Job Description for an Investigator
Movies often portray investigators as gunslingers. In real life, the investigator’s main goal is to investigate and report. Investigators take on individual clients on a paid basis. According to the Occupational Information Network, an investigator is also commonly known as a private detective and investigator.
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Responsibilities
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According to the Occupational Information Network, investigators detect unlawful acts or infractions of rules within a private establishment. Investigators search, examine and compile information in a report for a client. Investigators also perform undercover operations, search computer databases to compile necessary information for investigations, conduct background checks on people, obtain and analyze information for court cases, interview people to obtain evidence, document investigations and present evidence by testifying at court hearings and trials.
Environment and Hours
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According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, many investigators spend time away from their offices. These environments can range from seedy bars to impressive corporate boardrooms. Some work in the office most of the day making phone calls and conducting computer searches. Investigators typically work irregular hours because of the nature of the career. These workers conduct surveillance during odd hours or contact people who are not typically available during conventional working hours. Investigators may work early morning, nights, weekends or holidays.
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Education and Training
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According to the Princeton Review, a standardized testing and admissions consulting company, degrees are viewed as relatively unimportant. Larger firms may favorably view a degree in criminal behavior, law enforcement or psychology. Though degrees are attractive on resumes, the primary areas that employees look for are experience in related fields. Above 75 percent of private detectives learned investigative skills and make contacts required for their profession from local law enforcement, military, federal law enforcement or private security firms. Others may attend a private detective school, which teaches students how to take samples, fingerprint, use firearms and write reports. Some States require investigators to pass exams and post bond in order to ensure compliance with regulations. The local authorities have information for the laws of being a private investigator.
Earnings
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According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, private detectives and investigators earned a national mean hourly wage of $22.66 and a national mean annual wage of $47,130 in May 2009. The industries that employed the highest number of private detectives and investigators were investigation and security services with a mean annual wage of $43,060; depository credit intermediation, $44,880; the local government, $50,600; management of companies and enterprises, $51,840; and legal services, $54,920.
Outlook
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According to the National Employment Matrix from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for private detectives and investigators is expected to increase at a rate of 22 percent through 2018. Reasons for the increase are heightened security concerns, litigation and the need to protect confidential data or information. High competition exists wihtin this occupation because this career attracts a high number of qualified people, such as those who have retired from military and law enforcement careers. The best opportunities will be in entry-level positions within detective agencies. Opportunities are most favorable for qualified computer forensic investigators.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit crime examination (investigation) image by stassad from Fotolia.com
