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Private Detectives & Investigators

Also called: Investigator, Loss Prevention Detective, Loss Prevention Officer, Private Investigator

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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 Hot Technology In Demand
Presentation software
  • Microsoft PowerPoint Hot Technology In Demand
Operating system software
  • Microsoft operating system
  • Microsoft Windows Hot Technology

Education

Education: (rated 3 of 5)
bachelor's degree or
high school diploma/GED
usually needed

Get started on your career:

Find Training Find Certifications Find Licenses Apprenticeship.gov

Job Outlook

Average Outlook
New job opportunities are likely in the future.
Salary
$59,380
$32,130
$98,070
Check out my state Local Salary Info Find Jobs

Explore More

See more details at O*NET OnLine about private detectives and investigators.