Private Detectives and Investigators

Job Zone

Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed

Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

Job Zones group occupations into one of five categories based on the education, experience, and training typically needed to perform them.

Tasks

Specific duties and responsibilities regularly performed in this occupation.

Write reports or case summaries to document investigations.95
Conduct private investigations on a paid basis.88
Search computer databases, credit reports, public records, tax or legal filings, or other resources to locate persons or to compile information for investigations.86
Conduct personal background investigations, such as pre-employment checks, to obtain information about an individual's character, financial status, or personal history.84
Expose fraudulent insurance claims or stolen funds.84
Obtain and analyze information on suspects, crimes, or disturbances to solve cases, to identify criminal activity, or to gather information for court cases.83
Testify at hearings or court trials to present evidence.83
Question persons to obtain evidence for cases of divorce, child custody, or missing persons or information about individuals' character or financial status.83
Observe and document activities of individuals to detect unlawful acts or to obtain evidence for cases, using binoculars and still or video cameras.81
Investigate companies' financial standings, or locate funds stolen by embezzlers, using accounting skills.76
Perform undercover operations, such as evaluating the performance or honesty of employees by posing as customers or employees.72
Alert appropriate personnel to suspects' locations.69

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Count cash and review transactions, sales checks, or register tapes to verify amounts or to identify shortages.68
Confer with establishment officials, security departments, police, or postal officials to identify problems, provide information, or receive instructions.65
Serve documents to parties named in legal proceedings.—
Use advanced technology, such as drones, GPS trackers, and surveillance cameras, to facilitate investigations.—

Skills

Developed capacities that facilitate learning or the more rapid acquisition of knowledge.

Active Listening78
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.
Speaking75
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Critical Thinking72
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Reading Comprehension72
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Complex Problem Solving69
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Writing66
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Social Perceptiveness63
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Active Learning60
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Judgment and Decision Making60
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Monitoring60
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Coordination50
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Service Orientation50
Actively looking for ways to help people.

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Time Management50
Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Negotiation47
Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
Persuasion47
Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
Systems Analysis47
Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Systems Evaluation44
Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
Learning Strategies38
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Instructing31
Teaching others how to do something.
Management of Personnel Resources31
Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
Mathematics31
Using mathematics to solve problems.
Operation and Control28
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Management of Material Resources22
Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work.
Operations Analysis22
Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
Operations Monitoring22
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Management of Financial Resources19
Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.
Programming19
Writing computer programs for various purposes.
Quality Control Analysis19
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Technology Design16
Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
Science13
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Troubleshooting10
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Equipment Selection6
Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
Equipment Maintenance0
Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Installation0
Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.
Repairing0
Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.

Knowledge

Organized sets of principles and facts that apply in general domains.

English Language80
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Customer and Personal Service79
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Law and Government76
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
Administrative64
Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
Computers and Electronics64
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Administration and Management63
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Public Safety and Security61
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
Psychology58
Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
Communications and Media45
Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
Education and Training41
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Personnel and Human Resources39
Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
Sales and Marketing39
Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.

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Economics and Accounting36
Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
Sociology and Anthropology35
Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
Telecommunications35
Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Mathematics34
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Transportation30
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
Geography27
Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
Philosophy and Theology24
Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture.
Foreign Language18
Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation.
History and Archeology15
Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
Medicine and Dentistry15
Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
Production and Processing15
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Therapy and Counseling12
Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
Building and Construction11
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
Mechanical11
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Engineering and Technology10
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Design9
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Biology8
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
Chemistry8
Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
Fine Arts8
Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.
Physics5
Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.
Food Production2
Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.

Abilities

Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance.

Inductive Reasoning78
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Near Vision75
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Oral Comprehension75
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Oral Expression75
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Problem Sensitivity75
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.
Deductive Reasoning72
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Written Comprehension72
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Written Expression72
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Speech Clarity66
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
Speech Recognition66
The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
Information Ordering63
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).
Selective Attention60
The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.

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Flexibility of Closure56
The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
Category Flexibility53
The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
Far Vision53
The ability to see details at a distance.
Fluency of Ideas50
The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
Originality50
The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
Perceptual Speed50
The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
Speed of Closure44
The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.
Time Sharing44
The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).
Mathematical Reasoning38
The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
Control Precision35
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
Number Facility35
The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
Depth Perception31
The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object.
Finger Dexterity31
The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
Hearing Sensitivity31
The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.
Trunk Strength31
The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without "giving out" or fatiguing.
Visualization31
The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
Arm-Hand Steadiness28
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
Auditory Attention28
The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.
Memorization28
The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.
Multilimb Coordination28
The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
Visual Color Discrimination28
The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
Manual Dexterity25
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
Reaction Time25
The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
Response Orientation25
The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two or more different signals (lights, sounds, pictures). It includes the speed with which the correct response is started with the hand, foot, or other body part.
Glare Sensitivity22
The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.
Spatial Orientation22
The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know where other objects are in relation to you.
Peripheral Vision19
The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes are looking ahead.
Sound Localization19
The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.
Wrist-Finger Speed19
The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.
Rate Control16
The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in anticipation of changes in the speed and/or direction of a moving object or scene.
Extent Flexibility13
The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Night Vision13
The ability to see under low-light conditions.
Dynamic Strength10
The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.
Gross Body Coordination10
The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together when the whole body is in motion.
Gross Body Equilibrium10
The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
Static Strength10
The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
Explosive Strength6
The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping or sprinting), or to throw an object.
Stamina3
The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.
Dynamic Flexibility0
The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Speed of Limb Movement0
The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.

Work Activities

General types of job behaviors occurring on multiple jobs.

Getting Information94
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events90
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Documenting/Recording Information88
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Working with Computers84
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems83
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Analyzing Data or Information78
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates78
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards77
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge76
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Communicating with People Outside the Organization75
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.
Processing Information74
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships72
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

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Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People72
Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Performing Administrative Activities71
Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings70
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work70
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Scheduling Work and Activities70
Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Developing Objectives and Strategies67
Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment62
Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
Thinking Creatively62
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others60
Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public56
Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information52
Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others52
Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others49
Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials49
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Monitoring and Controlling Resources46
Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
Training and Teaching Others45
Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Coaching and Developing Others39
Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Selling or Influencing Others39
Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
Developing and Building Teams38
Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates38
Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others38
Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
Performing General Physical Activities35
Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment35
Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment24
Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
Assisting and Caring for Others23
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
Controlling Machines and Processes21
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Handling and Moving Objects20
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment18
Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
Staffing Organizational Units18
Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.

Work Styles

Personal characteristics that can affect how well someone performs a job.

Integrity96
A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
Attention to Detail86
A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
Dependability86
A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.
Self-Control78
A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.
Perseverance73
A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.
Stress Tolerance71
A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
Achievement Orientation67
A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, set high work-related standards, and exert high effort toward meeting those goals and standards.
Self-Confidence66
A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.
Initiative65
A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may fall outside of one's required work role.
Intellectual Curiosity64
A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep understanding of work-related subjects.
Tolerance for Ambiguity64
A tendency to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty at work.
Cautiousness62
A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.

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Adaptability60
A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.
Innovation43
A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on ways to accomplish work.
Leadership Orientation24
A tendency to lead, take charge, offer opinions, and provide direction at work.
Social Orientation20
A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.
Empathy13
A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feelings at work.
Humility7
A tendency to be modest and humble when interacting with others at work.
Optimism5
A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even under difficult circumstances.
Sincerity5
A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, without concern for personal gain or self-interest.
Cooperation2
A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.

Interests (RIASEC)

Holland's six occupational interest types (RIASEC) this work tends to attract.

Conventional74
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.
Enterprising51
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.
Investigative48
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
Social31
Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.
Realistic23
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
Artistic7
Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.

Work Context

Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work.

Telephone Conversations
- Every day94%
E-Mail
- Every day80%
- Once a week or more but not every day20%
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Extremely important80%
- Very important13%
Freedom to Make Decisions
- A lot of freedom64%
- Some freedom33%
Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
- A lot of freedom60%
- Some freedom26%
- Limited freedom11%
Contact With Others
- Constant contact with others56%
- Contact with others most of the time22%
- Contact with others about half the time22%
Time Pressure
- Every day43%
- Once a week or more but not every day46%
- Once a month or more but not every week11%
Deal With External Customers or the Public in General
- Extremely important53%
- Very important23%
- Important17%
Spend Time Sitting
- Continually or almost continually47%
- More than half the time29%
- About half the time21%
Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Every day49%
- Once a week or more but not every day37%
Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
- Very important results50%
- Important results23%
- Moderate results21%
Frequency of Decision Making
- Every day46%
- Once a week or more but not every day28%
- Once a month or more but not every week12%

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Written Letters and Memos
- Every day28%
- Once a week or more but not every day49%
- Once a month or more but not every week16%
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Every day52%
- Once a week or more but not every day17%
- Once a year or more but not every month15%
Duration of Typical Work Week
- More than 40 hours57%
- 40 hours17%
- Less than 40 hours26%
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
- Extremely important25%
- Very important22%
- Important32%
- Fairly important12%
Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
- Extremely important31%
- Very important12%
- Important26%
- Fairly important18%
- Not important at all13%
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment
- Every day31%
- Once a week or more but not every day27%
- Never28%
Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility37%
- Moderate responsibility15%
- Limited responsibility26%
- No responsibility17%
Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities
- Extremely important20%
- Very important26%
- Important16%
- Fairly important21%
- Not important at all17%
Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People
- Once a week or more but not every day23%
- Once a month or more but not every week44%
- Once a year or more but not every month26%
Physical Proximity
- Moderately close (at arm's length)37%
- Slightly close (e.g., shared office)26%
- I work with others but not closely (e.g., private office)18%
- I don't work near other people (beyond 100 ft.)13%
Level of Competition
- Highly competitive35%
- Moderately competitive35%
- Not at all competitive26%
Conflict Situations
- Once a week or more but not every day29%
- Once a month or more but not every week25%
- Once a year or more but not every month26%
- Never15%
Consequence of Error
- Very serious25%
- Serious24%
- Fairly serious24%
- Not serious at all18%
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
- Continually or almost continually15%
- More than half the time23%
- About half the time12%
- Less than half the time21%
- Never29%
Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
- Every day12%
- Once a week or more but not every day25%
- Once a month or more but not every week15%
- Once a year or more but not every month19%
- Never29%
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
- Continually or almost continually25%
- About half the time13%
- Less than half the time21%
- Never35%
Health and Safety of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility17%
- Moderate responsibility16%
- Limited responsibility14%
- No responsibility48%
Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
- Once a month or more but not every week27%
- Once a year or more but not every month22%
- Never37%
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
- Once a week or more but not every day15%
- Once a year or more but not every month22%
- Never43%
Degree of Automation
- Moderately automated18%
- Slightly automated38%
- Not at all automated36%
Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
- Once a month or more but not every week17%
- Once a year or more but not every month23%
- Never48%
Public Speaking
- Once a month or more but not every week19%
- Once a year or more but not every month44%
- Never31%
Outdoors, Under Cover
- Once a week or more but not every day14%
- Once a month or more but not every week14%
- Once a year or more but not every month22%
- Never49%
Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions
- Once a month or more but not every week15%
- Once a year or more but not every month34%
- Never43%
Spend Time Standing
- Less than half the time67%
- Never23%
Work Schedules
- Irregular (changes with weather conditions, production demands, or contract duration)45%
- Regular (established routine, set schedule)55%
Spend Time Walking or Running
- Less than half the time64%
- Never26%
Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body
- About half the time13%
- Less than half the time36%
- Never46%
Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People
- Once a year or more but not every month59%
- Never37%
Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
- Once a year or more but not every month32%
- Never55%
Exposed to Contaminants
- Once a year or more but not every month29%
- Never63%
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
- Less than half the time47%
- Never53%
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
- Once a year or more but not every month24%
- Never67%
In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment
- Never81%
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
- Not important at all78%
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
- Once a year or more but not every month25%
- Never70%
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
- Less than half the time23%
- Never72%
Exposed to Disease or Infections
- Once a year or more but not every month14%
- Never78%
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
- Once a year or more but not every month14%
- Never81%
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Once a year or more but not every month27%
- Never73%
Exposed to High Places
- Once a year or more but not every month19%
- Never80%
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
- Never91%
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
- Never95%
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
- Never95%
Exposed to Radiation
- Never100%

Typical Education Levels Reported

Education levels O*NET survey respondents in this occupation most often reported having.

Bachelor’s degree
High school diploma or equivalent
Associate’s degree or other 2-year degree

Technology Skills

Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

Electronic mail software
Email software, Microsoft Outlook
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Graphics or photo imaging software
Computer imaging software
Office suite software
Microsoft Office software
Operating system software
Microsoft Windows
Word processing software
Microsoft Word
Internet browser software
Web browser software
Data base user interface and query software
Microsoft Access
Web page creation and editing software
Facebook
Information retrieval or search software
LexisNexis

Professional Associations

Organizations related to this occupation, such as industry and licensing bodies.

Related Occupations

Occupations that call for similar work and worker requirements.

Detailed Work Activities

More specific, granular versions of the Work Activities above.

Prepare investigation or incident reports.
Investigate personal characteristics or activities of individuals.
Examine records or other types of data to investigate criminal activities.
Use databases to locate investigation details or other information.
Investigate crimes committed within organizations.
Interview people to obtain information about actions or status of individuals.
Testify at legal or legislative proceedings.
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.
Balance receipts.
Collaborate with law enforcement or security agencies to respond to incidents.

Apprenticeship Occupations

Registered apprenticeship program titles associated with this occupation.

Investigator, Private

This page incorporates information from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

Based on federal labor and demographic data. Data source & methodology