What You'll Do

  • Write reports or case summaries to document investigations.
  • Search computer databases, credit reports, public records, tax or legal filings, or other resources to locate persons or to compile information for investigations.
  • Obtain and analyze information on suspects, crimes, or disturbances to solve cases, to identify criminal activity, or to gather information for court cases.
  • Conduct private investigations on a paid basis.
  • Testify at hearings or court trials to present evidence.
  • Question persons to obtain evidence for cases of divorce, child custody, or missing persons or information about individuals' character or financial status.
  • Observe and document activities of individuals to detect unlawful acts or to obtain evidence for cases, using binoculars and still or video cameras.
  • Alert appropriate personnel to suspects' locations.
  • Perform undercover operations, such as evaluating the performance or honesty of employees by posing as customers or employees.
  • Investigate companies' financial standings, or locate funds stolen by embezzlers, using accounting skills.

Essential Skills

Active Listening 4.12/5
Speaking 4.0/5
Reading Comprehension 3.88/5
Critical Thinking 3.88/5
Complex Problem Solving 3.75/5
Writing 3.62/5
Social Perceptiveness 3.5/5
Active Learning 3.38/5
Monitoring 3.38/5
Judgment and Decision Making 3.38/5
Coordination 3.0/5
Service Orientation 3.0/5

Career Fit Overview

Use this summary to sense whether the day to day rhythm and focus of this path line up with what energizes you.

Top passions

  • Organizer: Bringing order to data and processes satisfies you.
  • Leader: Taking charge and moving ideas forward motivates you.
  • Analyst: Investigating problems and finding patterns keeps you engaged.

Common styles

Integrity, Attention to Detail, Dependability, Initiative, Independence

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Key Abilities

This career demands strong capabilities in the following areas:

Inductive Reasoning 4.12/5
Oral Comprehension 4.0/5
Oral Expression 4.0/5
Problem Sensitivity 4.0/5
Near Vision 4.0/5
Written Comprehension 3.88/5
Written Expression 3.88/5
Deductive Reasoning 3.88/5

Technologies & Tools

Computer imaging software Email software Facebook LexisNexis Microsoft Access Microsoft Excel Microsoft Office software Microsoft operating system Microsoft Outlook Microsoft PowerPoint Microsoft Windows Microsoft Word Operating system software Web browser software Word processing software

Work Environment & Style

Common Styles for This Career

  • Integrity (High importance: 4.92/5)
  • Attention to Detail (High importance: 4.67/5)
  • Dependability (High importance: 4.58/5)
  • Initiative (High importance: 4.36/5)
  • Independence (High importance: 4.35/5)

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How to Become One

This career typically requires vocational school, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. Some specialized training or certification may also be required.

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Also Known As

This career is known by many different job titles across industries. Here are all the variations:

Alarm Investigator AML Investigator (Anti Money Laundering Investigator) Asset Protection Detective Background Investigator Bonding Agent BSA Investigator (Bank Secrecy Act Investigator) Case Investigator Cash Shortage Investigator Certified Legal Investigator Contract Investigator Detective Detective Investigator District Agent Employee Relations Investigator Field Investigator Fraud Investigator House Detective House Officer Intelligence Agent Investigations Assistant Investigator Licensed Private Investigator Loss Prevention Agent Loss Prevention Analyst Loss Prevention Associate Loss Prevention Detective Loss Prevention Investigator Loss Prevention Officer Post Market Surveillance Specialist Principal Investigator Private Detective Private Eye Private Investigator Protection Specialist Security Analyst Security Consultant Shopping Investigator Skip Locator Skip Tracer Special Investigator Store Detective Surveillance Agent Surveillance Investigator Surveillance Officer Surveillance Operator Undercover Agent Undercover Operator