[Core] [90% incumbents] Write reports or case summaries to document investigations.
  DWAs: Prepare investigation or incident reports.

[Core] [90% incumbents] Conduct private investigations on a paid basis.
  DWAs: Investigate personal characteristics or activities of individuals.

[Core] [90% incumbents] Conduct personal background investigations, such as pre-employment checks, to obtain information about an individual's character, financial status, or personal history.
  DWAs: Investigate personal characteristics or activities of individuals.

[Core] [90% incumbents] Obtain and analyze information on suspects, crimes, or disturbances to solve cases, to identify criminal activity, or to gather information for court cases.
  DWAs: Examine records or other types of data to investigate criminal activities.

[Core] [90% incumbents] Testify at hearings or court trials to present evidence.
  DWAs: Testify at legal or legislative proceedings.

[Core] [90% incumbents] Question persons to obtain evidence for cases of divorce, child custody, or missing persons or information about individuals' character or financial status.
  DWAs: Interview people to obtain information about actions or status of individuals.

[Core] [90% incumbents] Observe and document activities of individuals to detect unlawful acts or to obtain evidence for cases, using binoculars and still or video cameras.
  DWAs: Observe individuals' activities to gather information or compile evidence. | Record crime or accident scene evidence with video or still cameras.

[Core] [90% incumbents] Confer with establishment officials, security departments, police, or postal officials to identify problems, provide information, or receive instructions.
  DWAs: Collaborate with law enforcement or security agencies to respond to incidents.

[Supplemental] [90% incumbents] Perform undercover operations, such as evaluating the performance or honesty of employees by posing as customers or employees.
  DWAs: Investigate personal characteristics or activities of individuals.

[Supplemental] [90% incumbents] Count cash and review transactions, sales checks, or register tapes to verify amounts or to identify shortages.
  DWAs: Balance receipts.

[Core] [89% incumbents] Search computer databases, credit reports, public records, tax or legal filings, or other resources to locate persons or to compile information for investigations.
  DWAs: Examine records or other types of data to investigate criminal activities. | Use databases to locate investigation details or other information.

[Supplemental] [89% incumbents] Investigate companies' financial standings, or locate funds stolen by embezzlers, using accounting skills.
  DWAs: Investigate crimes committed within organizations.

[Supplemental] [89% incumbents] Alert appropriate personnel to suspects' locations.
  DWAs: Communicate situation details to appropriate personnel.

[Core] [88% incumbents] Expose fraudulent insurance claims or stolen funds.
  DWAs: Investigate crimes committed within organizations.

[EMERGING:New] Serve documents to parties named in legal proceedings.

[EMERGING:New] Use advanced technology, such as drones, GPS trackers, and surveillance cameras, to facilitate investigations.

--- SKILLS ---
  Active Listening (imp:4.12 lvl:4.12) — Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand
  Speaking (imp:4.00 lvl:3.88) — Talking to others to convey information effectively.
  Reading Comprehension (imp:3.88 lvl:4.00) — Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
  Critical Thinking (imp:3.88 lvl:4.12) — Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternativ
  Writing (imp:3.62 lvl:3.62) — Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audienc
  Active Learning (imp:3.38 lvl:3.38) — Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future pr
  Monitoring (imp:3.38 lvl:3.50) — Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organization
  Learning Strategies (imp:2.50 lvl:2.12) — Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate fo
  Mathematics (imp:2.25 lvl:2.12) — Using mathematics to solve problems.
  Science (imp:1.50 lvl:0.62) — Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

--- KNOWLEDGE ---
  English Language (imp:4.21 lvl:4.53) — Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the mea
  Customer and Personal Service (imp:4.16 lvl:4.77) — Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal servic
  Law and Government (imp:4.02 lvl:4.22) — Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulat
  Computers and Electronics (imp:3.56 lvl:4.09) — Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and comput
  Administrative (imp:3.55 lvl:4.46) — Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word proce
  Administration and Management (imp:3.50 lvl:3.56) — Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, 
  Public Safety and Security (imp:3.44 lvl:3.48) — Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote
  Psychology (imp:3.31 lvl:3.70) — Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, 
  Communications and Media (imp:2.78 lvl:2.80) — Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and m
  Education and Training (imp:2.65 lvl:3.30) — Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching
  Personnel and Human Resources (imp:2.56 lvl:2.70) — Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, tra
  Sales and Marketing (imp:2.54 lvl:2.79) — Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products
  Economics and Accounting (imp:2.45 lvl:2.20) — Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial mar
  Telecommunications (imp:2.41 lvl:1.62) — Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of te
  Sociology and Anthropology (imp:2.40 lvl:2.29) — Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human 
  Mathematics (imp:2.35 lvl:2.26) — Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their appl
  Transportation (imp:2.18 lvl:2.09) — Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea
  Geography (imp:2.07 lvl:1.93) — Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, an
  Philosophy and Theology (imp:1.96 lvl:2.13) — Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their 
  Foreign Language (imp:1.71 lvl:1.61) — Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language inclu
  History and Archeology (imp:1.61 lvl:1.02) — Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civi
  Medicine and Dentistry (imp:1.60 lvl:1.25) — Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human i
  Production and Processing (imp:1.58 lvl:0.99) — Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and ot
  Therapy and Counseling (imp:1.49 lvl:1.12) — Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and r
  Mechanical (imp:1.45 lvl:0.78) — Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and main
  Building and Construction (imp:1.43) — Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or r
  Engineering and Technology (imp:1.41 lvl:0.83) — Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. Th
  Design (imp:1.36 lvl:0.90) — Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of 
  Fine Arts (imp:1.33) — Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform
  Chemistry (imp:1.30 lvl:0.64) — Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances a
  Biology (imp:1.30 lvl:0.78) — Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interd
  Physics (imp:1.20) — Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships,
  Food Production (imp:1.07) — Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food

--- ABILITIES ---
  Inductive Reasoning (imp:4.12 lvl:4.12) — The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusion
  Oral Comprehension (imp:4.00 lvl:4.00) — The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through 
  Oral Expression (imp:4.00 lvl:4.00) — The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will unde
  Problem Sensitivity (imp:4.00 lvl:4.12) — The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does no
  Near Vision (imp:4.00 lvl:3.75) — The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
  Written Comprehension (imp:3.88 lvl:4.00) — The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
  Written Expression (imp:3.88 lvl:4.00) — The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will under
  Deductive Reasoning (imp:3.88 lvl:4.00) — The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that 
  Speech Recognition (imp:3.62 lvl:3.75) — The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
  Speech Clarity (imp:3.62 lvl:3.62) — The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
  Information Ordering (imp:3.50 lvl:3.38) — The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according
  Selective Attention (imp:3.38 lvl:3.25) — The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distrac
  Flexibility of Closure (imp:3.25 lvl:3.50) — The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or so
  Category Flexibility (imp:3.12 lvl:3.12) — The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping
  Far Vision (imp:3.12 lvl:3.38) — The ability to see details at a distance.
  Fluency of Ideas (imp:3.00 lvl:3.38) — The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas
  Originality (imp:3.00 lvl:3.12) — The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situa
  Perceptual Speed (imp:3.00 lvl:3.00) — The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among
  Speed of Closure (imp:2.75 lvl:2.75) — The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into mea
  Time Sharing (imp:2.75 lvl:2.62) — The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of
  Mathematical Reasoning (imp:2.50 lvl:2.25) — The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a prob
  Number Facility (imp:2.38 lvl:2.38) — The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
  Control Precision (imp:2.38 lvl:2.50) — The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehi
  Visualization (imp:2.25 lvl:2.25) — The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when 
  Finger Dexterity (imp:2.25 lvl:2.25) — The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or bot
  Trunk Strength (imp:2.25 lvl:1.88) — The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the 
  Depth Perception (imp:2.25 lvl:2.00) — The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you
  Hearing Sensitivity (imp:2.25 lvl:2.00) — The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch 
  Memorization (imp:2.12 lvl:2.12) — The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and proced
  Arm-Hand Steadiness (imp:2.12 lvl:1.75) — The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while hold
  Multilimb Coordination (imp:2.12 lvl:2.12) — The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or
  Visual Color Discrimination (imp:2.12 lvl:2.00) — The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of c
  Auditory Attention (imp:2.12 lvl:1.75) — The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distra
  Manual Dexterity (imp:2.00 lvl:1.75) — The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your
  Response Orientation (imp:2.00 lvl:2.12) — The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two o
  Reaction Time (imp:2.00 lvl:1.75) — The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sou
  Spatial Orientation (imp:1.88 lvl:1.12) — The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know wher
  Glare Sensitivity (imp:1.88 lvl:1.12) — The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.
  Wrist-Finger Speed (imp:1.75 lvl:1.00) — The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and 
  Peripheral Vision (imp:1.75 lvl:0.88) — The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes ar
  Sound Localization (imp:1.75 lvl:0.75) — The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.
  Rate Control (imp:1.62 lvl:0.62) — The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in an
  Extent Flexibility (imp:1.50 lvl:0.62) — The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
  Night Vision (imp:1.50 lvl:0.88) — The ability to see under low-light conditions.
  Static Strength (imp:1.38 lvl:0.50) — The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
  Dynamic Strength (imp:1.38 lvl:0.38) — The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This inv
  Gross Body Coordination (imp:1.38 lvl:0.50) — The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together wh
  Gross Body Equilibrium (imp:1.38 lvl:0.38) — The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unsta
  Explosive Strength (imp:1.25 lvl:0.25) — The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping
  Stamina (imp:1.12 lvl:0.12) — The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getti
  Speed of Limb Movement (imp:1.00) — The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.
  Dynamic Flexibility (imp:1.00) — The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with yo

--- WORK ACTIVITIES ---
  Getting Information (imp:4.75 lvl:4.58) — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sour
  Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events (imp:4.60 lvl:4.22) — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or 
  Documenting/Recording Information (imp:4.50 lvl:4.60) — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in writte
  Working with Computers (imp:4.34 lvl:3.45) — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to progra
  Making Decisions and Solving Problems (imp:4.31 lvl:4.35) — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and sol
  Analyzing Data or Information (imp:4.12 lvl:4.68) — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by break
  Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates (imp:4.12 lvl:4.38) — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone,
  Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards (imp:4.09 lvl:4.05) — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events o
  Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge (imp:4.03 lvl:5.11) — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
  Communicating with People Outside the Organization (imp:3.99 lvl:4.73) — Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organizatio
  Processing Information (imp:3.96 lvl:4.69) — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying
  Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships (imp:3.89 lvl:4.64) — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and m
  Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People (imp:3.87 lvl:4.27) — Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
  Performing Administrative Activities (imp:3.82 lvl:4.23) — Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files
  Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work (imp:3.81 lvl:4.24) — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your
  Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings (imp:3.79 lvl:4.22) — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment,
  Scheduling Work and Activities (imp:3.78 lvl:3.41) — Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
  Developing Objectives and Strategies (imp:3.69 lvl:3.39) — Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to 
  Thinking Creatively (imp:3.48 lvl:3.74) — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, syste
  Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment (imp:3.47 lvl:2.84) — Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, s
  Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others (imp:3.39 lvl:2.69) — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
  Performing for or Working Directly with the Public (imp:3.22 lvl:3.53) — Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving
  Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others (imp:3.08 lvl:3.62) — Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, 
  Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information (imp:3.06 lvl:2.70) — Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resourc
  Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials (imp:2.94 lvl:2.70) — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors o
  Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others (imp:2.94 lvl:3.12) — Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
  Monitoring and Controlling Resources (imp:2.82 lvl:2.82) — Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
  Training and Teaching Others (imp:2.80 lvl:2.76) — Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or tr
  Coaching and Developing Others (imp:2.56 lvl:2.83) — Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherw
  Selling or Influencing Others (imp:2.54 lvl:2.62) — Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or
  Providing Consultation and Advice to Others (imp:2.53 lvl:2.72) — Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical,
  Developing and Building Teams (imp:2.52 lvl:2.15) — Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team membe
  Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates (imp:2.50 lvl:2.15) — Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance 
  Performing General Physical Activities (imp:2.40 lvl:2.22) — Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require co
  Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment (imp:2.40 lvl:2.08) — Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines,
  Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment (imp:1.95 lvl:1.19) — Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, an
  Assisting and Caring for Others (imp:1.92 lvl:1.49) — Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other pe
  Controlling Machines and Processes (imp:1.82 lvl:1.50) — Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines 
  Handling and Moving Objects (imp:1.80 lvl:1.47) — Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials,
  Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment (imp:1.72 lvl:1.02) — Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to t
  Staffing Organizational Units (imp:1.72 lvl:1.31) — Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organ

--- WORK STYLES ---
  Dependability (imp:7.00) — A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related o
  Attention to Detail (imp:6.00) — A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
  Integrity (imp:5.00) — A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
  Achievement Orientation (imp:4.00) — A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, 
  Self-Control (imp:3.00) — A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in res
  Integrity (imp:2.89) — A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
  Dependability (imp:2.59) — A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related o
  Attention to Detail (imp:2.57) — A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
  Self-Control (imp:2.34) — A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in res
  Perseverance (imp:2.19) — A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in 
  Stress Tolerance (imp:2.13) — A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
  Achievement Orientation (imp:2.01) — A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, 
  Stress Tolerance (imp:2.00) — A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
  Self-Confidence (imp:1.98) — A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control 
  Initiative (imp:1.96) — A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may
  Intellectual Curiosity (imp:1.93) — A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep 
  Tolerance for Ambiguity (imp:1.91) — A tendency to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty at work.
  Cautiousness (imp:1.86) — A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related
  Adaptability (imp:1.79) — A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas 
  Innovation (imp:1.30) — A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on 
  Perseverance (imp:1.00) — A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in 
  Leadership Orientation (imp:0.71) — A tendency to lead, take charge, offer opinions, and provide direction at work.
  Social Orientation (imp:0.59) — A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.
  Empathy (imp:0.39) — A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feel
  Humility (imp:0.20) — A tendency to be modest and humble when interacting with others at work.
  Sincerity (imp:0.15) — A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, withou
  Optimism (imp:0.15) — A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even un
  Cooperation (imp:0.06) — A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
  Innovation () — A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on 
  Intellectual Curiosity () — A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep 
  Tolerance for Ambiguity () — A tendency to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty at work.
  Initiative () — A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may
  Adaptability () — A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas 
  Self-Confidence () — A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control 
  Leadership Orientation () — A tendency to lead, take charge, offer opinions, and provide direction at work.
  Humility () — A tendency to be modest and humble when interacting with others at work.
  Sincerity () — A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, withou
  Empathy () — A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feel
  Cooperation () — A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
  Optimism () — A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even un
  Social Orientation () — A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.
  Cautiousness () — A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related

--- TRANSFERABLE SKILLS ---
  Complex Problem Solving (imp:3.75 lvl:3.00) — Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and ev
  Social Perceptiveness (imp:3.50 lvl:3.50) — Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
  Judgment and Decision Making (imp:3.38 lvl:3.38) — Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the m
  Coordination (imp:3.00 lvl:2.88) — Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
  Service Orientation (imp:3.00 lvl:2.88) — Actively looking for ways to help people.
  Time Management (imp:3.00 lvl:3.00) — Managing one's own time and the time of others.
  Persuasion (imp:2.88 lvl:3.00) — Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
  Negotiation (imp:2.88 lvl:2.88) — Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
  Systems Analysis (imp:2.88 lvl:2.88) — Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, 
  Systems Evaluation (imp:2.75 lvl:2.88) — Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed 
  Instructing (imp:2.25 lvl:2.25) — Teaching others how to do something.
  Management of Personnel Resources (imp:2.25 lvl:2.00) — Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best 
  Operation and Control (imp:2.12 lvl:1.38) — Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
  Operations Analysis (imp:1.88 lvl:1.50) — Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
  Operations Monitoring (imp:1.88 lvl:0.88) — Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working pr
  Management of Material Resources (imp:1.88 lvl:1.00) — Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materi
  Programming (imp:1.75 lvl:1.00) — Writing computer programs for various purposes.
  Quality Control Analysis (imp:1.75 lvl:1.25) — Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate
  Management of Financial Resources (imp:1.75 lvl:1.12) — Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for the
  Technology Design (imp:1.62 lvl:0.62) — Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
  Troubleshooting (imp:1.38 lvl:0.38) — Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
  Equipment Selection (imp:1.25 lvl:0.38) — Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
  Installation (imp:1.00) — Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.
  Equipment Maintenance (imp:1.00) — Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind o
  Repairing (imp:1.00) — Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.

--- NATIONAL WAGES ---
  total_employment : 35,580
  annual_median    : $51,220
  annual_pct10     : $36,740
  annual_pct25     : $40,700
  annual_pct75     : $73,990
  annual_pct90     : $97,630
  annual_mean      : $60,150
  hourly_median    : $24.62

--- GEOGRAPHIC DISPERSION ---
  highest_state    : Oregon ($76,480)
  lowest_state     : Mississippi ($39,060)
  dispersion_ratio : 1.958x

--- TOP STATES BY WAGE (50 total) ---
  Retail Trade                             emp:   13,580  median: $  41,480
  Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services emp:    7,400  median: $  50,720
  Finance and Insurance                    emp:    4,080  median: $  72,740
  Federal, State, and Local Government, excluding State and Local Government Schools and Hospitals and the U.S. Postal Service (OEWS Designation) emp:    3,120  median: $  75,810
  Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services emp:    2,550  median: $  75,710
  Management of Companies and Enterprises  emp:    1,270  median: $  84,890
  Transportation and Warehousing           emp:    1,100  median: $  83,220
  Other Services (except Public Administration) emp:      990  median: $  59,140
  Information                              emp:      600  median: $  86,680
  Educational Services                     emp:      260  median: $  70,780

--- TOP INDUSTRIES BY EMPLOYMENT (14 total) ---
  Retail Trade                             emp:   13,580  median: $  41,480
  Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services emp:    7,400  median: $  50,720
  Finance and Insurance                    emp:    4,080  median: $  72,740
  Federal, State, and Local Government, excluding State and Local Government Schools and Hospitals and the U.S. Postal Service (OEWS Designation) emp:    3,120  median: $  75,810
  Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services emp:    2,550  median: $  75,710
  Management of Companies and Enterprises  emp:    1,270  median: $  84,890
  Transportation and Warehousing           emp:    1,100  median: $  83,220
  Other Services (except Public Administration) emp:      990  median: $  59,140
  Information                              emp:      600  median: $  86,680
  Educational Services                     emp:      260  median: $  70,780

exact_match_status : found
matched_title      : Private investigator
match_score        : 0.7143
wikidata_qid       : Q1058617
word_count         : 3,019
wikipedia_url      : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Private_investigator
license            : CC BY-SA 4.0
fetched_at         : 2026-06-02T22:00:15.883280Z

--- WIKIPEDIA FULL TEXT ---
A private investigator (often abbreviated to PI; also known as a private detective, an inquiry agent or informally a private eye) is a person who can be hired by individuals or groups to undertake investigatory law services. Private investigators often work for attorneys to problem solve in civil and criminal cases.


== History ==

In 1833, Eugène François Vidocq, a French soldier, criminal, and privateer, founded the first known private detective agency, "Le Bureau des Renseignements Universels pour le commerce et l'Industrie" ("The Office of Universal Information For Commerce and Industry") and hired ex-convicts. Much of what private investigators did in the early days was to act as the police in matters for which their clients felt the police were not equipped or willing to do. Official law enforcement tried many times to shut it down.  In 1842, police arrested him in suspicion of unlawful imprisonment and taking money on false pretences after he had solved an embezzlement case. Vidocq later suspected that it had been a set-up. He was sentenced to five years and fined 3,000 francs, but the Court of Appeals released him. Vidocq is credited with having introduced record-keeping, criminology, and ballistics to criminal investigation. He made the first plaster casts of shoe impressions. He created indelible ink and unalterable bond paper with his printing company. His form of anthropometrics is still partially used by French police. He is also credited for philanthropic pursuits – he claimed he never informed on anyone who had stolen for real need.
In the United Kingdom, Charles Frederick Field set up an enquiry office upon his retirement from the Metropolitan Police in 1852. Field became a friend of Charles Dickens, and the latter wrote articles about him. In 1862, one of his employees, the Hungarian Ignatius Paul Pollaky, left him and set up a rival agency. Although little-remembered today, Pollaky's fame at the time was such that he was mentioned in various books of the 1870s and immortalized as "Paddington" Pollaky for his "keen penetration" in the 1881 comic opera, Patience.

In the United States, Allan Pinkerton established the Pinkerton National Detective Agency—a private detective agency—in 1850. Pinkerton became famous when he foiled a plot to assassinate then President-elect Abraham Lincoln in 1861. Pinkerton's agents performed services which ranged from undercover investigations and detection of crimes, to plant protection and armed security. At the height of its existence, the number of Pinkerton National Detective Agency active agents and reserves rivaled the number of active soldiers and reserves in the United States Army. Allan Pinkerton hired Kate Warne in 1856 as a private detective, making her the first female private detective in America.
A larger role for this new private investigative industry was to assist companies in labor disputes. Some early private investigators provided armed guards to act as a private militia. During the union unrest in the US in the late 19th century, industrialists would hire Pinkerton agents as undercover operatives to infiltrate and disrupt union activity or serve as armed guards for factories. In the aftermath of the Homestead Riot of 1892, several states passed so-called "anti-Pinkerton" laws restricting the importation of private security guards during union strikes. The federal Anti-Pinkerton Act of 1893 continues to prohibit an "individual employed by the Pinkerton Detective Agency, or similar organization" from being employed by "the Government of the United States or the government of the District of Columbia."
Pinkerton agents were also hired to track western outlaws Jesse James, the Reno brothers, and the Wild Bunch, including Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.


== Employment ==
Many private detectives/investigators with special academic and practical experience often work with defense attorneys on capital punishment and other criminal defense cases. Others are insurance investigators who investigate suspicious claims. Before the advent of no-fault divorce, many private investigators sought evidence of adultery or other conduct within marriage to establish grounds for a divorce. Despite the lack of legal necessity for such evidence in many jurisdictions today, collecting evidence of spouses' and partners' adultery or other "bad behaviour" remain one of their most profitable undertakings, as the stakes nowadays are child custody, alimony, or marital property.
Private investigators can also perform due diligence for an investor considering investing with an investment group, fund manager, or other high-risk business or investment venture. This could help the prospective investor avoid being the victim of fraud. A licensed and experienced investigator could reveal the investment is risky and/or the investor has a suspicious background. This is called investigative due diligence, and is becoming more prevalent in the 21st century with the public reports of large-scale Ponzi schemes and other fraudulent investment vehicles.
There are also cases of corrupt private detectives who, at times, have been known to work for criminals such as stalkers and crime bosses to track down escaped victims, rival criminals and/or witnesses that have gone into hiding or to gather compromising evidence against witnesses, informants, prosecutors and/or police investigators that could be used in upcoming trials.


== Responsibilities ==
Private investigators also engage in a variety of work not often associated with the industry in the mind of the public. For example, many are involved in process serving, the personal delivery of summons, subpoenas, and other legal documents to parties in a legal case. The tracing of absconding debtors can also form a large part of a PI's work load. Many agencies specialize in a particular field of expertise. For example, some PI agencies deal only in tracing.
A handful of firms specialize in technical surveillance counter-measures, sometimes called electronic counter measures, which is the locating and dealing with unwanted forms of electronic surveillance (for example, a bugged boardroom for industrial espionage purposes). This niche service is typically conducted by those with backgrounds in intelligence/counterintelligence, executive protection, and a small number from law enforcement entities whose duties included the covert installation of eavesdropping devices as a tool in organized crime, terrorism and narco-trafficking investigations. 
Other PIs, also known as corporate investigators, specialize in corporate matters, including antifraud work, loss prevention, internal investigations of employee misconduct (such as Equal Employment Opportunities violations and sexual harassment), the protection of intellectual property and trade secrets, antipiracy, copyright infringement investigations, due diligence investigations, malware and cyber criminal activity, and computer forensics work. Some PIs act as professional witnesses where they observe situations with a view to reporting the actions or lack of them to a court or to gather evidence in antisocial behavior.


== Undercover investigator ==
An undercover investigator, undercover detective, or undercover agent is a person who conducts investigations of suspected or confirmed criminal activity while impersonating a disinterested third party. Undercover investigators often infiltrate a suspected insurgent group, posing as a person interested in purchasing illegal goods or services with the ultimate aim of obtaining information about their assigned target.
Many undercover investigators carry hidden cameras and recorders strapped to their bodies to help them document their investigations. The period of the investigation could last for several months, or in some extreme cases, years. Due to the dangerous nature of the job, their real identities are typically kept secret throughout their active careers.
Economic investigations, busi

--- SEMANTIC NEIGHBORS (5) ---

  Title: Shakespeare & Hathaway: Private Investigators (similarity: 0.5185)
  URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shakespeare_%26_Hathaway%3A_Private_Investigators
  QID: Q54817586
  Extract: Shakespeare & Hathaway: Private Investigators is a British cosy mystery comedy-drama television series co-created by Jude Tindall and Paul Matthew Thompson and produced by BBC Birmingham. Set in Stratford-upon-Avon, the series concerns a private detective agency run by Luella Shakespeare and Frank H

  Title: Detective (similarity: 0.4000)
  URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Detective
  QID: Q842782
  Extract: A detective is an investigator, usually a member of a law enforcement agency. They often collect information to solve crimes by talking to witnesses and informants, collecting physical evidence, or searching records in databases. This leads them to arrest criminals and enable them to be convicted in

  Title: The Sheep Detectives (similarity: 0.4286)
  URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Sheep_Detectives
  QID: Q126405648
  Extract: The Sheep Detectives is a 2026 mystery comedy film directed by Kyle Balda and written by Craig Mazin, based on the 2005 novel Three Bags Full by Leonie Swann. The film features an ensemble cast including Hugh Jackman, Nicholas Braun, Nicholas Galitzine, Molly Gordon, Hong Chau, and Emma Thompson, wi

  Title: List of fictional detectives (similarity: 0.4062)
  URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_fictional_detectives
  QID: Q3656924
  Extract: Fictional detectives are characters in detective fiction. These individuals have long been a staple of detective mystery crime fiction, particularly in detective novels and short stories. Much of early detective fiction was written during the "Golden Age of Detective Fiction" (1920s–1930s). These de

  Title: Store detective (similarity: 0.4706)
  URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Store_detective
  QID: Q7619965
  Extract: A store detective is a person employed by a company as part of their loss prevention or asset protection department. They detect and prevent retail theft, reduce shrink, and help manage the security and safety of a store.

model_pass1          : claude-sonnet-4-20250514
model_pass2          : claude-haiku-4-5-20251001
inference_confidence : high
confidence_notes     : Strong data alignment across O*NET tasks, skills, and knowledge areas, with robust employment statistics from BLS OEWS May 2025 and clear Wikipedia validation of role definition.
inferred_at          : 2026-06-03T20:41:23.572200+00:00
tokens_input         : 4,611
tokens_output        : 4,322
cost_usd             : $0.047150
wikipedia_used       : True
wikipedia_title      : Private investigator
wikipedia_note       : Wikipedia confirms private investigators work for attorneys and can be hired by individuals or groups for investigatory law services, aligning with O*NET's description of gathering information for clients in private establishments.

--- PROSE FIELDS ---

ROLE SUMMARY:
Private detectives and investigators gather, analyze, and report information about individuals or organizations for clients, conducting background checks, surveillance, and fraud investigations in private sector settings. They utilize research skills, surveillance technology, and interviewing techniques to uncover facts and document findings for legal, corporate, or personal matters. These professionals operate independently or for investigative firms, providing specialized intelligence services outside traditional law enforcement.

DAY IN THE LIFE:
A private investigator begins their day reviewing case files and planning surveillance activities, often using GPS trackers, cameras, and drones for covert observation. They conduct background checks by examining public records, interviewing witnesses, and verifying employment or personal histories for clients. Much of their time involves documenting findings through detailed written reports, photographing evidence, and maintaining comprehensive case files. They regularly communicate with clients to provide updates, collaborate with attorneys or corporate security departments, and may testify in court proceedings. The work frequently requires analyzing financial records, conducting undercover operations to detect employee theft or misconduct, and serving legal documents to involved parties.

WHO THRIVES:
Individuals with strong analytical minds and exceptional attention to detail excel in this field, as they must synthesize complex information from multiple sources and identify patterns or discrepancies. Those with high integrity and dependability are essential, given the confidential nature of investigations and the need for accurate, unbiased reporting. People who enjoy problem-solving puzzles and have patience for long-term surveillance work find satisfaction in uncovering hidden information. Strong written and oral communication skills are crucial for interviewing subjects, writing comprehensive reports, and presenting findings to clients or in legal proceedings.

CAREER ENTRY:
Most private investigators enter the field with a bachelor's degree (37.7% of practitioners) though some begin with just a high school diploma (25.1%) and gain experience through related work. Many transition from law enforcement, military, or corporate security backgrounds that provide foundational knowledge of investigative techniques and legal procedures. State licensing requirements vary but typically include background checks, training courses, and examinations covering state laws and investigative methods. Prior experience in customer service, administration, or technology fields can provide valuable transferable skills for client interaction and database research.

CAREER TRAJECTORY:
Private investigators can advance to specialized areas such as corporate fraud investigation, digital forensics, or insurance claims investigation, commanding higher fees for expertise. Many establish their own investigative agencies after gaining experience, expanding into multi-investigator firms serving corporate clients or legal practices. Senior investigators may transition into consulting roles for law firms, insurance companies, or corporate compliance departments. Some leverage their investigative skills to move into related fields such as compliance officer positions, forensic accounting, or corporate security management roles.

MARKET INTELLIGENCE:
Private investigators earn a median annual wage of $51,220 according to BLS OEWS May 2025 data, with the top 10% earning $97,630 and entry-level positions starting around $36,740. The field employs approximately 35,580 professionals nationwide with significant geographic wage variation, from Oregon's high of $76,480 to Mississippi's low of $39,060. Retail trade represents the largest employment sector with 13,580 positions, followed by administrative services (7,400) and finance/insurance (4,080). Demand is driven by increasing corporate compliance requirements, litigation support needs, and growing concerns about fraud and security breaches. The rise of digital investigation techniques and cybercrime creates new opportunities for tech-savvy investigators.

AUTOMATION OUTLOOK:
Private investigation work has moderate automation resistance due to its heavy reliance on human judgment, interpersonal skills, and creative problem-solving that technology cannot easily replicate. While automated tools enhance efficiency in database searches, social media monitoring, and document analysis, the core activities of interviewing witnesses, conducting surveillance, and synthesizing complex evidence require human insight and adaptability.

--- REASONED EDGES ---
  [skill_overlap] Detectives and Criminal Investigators (33-3021.00) — confidence:high
    reasoning: Both roles share identical top skills including active listening (4.1), speaking (4.0), and critical thinking (3.9), with similar investigative methodologies.
    data: Active Listening imp:4.1
    data: Speaking imp:4.0
    data: Critical Thinking imp:3.9
  [task_similarity] Fraud Examiners, Investigators and Analysts (13-2099.04) — confidence:high
    reasoning: Both conduct investigations to detect unlawful acts and analyze information to solve cases, with shared focus on documentation and evidence gathering.
    data: Obtain and analyze information on suspects
    data: Write reports or case summaries
    data: Getting Information imp:4.8
  [riasec_cluster] Retail Loss Prevention Specialists (33-9099.02) — confidence:high
    reasoning: Both roles show strong Conventional (C:5.45) and Enterprising orientations, with shared focus on observing activities to detect unlawful acts in retail environments.
    data: C:5.45
    data: E:4.07
    data: Retail Trade: 13,580 employed
  [knowledge_overlap] Compliance Officers (13-1041.00) — confidence:medium
    reasoning: Both require extensive knowledge of Law and Government (4.0) and share work activity of evaluating information to determine compliance with standards (4.1).
    data: Law and Government imp:4.0
    data: Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance imp:4.1
  [transferable_skill] Forensic Science Technicians (19-4092.00) — confidence:medium
    reasoning: Both roles emphasize complex problem solving (3.8) and share critical abilities in inductive reasoning (4.1) and written comprehension (3.9) for evidence analysis.
    data: Complex Problem Solving imp:3.8
    data: Inductive Reasoning imp:4.1
    data: Written Comprehension imp:3.9

--- NORMALIZER SIGNALS ---
  match_keywords   : ['private detective', 'private investigator', 'background investigator', 'surveillance specialist', 'case investigator', 'field investigator', 'contract investigator', 'detective investigator']
  exclude_keywords : ['police detective', 'criminal investigator', 'federal agent', 'forensic technician', 'security guard']
  title_patterns   : ['*investigator*', '*detective*', 'background*', 'case*', '*surveillance*']
  common_variations: ['PI', 'private eye', 'investigative specialist', 'due diligence investigator', 'insurance investigator', 'corporate investigator', 'legal investigator', 'asset protection detective']

total_terms    : 40
top_words      : ['private', 'tendency', 'investigators', 'others', 'detective', 'investigator', 'equipment', 'law', 'services', 'security', 'investigations', 'activities', 'investigation', 'principles', 'states', 'criminal', 'evidence', 'individuals', 'agency', 'licensing']
source_layers  : onet_tasks | onet_dimensions | dwas | wikipedia | inference

TERM                    COUNT     FREQ  DOMINANT SOURCE      SOURCE BREAKDOWN
──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
private                    80  0.01836  wikipedia            wikipedia:88%  inference:11%  onet_tasks:1%
tendency                   42  0.00964  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
investigators              42  0.00964  wikipedia            wikipedia:83%  inference:17%
others                     39  0.00895  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:97%  wikipedia:3%
detective                  30  0.00688  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
investigator               27  0.00620  wikipedia            wikipedia:93%  inference:7%
equipment                  25  0.00574  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:92%  wikipedia:8%
law                        23  0.00528  wikipedia            wikipedia:74%  inference:17%  onet_dimensions:4%
services                   22  0.00505  wikipedia            wikipedia:59%  onet_dimensions:27%  inference:14%
security                   21  0.00482  wikipedia            wikipedia:62%  inference:19%  onet_dimensions:10%
investigations             19  0.00436  wikipedia            wikipedia:63%  onet_tasks:26%  inference:11%
activities                 19  0.00436  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:47%  dwas:32%  inference:11%
investigation              17  0.00390  wikipedia            wikipedia:65%  inference:24%  dwas:12%
principles                 16  0.00367  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
states                     16  0.00367  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
criminal                   15  0.00344  wikipedia            wikipedia:80%  dwas:13%  onet_tasks:7%
evidence                   15  0.00344  wikipedia            wikipedia:53%  onet_tasks:20%  dwas:13%
individuals                15  0.00344  dwas                 dwas:33%  wikipedia:20%  inference:20%
agency                     15  0.00344  wikipedia            wikipedia:93%  onet_dimensions:7%
licensing                  15  0.00344  wikipedia            wikipedia:93%  inference:7%
personal                   14  0.00321  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:43%  dwas:21%  onet_tasks:14%
police                     14  0.00321  wikipedia            wikipedia:93%  onet_tasks:7%
legal                      13  0.00298  inference            inference:38%  wikipedia:31%  onet_tasks:15%
techniques                 13  0.00298  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:77%  inference:23%
many                       13  0.00298  wikipedia            wikipedia:85%  inference:15%
surveillance               12  0.00275  wikipedia            wikipedia:50%  inference:42%  onet_tasks:8%
includes                   12  0.00275  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
control                    12  0.00275  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
objects                    12  0.00275  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
pinkerton                  12  0.00275  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
licensed                   12  0.00275  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
court                      11  0.00252  wikipedia            wikipedia:64%  onet_tasks:18%  onet_dimensions:9%
undercover                 11  0.00252  wikipedia            wikipedia:82%  onet_tasks:9%  inference:9%
investigate                11  0.00252  dwas                 dwas:64%  wikipedia:27%  onet_tasks:9%
needs                      11  0.00252  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:73%  wikipedia:18%  inference:9%
government                 11  0.00252  wikipedia            wikipedia:73%  onet_dimensions:27%
ideas                      11  0.00252  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
body                       11  0.00252  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:91%  wikipedia:9%
investigative              11  0.00252  wikipedia            wikipedia:55%  inference:45%
corporate                  11  0.00252  inference            inference:73%  wikipedia:27%