People and Technology Systems
- thinking about the pros and cons of different options and picking the best one
Abilities
Verbal
- communicate by speaking
- listen and understand what people say
Ideas and Logic
- make general rules or come up with answers from lots of detailed information
- notice when problems happen
Attention
- pay attention to something without being distracted
Visual Understanding
- see hidden patterns
Personality
People interested in this work like activities that include leading, making decisions, and business.
They do well at jobs that need:
- Integrity
- Attention to Detail
- Dependability
- Independence
- Initiative
- Persistence
Technology
You might use software like this on the job:
Electronic mail software
- Email software
- Microsoft Outlook
Presentation software
- Microsoft PowerPoint
Operating system software
- Microsoft operating system
- Microsoft Windows
Education
Education: (rated 3 of 5)
bachelor's degree or
high school diploma/GED
usually needed
high school diploma/GED
usually needed
Job Outlook
Average
New job opportunities are likely in the future.
Explore More
- Detectives & Criminal Investigators
- Fraud Examiners, Investigators & Analysts
- Intelligence Analysts
- Police Identification & Records Officers
- Retail Loss Prevention Specialists
You might like a career in one of these industries:
See more details at O*NET OnLine about private detectives and investigators.