Private Detectives and Investigators - 33-9021.00

O*NET-SOC Description

Detect occurrences of unlawful acts or infractions of rules in private establishment, or seek, examine, and compile information for client.

DOT Titles Included in this O*NET-SOC Code

  • Alarm Investigator
  • Bonding Agent
  • Detective I
  • Detective II
  • House Officer
  • Investigator
  • Investigator, Cash Shortage
  • Investigator, Fraud
  • Investigator, Private
  • Shopping Investigator
  • Skip Tracer
  • Undercover Operator

Sample of Occupations in this SOC Family

Related Occupations

Tasks

  • Alert appropriate personnel to suspects' locations.
  • Apprehend suspects and release them to law enforcement authorities or security personnel.
  • Conduct background investigations of individuals, such as pre-employment checks, to obtain information about an individual's character, financial status or personal history.
  • Conduct private investigations on a paid basis.
  • Confer with establishment officials, security departments, police, or postal officials to identify problems, provide information, and receive instructions.
  • Count cash, and review transactions, sales checks, and register tapes in order to verify amounts and to identify shortages.
  • Expose fraudulent insurance claims or stolen funds.
  • Investigate companies' financial standings or locate funds stolen by embezzlers, using accounting skills.
  • Monitor industrial or commercial properties to enforce conformance to establishment rules, and to protect people or property.
  • Observe and document activities of individuals in order to detect unlawful acts or to obtain evidence for cases, using binoculars and still or video cameras.
  • Obtain and analyze information on suspects, crimes, and disturbances in order to solve cases, to identify criminal activity, and to gather information for court cases.
  • Perform undercover operations such as evaluating the performance and honesty of employees by posing as customers or employees.
  • Question persons to obtain evidence for cases of divorce, child custody, or missing persons, or information about individuals' character or financial status.
  • Search computer databases, credit reports, public records, tax and legal filings, and other resources in order to locate persons or to compile information for investigations.
  • Testify at hearings and court trials to present evidence.
  • Warn troublemakers causing problems on establishment premises, and eject them from premises when necessary.
  • Write reports and case summaries to document investigations.

Detailed Work Activities

  • analyze existing evidence or facts
  • analyze handwriting
  • apprehend or arrest suspect or perpetrator of criminal act
  • balance cash register
  • communicate details in protective services settings
  • compile biological data for criminal investigations
  • compile evidence for court actions
  • compute financial data
  • conduct legal research
  • conduct legal searches or investigations
  • conduct surveillance to obtain information for law enforcement
  • consult with managerial or supervisory personnel
  • cooperate with court personnel or other law enforcement agencies
  • enforce laws, ordinances, or regulations
  • follow law enforcement methods or procedures
  • gather physical evidence
  • identify fingerprints
  • identify firearms or weapons
  • investigate complaints, disturbances, or violations
  • locate persons ( skip tracing )
  • make decisions
  • manage detailed records or files in law enforcement setting
  • obtain information from individuals
  • operate cameras
  • oversee work progress to verify safety or conformance to standards
  • patrol or guard area or premises
  • prepare reports
  • read maps
  • review facts to determine if criminal act or statue violation is involved
  • testify in court for accident and criminal cases
  • use accounting or bookkeeping software
  • use firearms
  • use interviewing procedures
  • use knowledge of investigation techniques
  • use oral or written communication techniques
  • use surveillance techniques
  • verify investigative information