Private Detectives & Investigators

information enterprising analyze data write reports conduct personal backgrounds unlawful act criminal activity evidence investigate

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 data, detail, and regular routines.

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:

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Job Outlook

Bright
New job opportunities are very likely in the future.
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See more details at O*NET OnLine about private detectives and investigators.