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Occupation AtlasPrivate Detectives and Investigators

O*NET · 33-9021.00

Private Detectives and Investigators

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.

Also called Alarm Investigator · AML Investigator · AML Investigator (Anti Money Laundering Investigator) · Asset Protection Detective · Background Investigator · Bonding Agent · BSA Investigator · BSA Investigator (Bank Secrecy Act Investigator)
42 more

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 Manager · Surveillance Officer · Surveillance Operator · Undercover Agent · Undercover Operator

Job Zone 3 — Medium Preparation NeededHolland code CEI35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 3: Medium Preparation Needed

Medium preparation. Vocational training, related on-the-job experience, or an associate degree, with one to two years of training that combines experience and informal instruction.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

CEIConventional · Enterprising · Investigative — the three strongest interests, in order

  • C Conventional5.45
  • E Enterprising4.07
  • I Investigative3.90
  • S Social2.87
  • R Realistic2.39
  • A Artistic1.42

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • High School Diploma or the equivalent25%
  • Post-Secondary Certificate4%
  • Some College Courses12%
  • Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree16%
  • Bachelor's Degree38%
  • Post-Baccalaureate Certificate5%
Related work experience
Over 4 years, up to and including 6 years (27%)
On-site or in-plant training
Up to and including 1 month (23%)
On-the-job training
Anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month (24%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • Active Listeningbasic4.14.1Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
  • Speakingbasic4.03.9Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
  • Critical Thinkingbasic3.94.1Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
  • Reading Comprehensionbasic3.94.0Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
  • Complex Problem Solving3.83.0Level 2 looks like: Lay out tools to complete a job
  • Writingbasic3.63.6Level 4 looks like: Write an email to staff outlining new directives
  • Social Perceptiveness3.53.5Level 4 looks like: Be aware of how a coworker's promotion will affect a work group
  • Monitoringbasic3.43.5Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
  • Active Learningbasic3.43.4Level 4 looks like: Determine the impact of new menu changes on a restaurant's purchasing requirements
  • Judgment and Decision Making3.43.4Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a loan application for degree of risk
  • Time Management3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
  • Coordination3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
Show the other 23
  • Service Orientation3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
  • Persuasion2.93.0Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
  • Negotiation2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
  • Systems Analysis2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
  • Systems Evaluation2.82.9Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
  • Learning Strategiesbasic2.52.1Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
  • Instructing2.32.3Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
  • Mathematicsbasic2.32.1Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
  • Management of Personnel Resources2.32.0Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
  • Operation and Control2.11.4Level 2 looks like: Navigate the settings on an office printer to print on both sides of the paper
  • Operations Analysis1.91.5Level 2 looks like: Select a printer for an office
  • Management of Material Resources1.91.0Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
  • Operations Monitoring1.90.9
  • Quality Control Analysis1.81.3Level 2 looks like: Inspect a draft email for errors (e.g., grammar, punctuation)
  • Management of Financial Resources1.81.1Level 2 looks like: Use available funds to buy office supplies and record the amount of the purchase
  • Programming1.81.0Level 2 looks like: Write a program to sort objects in a database
  • Technology Design1.60.6
  • Sciencebasic1.50.6
  • Troubleshooting1.40.4
  • Equipment Selection1.3—
  • Equipment Maintenance1.0—
  • Installation1.0—
  • Repairing1.0—

Tasks

10 core · 4 supplemental

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Write reports or case summaries to document investigations.4.8
  2. Conduct private investigations on a paid basis.4.5
  3. Search computer databases, credit reports, public records, tax or legal filings, or other resources to locate persons or to compile information for investigations.4.4
  4. Expose fraudulent insurance claims or stolen funds.4.4
  5. Conduct personal background investigations, such as pre-employment checks, to obtain information about an individual's character, financial status, or personal history.4.4
  6. Obtain and analyze information on suspects, crimes, or disturbances to solve cases, to identify criminal activity, or to gather information for court cases.4.3
  7. Testify at hearings or court trials to present evidence.4.3
  8. Question persons to obtain evidence for cases of divorce, child custody, or missing persons or information about individuals' character or financial status.4.3
  9. Observe and document activities of individuals to detect unlawful acts or to obtain evidence for cases, using binoculars and still or video cameras.4.3
  10. Confer with establishment officials, security departments, police, or postal officials to identify problems, provide information, or receive instructions.3.6
Show the other 4
  1. Investigate companies' financial standings, or locate funds stolen by embezzlers, using accounting skills.4.0
  2. Perform undercover operations, such as evaluating the performance or honesty of employees by posing as customers or employees.3.9
  3. Alert appropriate personnel to suspects' locations.3.8
  4. Count cash and review transactions, sales checks, or register tapes to verify amounts or to identify shortages.3.7

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • Customer and Personal Service4.24.8Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
  • English Language4.24.5Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
  • Law and Government4.04.2Level 4 looks like: Prepare documents and title papers for the purchase of a new house
  • Administrative3.64.5Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
  • Computers and Electronics3.64.1Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
  • Administration and Management3.53.6Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
  • Public Safety and Security3.43.5Level 4 looks like: Inspect a building site for safety violations
  • Psychology3.33.7Level 4 looks like: Understand the impact of alcohol on human responses
Show all 33
  • Communications and Media2.82.8
  • Education and Training2.73.3Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
  • Personnel and Human Resources2.62.7
  • Economics and Accounting2.52.2Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
  • Sales and Marketing2.52.8
  • Mathematics2.42.3Level 1 looks like: Add two numbers
  • Sociology and Anthropology2.42.3Level 1 looks like: Identify two cultures in a story as being different
  • Telecommunications2.41.6Level 1 looks like: Send an email
  • Transportation2.22.1Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
  • Geography2.11.9Level 1 looks like: Know the capital of the United States
  • Philosophy and Theology2.02.1Level 1 looks like: Watch a TV show on family values
  • Foreign Language1.71.6Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
  • History and Archeology1.61.0Level 1 looks like: Take a class in US history
  • Medicine and Dentistry1.61.3Level 1 looks like: Use a band-aid
  • Production and Processing1.61.0Level 1 looks like: Put a computer back into its packing materials
  • Mechanical1.5—
  • Therapy and Counseling1.51.1Level 1 looks like: Put ice on a sprained ankle
  • Building and Construction1.4—
  • Design1.40.9Level 1 looks like: Draw a straight line 4 3/16 inches long
  • Engineering and Technology1.40.8Level 1 looks like: Install a door lock
  • Biology1.3—
  • Chemistry1.30.6Level 1 looks like: Use a common household bug spray
  • Fine Arts1.3—
  • Physics1.2—
  • Food Production1.1—

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Inductive Reasoning4.14.1Level 4 looks like: Determine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidence
  • Near Vision4.03.8
  • Oral Comprehension4.04.0Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
  • Oral Expression4.04.0Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
  • Problem Sensitivity4.04.1Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
  • Deductive Reasoning3.94.0Level 5 looks like: Decide what factors to consider in selecting stocks
  • Written Comprehension3.94.0Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
  • Written Expression3.94.0Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
Show all 52
  • Speech Clarity3.63.6Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
  • Speech Recognition3.63.8Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
  • Information Ordering3.53.4Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
  • Selective Attention3.43.3Level 4 looks like: Watch security monitors for intruders throughout the night shift
  • Flexibility of Closure3.33.5Level 4 looks like: Look for a golf ball in tall grass
  • Category Flexibility3.13.1Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • Far Vision3.13.4Level 4 looks like: Read the slides on a presentation from across a room
  • Fluency of Ideas3.03.4Level 4 looks like: Think of as many ideas as possible for the name of a new company
  • Originality3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Redesign job tasks to be interesting for employees
  • Perceptual Speed3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
  • Speed of Closure2.82.8Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
  • Time Sharing2.82.6Level 3 looks like: Watch street signs while driving at 30 miles an hour
  • Mathematical Reasoning2.52.3Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
  • Control Precision2.42.5Level 2 looks like: Adjust a room light with a dimmer switch
  • Number Facility2.42.4Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
  • Depth Perception2.32.0Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
  • Finger Dexterity2.32.3Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
  • Hearing Sensitivity2.32.0Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
  • Trunk Strength2.31.9Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
  • Visualization2.32.3Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness2.11.8Level 2 looks like: Light a candle
  • Auditory Attention2.11.8Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
  • Memorization2.12.1Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
  • Multilimb Coordination2.12.1Level 2 looks like: Row a boat
  • Visual Color Discrimination2.12.0Level 1 looks like: Separate laundry into colors and whites
  • Manual Dexterity2.01.8Level 1 looks like: Screw a light bulb into a light socket
  • Reaction Time2.01.8Level 2 looks like: Start to slow down the car when a traffic light turns yellow
  • Response Orientation2.02.1Level 2 looks like: When a doorbell and phone ring at the same time, quickly select which to answer first
  • Glare Sensitivity1.91.1Level 2 looks like: Drive on a familiar road on a cloudy day
  • Spatial Orientation1.91.1Level 2 looks like: Use the floor plan to locate a store in a mall
  • Peripheral Vision1.80.9
  • Sound Localization1.80.8
  • Wrist-Finger Speed1.81.0Level 2 looks like: Use a screwdriver to twist in a screw
  • Rate Control1.60.6Level 1 looks like: Ride a bicycle alongside a jogger
  • Extent Flexibility1.50.6
  • Night Vision1.50.9
  • Dynamic Strength1.40.4
  • Gross Body Coordination1.40.5
  • Gross Body Equilibrium1.40.4
  • Static Strength1.40.5Level 1 looks like: Push an empty shopping cart
  • Explosive Strength1.3—
  • Stamina1.1—
  • Dynamic Flexibility1.0—
  • Speed of Limb Movement1.0—

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Getting Information4.84.6Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events4.64.2Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
  • Documenting/Recording Information4.54.6Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems4.34.4Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
  • Working with Computers4.33.5Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
  • Analyzing Data or Information4.14.7Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates4.14.4Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards4.14.1Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
Show all 41
  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization4.04.7Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
  • Processing Information4.04.7Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge4.05.1Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships3.94.6Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People3.94.3Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings3.84.2Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work3.84.2Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
  • Performing Administrative Activities3.84.2Level 4 looks like: Complete tax forms for a small business
  • Scheduling Work and Activities3.83.4Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
  • Developing Objectives and Strategies3.73.4Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment3.52.8
  • Thinking Creatively3.53.7Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others3.42.7
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public3.23.5Level 4 looks like: Sell shoes in a crowded shoe store
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information3.12.7
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others3.13.6Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others2.93.1Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials2.92.7
  • Monitoring and Controlling Resources2.82.8
  • Training and Teaching Others2.82.8
  • Coaching and Developing Others2.62.8
  • Developing and Building Teams2.52.2Level 1 looks like: Encourage two coworkers to stick with a tough assignment
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates2.52.2Level 1 looks like: Work occasionally as a backup supervisor
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to Others2.52.7
  • Selling or Influencing Others2.52.6
  • Performing General Physical Activities2.42.2Level 1 looks like: Walk between workstations in a small office
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment2.42.1Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment2.01.2Level 1 looks like: Make simple, external adjustments to a door hinge with ordinary hand tools
  • Assisting and Caring for Others1.91.5Level 1 looks like: Help a coworker complete an assignment
  • Controlling Machines and Processes1.81.5Level 1 looks like: Operate a cash register
  • Handling and Moving Objects1.81.5Level 1 looks like: Change settings on copy machines
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment1.71.0Level 1 looks like: Specify the lighting for a work area
  • Staffing Organizational Units1.71.3Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • Telephone Conversations4.9
  • E-Mail4.8
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate4.7
  • Freedom to Make Decisions4.6
  • Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals4.4
  • Contact With Others4.3
  • Time Pressure4.3
  • Deal With External Customers or the Public in General4.2
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams4.2
  • Spend Time Sitting4.2

Technology

12 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

In demand (3)

  • Microsoft Excelhot
  • Microsoft Office softwarehot
  • Microsoft Wordhot

Hot (5; 3 more marked hot above)

  • Facebook
  • Microsoft Access
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Windows
Other tools (4)
  • Computer imaging software
  • Email software
  • LexisNexis
  • Web browser software

Related occupations

O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.

  1. Detectives and Criminal Investigators
  2. Fraud Examiners, Investigators and Analysts
  3. Intelligence Analysts
  4. Police Identification and Records Officers
  5. Retail Loss Prevention Specialists
  6. Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers
  7. Compliance Officers
  8. Government Property Inspectors and Investigators
  9. First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives
  10. Forensic Science Technicians

ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.