Private Detectives and Investigators

Private Detectives and Investigators typically perform the following tasks: • 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. • Question persons to obtain evidence for cases of divorce, child custody, or missing persons or information about individuals' character or financial status. • Observe and document activities of individuals to detect unlawful acts or to obtain evidence for cases, using binoculars and still or video cameras. • Confer with establishment officials, security departments, police, or postal officials to identify problems, provide information, or receive instructions. • Investigate companies' financial standings, or locate funds stolen by embezzlers, using accounting skills. • Perform undercover operations, such as evaluating the performance or honesty of employees by posing as customers or employees. • Alert appropriate personnel to suspects' locations. • Count cash and review transactions, sales checks, or register tapes to verify amounts or to identify shortages. • Serve documents to parties named in legal proceedings. • Use advanced technology, such as drones, GPS trackers, and surveillance cameras, to facilitate investigations.