Pathway: Protective Services
Job: Private Investigator

Job Description

Private Investigators perform physical surveillance for long periods of time. Most conduct computer database searches and operate surveillance equipment such as video cameras as well as still cameras. This job requires interview skills and sometimes confrontation does happen.

Necessary Education

No formal education is required

Many have an Associates or Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice or Police Science
Almost all private investigators have experience from previous occupations such as the military, law enforcement agencies or federal intelligence jobs

Helpful High School Courses

Business, Computer Applications, English, Mathematics

Working Conditions

• Work long irregular hours often including nights and holidays
• Work can be stressful and tedious
• Much work time may be spent sitting and performing surveillance in a car
• Often work requires operation of video cameras and other surveillance equipment

Salary Range

• 2003, Delaware average annual salary, $32,840
• 2003, Delaware average hourly wage, $15.79

Career Ladder Information

A college degree and specialization in areas such as corporate or legal investigation can lead to employment with a major corporation

In general, detective agencies are small with little room for advancement

Personal Qualities and Interests

You:

• Are persistent and assertive
• Are not afraid of confrontation
• Like to communicate and enjoy interviewing people
• Are able to think and act quickly
• Have patience

Did you know?

Though some situations require a private investigator to be armed, most of the time is spent gathering information

Additional Information

• Occupational Outlook Handbook: http://www.bls.gov/oco

  
  

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