Private Investigators, also known as Detectives, Agents, Operatives, and Private Eyes, perform investigative work for individuals or businesses.

JOB DUTIES 

Private Investigators may:

Question individuals to locate missing persons

Follow or watch a person through a stakeout

Conduct background investigations of individuals to obtain data on their character, financial status, and personal history

Examine the scene of a crime for clues and submit findings to a laboratory for identification and analysis

File complaints against individuals and testify in court as a witness

Write reports of investigations for clients

Tools and equipment used may include:

Services provided by Investigators and agencies may include:

OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES

Private Investigators may specialize in these areas:

376.267-018 PRIVATE INVESTIGATORS are also known as agents, private eyes, or operatives that perform investigative work.

376.367-014 DETECTIVES do investigative work for individuals or businesses.

376.267-014 FRAUD INVESTIGATORS look into cases which involve the use of lost or stolen charge cards, improper cash refunds, and nonexistent accounts in retail stores.

376.267-022 SHOPPING INVESTIGATORS make purchases in commercial, retail, and service establishments to test the integrity of personnel and to evaluate sales techniques and services rendered to customers.

376.367-010 ALARM INVESTIGATORS locate and investigate the source of alarms and trouble signals from businesses and homes. They may also adjust and repair the signaling equipment to restore service.

Some Private Investigators may also be licensed as forensic polygraph examiners, (MOIScript #356).

In addition to learning about these specialties, you may also find it helpful to explore the following MOIScripts:

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Private Investigators may work in detective agencies directing staff and assistants. They may also be self-employed. Private Investigators spend much time in the field attempting to locate missing persons, gather evidence for court cases, or conduct undercover investigations of crime within businesses. They work in their offices writing various reports at other times.

Private Investigators may work from 30 to 60 hours or more per week during any hours of the day or night. They must travel to all parts of their city as well as to out-of-town locations in order to work on cases.

Many belong to professional associations and must pay periodic dues.

You Should Prefer:

• Activities involving the communication of information to people

• Activities involving business contact with people

You Should Be Able To:

• Communicate easily and present information effectively

• Work well under pressure when faced with critical/unexpected

situation

• Gain a thorough knowledge of laws/regulations/investigative methods

• Gather facts/determine importance by own judgment/measurable

standards

• Deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions

• Reason and make decisions to analyze and solve cases

• Motivate people to give information

Math Problem You Should Be Able to Solve:

You have been investigating a group of financial tycoons who may be investing funds illegally. Out of the eight investors, you find out that six of them have embezzled $28,500 each. How much money will you report to your client that has been stolen?

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend:

Should be able to read and understand law enforcement terminology: surveillance, suspect, Miranda law, reasonable doubt, material witness, admissible evidence.

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce:

You should be able to write a report explaining any investigations that you may have conducted and the results that you came up with.

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Demonstrate:

You should be able to decide the best way to conduct an investigation of a person that might be committing adultery.

Private Investigators who carry a gun must obtain a concealed weapons permit from their local police department. In Michigan , Private Investigators must be licensed by the Department of State Police. The license holder must be a U.S. citizen and a Michigan resident, have a high school diploma or equivalent, be at least 25 years old, have no felony or misdemeanor convictions, have not been dishonorably discharged from military service, pass a fingerprint check and background investigation, and submit 5 references. In addition, they must have at least 3 years of experience as a Private Investigator, assistant, special agent, or as a police officer or investigator, or have a bachelor's degree in police administration.

Private Investigators must be licensed as individuals or as a partnership or corporation. The initial fee is $100 for an individual, $200 for a partnership or corporation, and is valid for 2 years. Renewal for 2 more years costs $50 (individual) or $200 (partnership, corporation). Also, individuals must post a $5,000 bond and partnerships or corporations must post a $10,000 bond. A license holder must have approval of the prosecuting attorney and sheriff of the county in which the office will be located, and a police administration degree or appropriate experience. Licensed Private Investigators may hire as many unlicensed persons as necessary to assist them in their work.

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EDUCATION AND PREPARATION OPPORTUNITIES

NOTE: On-The-Job Training provided by the employer or a High School Diploma or Equivalent or a High School Diploma with specific Vocational Education Classes or an Associate Degree (two years of study beyond High School) or a Bachelor's Degree (four years of study beyond High School) may qualify a person for this occupation.

The following education and preparation opportunities are helpful in preparing for occupations in the MOIScript:

***SCHOOL SUBJECTS***

0600 BUSINESS , 0700 CAREERS , 0900 COMMUNICATIONS , 1000 COMPUTERS , 1100 ECONOMICS , 1700 GOVERNMENT , 2200 MATH , 2600 PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEO

***VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS***

028 LAW ENFORCEMENT

Approved vocational education programs in Law Enforcement prepare students in theories, principles and techniques of developing, administering, and managing services for the safety and protection of people. Trade and industrial programs may be required for completion of this program.

High school students should consult their guidance office for more information about the specific requirements of this program at their school or area vocational education center.

***POSTSECONDARY PROGRAMS***

091 LAW ENFORCEMENT & CORRECTIONS

Programs in Law Enforcement and Corrections provide opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills needed for employment in protective services, local police forces, county sheriff departments, Michigan State Police, the Michigan Department of Corrections, and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

Courses within this program vary but may include:

                 Search for a College and/or Instructional Program

***APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES***

Although individuals might enter this occupation through apprenticeship training, currently no apprenticeship programs for this occupation are available in Michigan . For more information, contact the Bureau or Apprenticeship and Training found in the Sources Of More Information below.

An extensive listing of other information sources can also be found in the "What Is An Apprenticeship?" document found under the MOIS Supports Menu Item.

***MILITARY TRAINING PROGRAMS***

Please check the Military website at http://www.myfuture.com

LAW ENFORCEMENT AND SECURITY SPECIALISTS

The military services have their own law enforcement and security specialists. These specialists investigate crimes committed on military personnel. They also guard inmates in military correctional facilities.

What They Do

Law enforcement and security specialists in the military perform some or all of the following duties:

• Investigate criminal activities and activities related to espionage, treason, and terrorism

• Interview witnesses and question suspects, sometimes using polygraph machines (lie detectors)

• Guard correctional facilities and conduct searches of inmates, cells, and vehicles

• Perform fire and riot control duties

Training Provided

Job training consists of 5 to 12 weeks of classroom instruction. Training length varies depending on specialty. Course content typically includes:

• Civil and military laws

• Investigation procedures and techniques

• Prisoner control and discipline

Helpful Attributes

Helpful attributes include:

• Interest in law enforcement and crime prevention

• Willingness to perform potentially dangerous work

• Ability to remain calm under pressure

Work Environment

Law enforcement and security specialists in the military work mainly indoors; they may work outdoors while conducting investigations or guarding prisoners in exercise yards.

Physical Demands

Normal color vision is necessary to enter some specialties in this area. Some specialties have minimum age and height requirements.

Civilian Counterparts

Civilian law enforcement and security specialists work in federal, state, and local prisons, intelligence and law enforcement agencies, and private security companies. They perform similar duties to those performed in the military. They may be called detectives, private investigators, undercover agents, correction officers, or guards.

Opportunities

The military has about 5,050 law enforcement and security specialists. On average, the services need about 250 new law enforcement and security specialists each year. After job training, they work under the direction of more experienced specialists. In time, they may supervise and train new workers or lead investigations. Eventually, they may become chiefs of detectives or superintendents of correctional facilities.

E-Learning Courses and Programs

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OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY

The best way to learn private investigating skills is through on-the- job experience. Part-time work in a law firm may provide experience with laws and legal systems. Observing trials and interviewing private investigators may also be helpful. Becoming a school safety-patrol guard, a member in clubs sponsored by local police, or a volunteer police officer may provide some related experience. All branches of the military offer training and experience in investigation, security, or intelligence fields.

School-to-Work opportunities include:

informal apprenticeships

mentorships

job shadowing experiences

touring a local Private Investigator employer

internships

volunteer work with a Private Investigator employer

community service work with an agency

Secondary vocational education programs in law enforcement and post- secondary programs in law enforcement and corrections may offer experience also.

The most common method of becoming a Private Investigator is by direct application to detective agencies. Working as a legal assistant in a law firm is another way to begin a career in investigation.

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EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT

Earnings of Private Investigators depend largely on their ability to perform investigative tasks successfully. Other factors affecting earnings include experience and training as well as education.

Private Investigators may be paid by the hour, by the case, or on a commission basis. There is no limit to the fees experienced Private Investigators can earn.

Nationally, beginning Private Investigators earned approximately $6.00 to $13.00 per hour in early 1996. Supervisors earn more.

Private Investigators employed in Michigan earned from $8.00 to $11.00 or more per hour (early 1996).

Private Investigators may receive mileage for car expenses. Those employed by detective agencies may receive free use of an automobile plus health and life insurance. Those who are self-employed must pay for their own fringe benefits.

Individuals usually learn investigative techniques through on-the-job training lasting about one year, or through training received on a police force. They may attend a technical school or college to add to their knowledge. Advancement in investigative work is based almost entirely on the ability to produce results. Private investigators working for investigational companies often start their own business when their clientele and personal contacts increase. Some police officers, detectives, or F.B.I. Agents may make career changes to private investigation, especially during budgetary cuts and layoffs or after retirement.

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EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK

There were approximately 54,600 Detectives and Investigators employed nationally in 1994. Employment in those occupations is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2005. About 20.1% of them were self-employed. The industry distribution for Detectives and Instigators looked like this:

Opportunities will be best for store detectives, as more businesses are expected to hire detectives, to detect vandalism, shoplifting, thievery, and dishonesty among customers or employees. In addition to growth openings, many openings will occur as workers retire or change jobs or occupations. The outlook is very good in special activities such as arson searches, accident reconstruction, and criminal work. Chemical tests, computer fraud, and loss prevention are also special fields in which demand is high for Private Investigators.

There are approximately 2,750 Private Investigators in Michigan . Many were employed as store detectives in the retail trade industry.

Employment of Private Investigator is expected to increase faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2005. An average of 110 openings per year is expected with 60 due to growth and 50 due to replacement of detectives who retire, die, or leave the labor force for other reasons. Additional openings will occur as workers transfer to other jobs or occupations.

The job outlook is good in special activities such as arson searches and accidental reconstruction, questioned papers, and criminal work. Chemical tests, computer fraud, and loss prevention are also special fields in which the need for Private Investigators will be great.

MICHIGAN 'S EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK TO 2005

SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Printed Occupational information is available upon written request from the sources below.

SUMMARY PROFILE

The occupation of Private Investigator can be summarized by the following:

MOISCRIPTS are Copyright 2003, Michigan Department of Career Development