Career Overview
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 Known As
- Investigator
- Loss Prevention Detective
- Loss Prevention Officer
- Private Investigator
Alternate Job Titles
- 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
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- 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.
- Conduct personal background investigations, such as pre-employment checks, to obtain information about an individual's character, financial status, or personal history.
- Expose fraudulent insurance claims or stolen funds.
- Obtain and analyze information on suspects, crimes, or disturbances to solve cases, to identify criminal activity, or to gather information for court cases.
- Testify at hearings or court trials to present evidence.
Emerging Responsibilities
As this field evolves, you may also:
- Serve documents to parties named in legal proceedings.
- Use advanced technology, such as drones, GPS trackers, and surveillance cameras, to facilitate investigations.
Knowledge You'll Use
You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:
- English Language
- Customer and Personal Service
- Law and Government
- Computers and Electronics
- Administrative
Essential Skills
Success in this career requires strong skills in:
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Thinking
- Complex Problem Solving
- Writing
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Inductive Reasoning
- Oral Comprehension
- Oral Expression
- Near Vision
- Problem Sensitivity
- Written Comprehension
- Written Expression
- Deductive Reasoning
- Speech Recognition
- Speech Clarity
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Integrity
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Self-Control
- Perseverance
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Achievement
- Independence
- Recognition
- Working Conditions
- Relationships
Education & Preparation
Typical Education: Bachelor's Degree
Related Work Experience Needed: Over 4 years, up to and including 6 years
On-the-Job Training: Anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month
Education Details: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Experience Required: Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Technology You'll Use
Popular Technologies & Software
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Windows
- Microsoft Word
Tools & Equipment
- 35 millimeter cameras
- Biological evidence collection kits
- Compact digital cameras
- Computer data input scanners
- Desktop computers
- Digital audio recorders
- Digital video cameras
- Fingerprint evidence kits
- Global positioning system GPS receivers
- Handguns
- High powered binoculars
- Laptop computers
- Law enforcement handguns
- Night vision goggles
- Optical telescopes
Work Environment
- Telephone Conversations
- Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Freedom to Make Decisions
- Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
Salary & Job Market
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $37,250 |
| Median | $52,370 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $98,770 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 38,700
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
Detectives and Criminal Investigators
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $93,580
Fraud Examiners, Investigators and Analysts
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $80,190
Intelligence Analysts
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $93,580
Police Identification and Records Officers
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $93,580
Retail Loss Prevention Specialists
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $41,600
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Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.