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Private Detectives and Investigators - 33-9021.00

O*NET-SOC Description

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.

Sample of Reported Job Titles

  • Loss Prevention Officer
  • Loss Prevention Detective
  • Private Investigator
  • Investigator
  • Loss Prevention Agent
  • Loss Prevention Associate
  • Loss Prevention Investigator
  • Asset Protection Detective
  • Loss Prevention Specialist
  • Private Detective

SOC Occupation Groups

33-0000 Protective Service Occupations
33-9000 Other Protective Service Workers
33-9020 Private Detectives and Investigators
33-9021.00 Private Detectives and Investigators

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, or receive instructions.
  • Count cash and review transactions, sales checks, or register tapes to verify amounts or 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 to detect unlawful acts or to obtain evidence for cases, using binoculars and still or video cameras.
  • Obtain and analyze information on suspects, crimes, or disturbances to solve cases, to identify criminal activity, or to gather information for court cases.
  • Perform undercover operations, such as evaluating the performance or 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 or legal filings, or other resources to locate persons or to compile information for investigations.
  • Testify at hearings or court trials to present evidence.
  • Warn troublemakers causing problems on establishment premises and eject them from premises when necessary.
  • Write reports or 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

Military Crosswalk Titles

  • Counter Intelligence Agent (Army - Enlisted)
  • M1 Armor Crewman (Army - Enlisted)
  • Special Forces Assistant Operations and Intelligence Sergeant (Army - Enlisted)
  • Special Forces Weapons Sergeant (Army - Enlisted)

Apprenticeship Crosswalk Titles

  • Investigator, Private

DOT Crosswalk Titles

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