33-9021.00 Bright OutlookApprenticeship

Private Detectives & Investigators

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.

Career Cluster:Public Service & Safety
Job Family:Protective Service
Job Zone:Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Industry:Administrative and Support Services
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Key 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.
  • Expose fraudulent insurance claims or stolen funds.
  • Conduct personal background investigations, such as pre-employment checks, to obtain information about an individual's character, financial status, or personal history.
  • Obtain and analyze information on suspects, crimes, or disturbances to solve cases, to identify criminal activity, or to gather information for court cases.
  • Question persons to obtain evidence for cases of divorce, child custody, or missing persons or information about individuals' character or financial status.
  • Testify at hearings or court trials to present evidence.
  • Observe and document activities of individuals to detect unlawful acts or to obtain evidence for cases, using binoculars and still or video cameras.
  • 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.
  • Confer with establishment officials, security departments, police, or postal officials to identify problems, provide information, or receive instructions.
  • Use advanced technology, such as drones, GPS trackers, and surveillance cameras, to facilitate investigations.
  • Serve documents to parties named in legal proceedings.

Skills

Active Listening
78%
Speaking
75%
Reading Comprehension
72%
Critical Thinking
72%
Complex Problem Solving
69%
Writing
66%
Social Perceptiveness
63%
Active Learning
60%
Monitoring
60%
Judgment and Decision Making
60%
Service Orientation
50%
Time Management
50%
Coordination
50%
Persuasion
47%
Systems Analysis
47%
Negotiation
47%
Systems Evaluation
44%
Learning Strategies
38%
Instructing
31%
Mathematics
31%
Management of Personnel Resources
31%
Operation and Control
28%
Management of Material Resources
22%
Operations Monitoring
22%
Operations Analysis
22%
Programming
19%
Quality Control Analysis
19%
Management of Financial Resources
19%
Technology Design
16%
Science
13%
Troubleshooting
10%
Equipment Selection
6%
Repairing
0%
Installation
0%
Equipment Maintenance
0%

Knowledge

English Language
80%
Customer and Personal Service
79%
Law and Government
76%
Administrative
64%
Computers and Electronics
64%
Administration and Management
63%
Public Safety and Security
61%
Psychology
58%
Communications and Media
45%
Education and Training
41%
Personnel and Human Resources
39%
Sales and Marketing
39%
Economics and Accounting
36%
Telecommunications
35%
Sociology and Anthropology
35%
Mathematics
34%
Transportation
30%
Geography
27%
Philosophy and Theology
24%
Foreign Language
18%
History and Archeology
15%
Medicine and Dentistry
15%
Production and Processing
15%
Therapy and Counseling
12%
Mechanical
11%
Building and Construction
11%
Engineering and Technology
10%
Design
9%
Fine Arts
8%
Biology
8%
Chemistry
8%
Physics
5%
Food Production
2%

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Abilities

Inductive Reasoning
78%
Problem Sensitivity
75%
Near Vision
75%
Oral Expression
75%
Oral Comprehension
75%
Deductive Reasoning
72%
Written Comprehension
72%
Written Expression
72%
Speech Recognition
66%
Speech Clarity
66%
Information Ordering
63%
Selective Attention
60%
Flexibility of Closure
56%
Far Vision
53%
Category Flexibility
53%
Fluency of Ideas
50%
Originality
50%
Perceptual Speed
50%
Time Sharing
44%
Speed of Closure
44%
Mathematical Reasoning
38%
Control Precision
35%
Number Facility
35%
Hearing Sensitivity
31%
Visualization
31%
Finger Dexterity
31%
Depth Perception
31%
Trunk Strength
31%
Visual Color Discrimination
28%
Arm-Hand Steadiness
28%
Auditory Attention
28%
Multilimb Coordination
28%
Memorization
28%
Reaction Time
25%
Response Orientation
25%
Manual Dexterity
25%
Spatial Orientation
22%
Glare Sensitivity
22%
Sound Localization
19%
Peripheral Vision
19%
Wrist-Finger Speed
19%
Rate Control
16%
Extent Flexibility
13%
Night Vision
13%
Static Strength
10%
Dynamic Strength
10%
Gross Body Equilibrium
10%
Gross Body Coordination
10%
Explosive Strength
6%
Stamina
3%
Speed of Limb Movement
0%
Dynamic Flexibility
0%

Work Activities

Getting Information
94%
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
90%
Documenting/Recording Information
88%
Working with Computers
84%
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
83%
Analyzing Data or Information
78%
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
78%
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
77%
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
76%
Communicating with People Outside the Organization
75%
Processing Information
74%
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
72%
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People
72%
Performing Administrative Activities
71%
Scheduling Work and Activities
70%
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
70%
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
70%
Developing Objectives and Strategies
67%
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
62%
Thinking Creatively
62%
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
60%
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
56%
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others
52%
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information
52%
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others
49%
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
49%
Monitoring and Controlling Resources
46%
Training and Teaching Others
45%
Selling or Influencing Others
39%
Coaching and Developing Others
39%
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others
38%
Developing and Building Teams
38%
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates
38%
Performing General Physical Activities
35%
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment
35%
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment
24%
Assisting and Caring for Others
23%
Controlling Machines and Processes
21%
Handling and Moving Objects
20%
Staffing Organizational Units
18%
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment
18%

Work Context

Telephone Conversations

How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?

98%

E-Mail

How frequently does your job require you to use E-mail?

95%

Importance of Being Exact or Accurate

How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?

94%

Freedom to Make Decisions

How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?

90%

Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals

How much freedom does the worker have in determining the tasks, priorities, or goals of the job?

85%

Contact With Others

How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?

83%

Time Pressure

How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines?

83%

Deal With External Customers or the Public in General

How important is it to deal with external customers (as in retail sales) or the public in general (as in police work) in this job?

80%

Spend Time Sitting

How much does this job require sitting?

80%

Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams

How frequently does your job require face-to-face discussions with individuals and within teams?

79%

Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results

What results do your decisions usually have on other people or the image or reputation or financial resources of your employer?

78%

Frequency of Decision Making

How often is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?

75%

Written Letters and Memos

How frequently does your job require written letters and memos?

73%

Indoors, Environmentally Controlled

How often does this job require working indoors in an environmentally controlled environment (like a warehouse with air conditioning)?

72%

Duration of Typical Work Week

Number of hours typically worked in one week.

66%

Importance of Repeating Same Tasks

How important are continuous, repetitive, physical activities (like key entry) or mental activities (like checking entries in a ledger) to performing this job?

61%

Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team

How important is it to work with or contribute to a work group or team in this job?

58%

In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment

How often does this job require working in a closed vehicle or operate enclosed equipment (like a car)?

56%

Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers

How responsible is the worker for work outcomes and results of other workers?

55%

Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities

How important is it to coordinate or lead others (not as a supervisor or team leader) in accomplishing work activities in this job?

52%

Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People

How frequently does the worker have to deal with unpleasant, angry, or discourteous individuals as part of the job requirements?

51%

Physical Proximity

To what extent does this job require the worker to perform job tasks physically close to other people?

51%

Level of Competition

To what extent does this job require the worker to compete or to be aware of competitive pressures?

47%

Conflict Situations

How frequently are there conflict situations the employee has to face in this job?

46%

Consequence of Error

How serious would the result usually be if the worker made a mistake that was not easily correctable?

46%

Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions

How much does this job require making repetitive motions?

44%

Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions

How often does this job require working outdoors, exposed to all weather conditions?

43%

Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls

How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls?

42%

Health and Safety of Other Workers

How much responsibility is there for the health and safety of others in this job?

33%

Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures

How often does this job require working in very hot (above 90 F degrees) or very cold (below 32 F degrees) temperatures?

31%

Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled

How often does this job require working in an environment that is not environmentally controlled (like a warehouse without air conditioning)?

31%

Degree of Automation

How automated is the job?

25%

Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable

How often does this job require working exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable?

25%

Public Speaking

How frequently does your job require public speaking (one speaker with an audience)?

25%

Outdoors, Under Cover

How often does this job require working outdoors, under cover (like in an open shed)?

24%

Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions

How often does this job require working in extremely bright or inadequate lighting conditions?

23%

Spend Time Standing

How much does this job require standing?

23%

Work Schedules

How regular are the work schedules for this job?

23%

Spend Time Walking or Running

How much does this job require walking or running?

21%

Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body

How much does this job require bending or twisting your body?

19%

Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People

How frequently does this job require the worker to deal with physical aggression of violent individuals?

17%

Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions

How often does this job require working in cramped work spaces that requires getting into awkward positions?

16%

Exposed to Contaminants

How often does this job require working exposed to contaminants (such as pollutants, gases, dust or odors)?

12%

Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling

How much does this job require kneeling, crouching, stooping or crawling?

12%

Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings

How often does this job require exposure to minor burns, cuts, bites, or stings?

11%

In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment

How often does this job require working in an open vehicle or operating equipment (like a tractor)?

10%

Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment

How important is it to this job that the pace is determined by the speed of equipment or machinery? (This does not refer to keeping busy at all times on this job.)

10%

Exposed to Hazardous Equipment

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous equipment?

9%

Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance

How much does this job require keeping or regaining your balance?

9%

Exposed to Disease or Infections

How often does this job require exposure to disease/infections?

8%

Exposed to Hazardous Conditions

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous conditions?

7%

Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets

How often does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hearing protection, hard hats or life-jackets?

7%

Exposed to High Places

How often does this job require exposure to high places?

6%

Exposed to Whole Body Vibration

How often does this job require exposure to whole body vibration (like operating a jackhammer or earth moving equipment)?

2%

Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles

How much does this job require climbing ladders, scaffolds, poles, etc.?

1%

Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection

How often does this job require wearing specialized protective or safety equipment such as breathing apparatus, safety harness, full protection suits, or radiation protection?

1%

Exposed to Radiation

How often does this job require exposure to radiation?

0%

Education

Bachelor's degree

38%

High school diploma or equivalent

25%

Associate's degree

16%

Interests

Conventional

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 hum

74

Enterprising

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/advertis

52

Investigative

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 f

49

Social

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.

31

Realistic

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, t

24

Artistic

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,

8

Work Styles

Integrity
96%
Attention to Detail
86%
Dependability
86%
Self-Control
78%
Perseverance
73%
Stress Tolerance
71%
Achievement Orientation
67%
Self-Confidence
66%
Initiative
65%
Intellectual Curiosity
64%
Tolerance for Ambiguity
64%
Cautiousness
62%
Adaptability
60%
Innovation
43%
Leadership Orientation
24%
Social Orientation
20%
Empathy
13%
Humility
7%
Optimism
5%
Sincerity
5%
Cooperation
2%

Work Values

Achievement
72%
Independence
72%
Recognition
56%
Working Conditions
47%
Relationships
39%
Support
28%

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