Private Detective or Investigator

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.

Important Qualities

Communication skills. Private detectives and investigators must listen carefully and ask appropriate questions when interviewing a person of interest.

Decision-making skills. Private detectives and investigators must be able to think on their feet and make quick decisions, based on the limited information that they have at a given time.

Inquisitiveness. Private detectives and investigators must want to ask questions and search for the truth.

Patience. Private detectives and investigators may have to spend long periods conducting surveillance while waiting for an event to occur. Investigations may take a long time, and they may not provide a resolution quickly—or at all.

Resourcefulness. Private detectives and investigators must work persistently with whatever leads they have, no matter how limited, to determine the next step toward their goal. They sometimes need to anticipate what a person of interest will do next.

Personality

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Characteristics of this Career
		98%	Integrity - Job requires being honest and ethical.
		92%	Attention to Detail - Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
		90%	Dependability - Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
		84%	Initiative - Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
		84%	Independence - Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
		82%	Persistence - Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
		82%	Self-Control - Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
		80%	Stress Tolerance - Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.
		79%	Analytical Thinking - Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
		78%	Adaptability/Flexibility - Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
		73%	Cooperation - Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
		72%	Achievement/Effort - Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
		66%	Innovation - Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems.
		57%	Concern for Others - Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.
		57%	Leadership - Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Strengths
		95%	Enterprising - Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.
		67%	Conventional - Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Values of the Work Environment
		72%	Achievement - Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
		72%	Independence - Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
		56%	Recognition - Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.

Aptitude

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Abilities \| Cognitive, Physical, Personality
		78%	Inductive Reasoning - The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
		75%	Oral Expression - The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
		75%	Oral Comprehension - The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
		75%	Problem Sensitivity - The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
		75%	Near Vision - The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
		72%	Deductive Reasoning - The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
		72%	Written Expression - The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
		72%	Written Comprehension - The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
		66%	Speech Clarity - The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
		66%	Speech Recognition - The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
		63%	Information Ordering - The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
		60%	Selective Attention - The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
		56%	Flexibility of Closure - The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
		53%	Category Flexibility - The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
		53%	Far Vision - The ability to see details at a distance.

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Skills \| Cognitive, Physical, Personality
		59%	Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
		59%	Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
		57%	Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
		55%	Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
		52%	Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Job Details

Responsibilities

Prepare investigation or incident reports.

Examine records or other types of data to investigate criminal activities.

Use databases to locate investigation details or other information.

Examine records or other types of data to investigate criminal activities.

Investigate personal characteristics or activities of individuals.

Testify at legal or legislative proceedings.

Interview people to obtain information about actions or status of individuals.

Observe individuals' activities to gather information or compile evidence.

Record crime or accident scene evidence with video or still cameras.

Communicate situation details to appropriate personnel.

Investigate personal characteristics or activities of individuals.

Investigate crimes committed within organizations.

Collaborate with law enforcement or security agencies to respond to incidents.

Apprehend criminal suspects.

Balance receipts.

Prevent unauthorized individuals from entering restricted areas.

Warn individuals about rule violations or safety concerns.

Inspect facilities to ensure compliance with security or safety regulations.

Investigate personal characteristics or activities of individuals.

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Attributes & Percentage of Time Spent
		98%	Telephone - How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?
		95%	Electronic Mail - How often do you use electronic mail in this job?
		94%	Importance of Being Exact or Accurate - How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?
		90%	Freedom to Make Decisions - How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?
		85%	Structured versus Unstructured Work - To what extent is this job structured for the worker, rather than allowing the worker to determine tasks, priorities, and goals?
		83%	Contact With Others - How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?
		83%	Time Pressure - How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines?
		80%	Spend Time Sitting - How much does this job require sitting?
		80%	Deal With External Customers - How important is it to work with external customers or the public in this job?
		79%	Face-to-Face Discussions - How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job?
		78%	Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results - What results do your decisions usually have on other people or the image or reputation or financial resources of your employer?
		75%	Frequency of Decision Making - How frequently is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?
		73%	Letters and Memos - How often does the job require written letters and memos?
		72%	Indoors, Environmentally Controlled - How often does this job require working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions?
		61%	Importance of Repeating Same Tasks - How important is repeating the same physical activities (e.g., key entry) or mental activities (e.g., checking entries in a ledger) over and over, without stopping, to performing this job?
		58%	Work With Work Group or Team - How important is it to work with others in a group or team in this job?
		56%	In an Enclosed Vehicle or Equipment - How often does this job require working in a closed vehicle or equipment (e.g., car)?
		55%	Responsibility for Outcomes and Results - How responsible is the worker for work outcomes and results of other workers?
		52%	Coordinate or Lead Others - How important is it to coordinate or lead others in accomplishing work activities in this job?
		51%	Physical Proximity - To what extent does this job require the worker to perform job tasks in close physical proximity to other people?
		66%	Duration of Typical Work Week - Number of hours typically worked in one week.

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Tasks & Values
		94%	Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
		90%	Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
		88%	Documenting/Recording Information - Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
		84%	Working with Computers - Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
		83%	Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
		78%	Analyzing Data or Information - Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
		78%	Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
		77%	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.
		76%	Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
		75%	Communicating with People Outside the 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.
		74%	Processing Information - Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
		72%	Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships - Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
		72%	Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People - Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
		71%	Performing Administrative Activities - Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
		70%	Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work - Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
		70%	Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings - Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
		70%	Scheduling Work and Activities - Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
		67%	Developing Objectives and Strategies - Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
		62%	Thinking Creatively - Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
		62%	Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment - Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
		60%	Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others - Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
		56%	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.
		52%	Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others - Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
		52%	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.

What Private Detectives and Investigators Do

Private detectives and investigators must properly collect and document evidence so that it may be used in a court of law.

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.

Duties

Private detectives and investigators typically do the following:

Interview people to gather information
Search online, public, and court records to uncover clues
Conduct surveillance
Collect evidence for clients
Check for civil judgments and criminal history

Private detectives and investigators offer many services for individuals, attorneys, and businesses. Examples include performing background checks, investigating employees for possible theft from a company, proving or disproving infidelity in a divorce case, and helping to locate a missing person.

Private detectives and investigators use a variety of tools when researching the facts in a case. Much of their work is done with a computer, allowing them to obtain information such as telephone numbers, details about social networks, descriptions of online activities, and records of a person’s prior arrests. They make phone calls to verify facts and interview people when conducting a background investigation.

Detectives also conduct surveillance when investigating a case. They may watch locations, such as a person’s home or office, often from a hidden position. Using cameras and binoculars, detectives gather information on people of interest.

Detectives and investigators must be mindful of the law when conducting investigations. Because they lack police authority, their work must be done with the same authority as a private citizen. As a result, detectives and investigators must have a good understanding of federal, state, and local laws, such as privacy laws, and other legal issues affecting their work. Otherwise, evidence they collect may not be useable in court and they could face prosecution.

Skip tracers specialize in locating people whose whereabouts are unknown. For example, debt collectors may employ them to locate people who have unpaid bills.

Work Environment

Private detectives and investigators held about 38,300 jobs in 2022. The largest employers of private detectives and investigators were as follows:

Investigation, guard, and armored car services	19%
Retail trade	17
Self-employed workers	15
Professional, scientific, and technical services	14
Government	10

Private detectives and investigators work in many environments, depending on the case. Some spend more time in offices, researching cases on computers and making phone calls. Others spend more time in the field, conducting interviews or performing surveillance. In addition, private detectives and investigators may have to work outdoors or from a vehicle, in all kinds of weather, in order to obtain the information their client needs.

Although investigators often work alone, some work with others while conducting surveillance or carrying out large, complicated assignments.

Work Schedules

Private detectives and investigators often work irregular hours because they conduct surveillance and contact people outside of normal work hours. They may work early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Getting Started

Education:

38%

Bachelor's Degree

25%

High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)

How to Become a Private Detective or Investigator

Although most learn on the job, many private detectives and investigators have a law enforcement background.

Private detectives and investigators typically need several years of work experience and a high school diploma. In addition, the vast majority of states require private detectives and investigators to have a license.

Education

Education requirements vary greatly with the job, but most jobs require a high school diploma. Some, though, may require a 2- or 4-year degree in a field such as criminal justice.

Training

Most private detectives and investigators learn through on-the-job training, typically lasting between several months and a year.

Although new investigators must learn how to gather information, additional training depends on the type of firm that hires them. For example, investigators may learn to conduct remote surveillance, reconstruct accident scenes, or investigate insurance fraud. Corporate investigators hired by large companies may receive formal training in business practices, management structure, and various finance-related topics.

Work Experience in a Related Occupation

Private detectives and investigators must typically have previous work experience, usually in law enforcement, the military, or federal intelligence. Those in such jobs, who are frequently able to retire after 20 or 25 years of service, may become private detectives or investigators in a second career.

Other private detectives and investigators may have previously worked as bill and account collectors, claims adjusters, paralegals, or process servers.

Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations

Most states require private detectives and investigators to have a license. Check with your state for more information; Professional Investigator Magazine has links to most states’ licensing requirements. Because laws often change, jobseekers should verify the licensing laws related to private investigators with the state and locality in which they want to work.

Candidates may also obtain certification, although it is not required for employment. Still, becoming certified through professional organizations can demonstrate competence and may help candidates advance in their careers.

For investigators who specialize in negligence or criminal defense investigation, the National Association of Legal Investigators offers the Certified Legal Investigator certification. For other investigators, ASIS International offers the Professional Certified Investigator certification.

Job Outlook

Employment of private detectives and investigators is projected to grow 6 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.

About 3,800 openings for private detectives and investigators are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Employment

Continued lawsuits, fraud and other crimes, and interpersonal mistrust are expected to create demand for investigative services. In addition, background checks will continue to be a source of work for some investigators, as online investigations are not always sufficient.

Contacts for More Information

For more information about private detectives and investigators, including information on certification, visit

National Association of Legal Investigators

ASIS International

For more information about state licensing requirements, visit

Professional Investigator Magazine

Similar Occupations

This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of private detectives and investigators.

Occupation	Job Duties	Entry-Level Education	Median Annual Pay, May 2022
Accountants and Auditors	Accountants and auditors prepare and examine financial records.	Bachelor's degree	$78,000
Bill and Account Collectors	Bill and account collectors try to recover payment on overdue bills.	High school diploma or equivalent	$39,470
Claims Adjusters, Appraisers, Examiners, and Investigators	Claims adjusters, appraisers, examiners, and investigators evaluate insurance claims.	See How to Become One	$72,040
Financial Examiners	Financial examiners ensure compliance with laws that govern institutions handling monetary transactions.	Bachelor's degree	$82,210
Security Guards and Gambling Surveillance Officers	Security guards and gambling surveillance officers protect property from illegal activity.	High school diploma or equivalent	$34,770
Paralegals and Legal Assistants	Paralegals and legal assistants perform a variety of tasks to support lawyers.	Associate's degree	$59,200
Fire Inspectors	Fire inspectors detect fire hazards, recommend prevention measures, ensure compliance with state and local fire regulations, and investigate causes of fires.	See How to Become One	$65,800
Police and Detectives	Police officers protect lives and property. Detectives and criminal investigators gather facts and collect evidence of possible crimes.	See How to Become One	$69,160
Forensic Science Technicians	Forensic science technicians aid criminal investigations by collecting and analyzing evidence.	Bachelor's degree	$63,740

Private Detective or Investigator

What they do:

On the job, you would:

Important Qualities

Personality

Characteristics of this Career

Strengths

Values of the Work Environment

Aptitude

Abilities | Cognitive, Physical, Personality

Skills | Cognitive, Physical, Personality

Job Details

Attributes & Percentage of Time Spent

Tasks & Values

What Private Detectives and Investigators Do

Duties

Work Environment

Work Schedules

Getting Started

How to Become a Private Detective or Investigator

Education

Training

Work Experience in a Related Occupation

Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations

Job Outlook

Employment

Contacts for More Information

Similar Occupations