When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here's how it works.

Home < Private Investigator Jobs < Private Investigator Job Description

Private Investigator Job Description

If you are thinking of moving into the workspace of private investigations, you will need to have a good understanding of the job description and duties of a private investigator. You've more than likely heard the term "private investigator" before, and perhaps have some idea of the work involved. But what exactly is one and what do they do? This job description covers what you need to know to help you move into the field.

Our private investigator job description gives you a brief overview of the position: a list of responsibilities and duties, education and qualifications, licensing and certification, skills and experience, working and environmental conditions, salary range and benefits. By knowing this basic PI job description, you can get a clearer picture of what is expected of you and what the job role encompasses.

Private Investigator Job Title and Job Description Summary

A private investigator is also commonly known as a "private detective" or "PI" and the purpose of a modern private investigator is to provide high quality legitimate investigative services. Based on this purpose, you can see a few key elements that need to be fulfilled as part of the job description of an investigator - HIGH QUALITY - LEGITIMATE - INVESTIGATIVE - SERVICE. Let's look at these terms a little more closely:

High Quality - meaning of a high standard measured against similar things or actions - indicating a high degree of training, skill, and personal achievement being required as part of the job description.
Legitimate - meaning legal, conforming to laws or rules - indicating that a PI job candidate needs to be highly ethical. They will do what's right for their employers or clients, in spite of being presented with easier unethical options. It also means the necessary training and licensing (if applicable) should be achieved.

Investigative - meaning the systematic inquiry into something or someone - which indicates an applicant needs to be of a rational inquisitive nature. They should have a high ability to confront and to inspect and to see what is there, rather than what someone says is there.

Service - meaning an activity or skill provided for another in exchange for payment - indicating having something to offer that someone else wants or could benefit from. This would be a job skill or ability. Skills can easily be developed through job-training to allow you to offer quality of service.

Job description summary

The following is a summary of a private detective's job description:

A Private Investigator (PI), or Private Detective, conducts investigations and research to uncover factual information relating to financial, legal and personal issues that can be used to make important decisions and/or take legal action.

Responsibilities and Duties of a Private Investigator

The following responsibilities are included in a private investigator's job description, you can expect as part of your duties when you apply for an investigator's role.

Contribute to the effectiveness of investigation teams
Advise clients on the viability and consequences of carrying out investigations
Effective case management, prioritize tasks, and track deadlines
Interview witnesses to support investigations
Interview suspects to collect information
Obtain public and/or semi-public records
Carry out physical searches to obtain evidence
Plan and co-ordinate investigations
Investigate sources of information and develop intelligence for investigations
Handle evidence arising from investigations
Manage surveillance/undercover operations
Take part in surveillance/undercover operations
Trace or locate missing people
Conduct background checks on individuals and/or organizations
Enter and integrate data, and present information using a computer system
Keep detailed and accurate records of all investigation activities
Maintain understanding of legislation, regulations and codes of practice relevant to investigation
Present evidence in court and at other hearings
Promote a healthy and safe environment in the workplace
Communicate effectively with others
Develop productive working relationships with colleagues and clients
Provide leadership for your team
Ensure compliance with legal, regulatory, and ethical requirements
Cooperate with law enforcement agencies when necessary
Manage your own resources and professional development

Description of Private Investigator Job Education Requirements

To work as a private investigator, it may be required to have a combination of higher education qualifications and on-the-job training. But this all depends on your country/state laws. Most PIs hold a relevant associate or bachelors degree, but some operate without any formal degree, although have undergone an extensive work experience program, or have worked in a related field for a number of years.

Here are some commonly described education requirements for private investigators:

Criminal justice: A criminal justice degree can be beneficial for individuals interested in becoming private investigators. While a college degree is not always required, it will provide a solid foundation in the criminal justice system and law enforcement practices, which are essential for this career. Many private investigators have backgrounds in criminal justice, and some states require an associate's or bachelor's degree in criminal justice or a related field as part of their licensing process.

Criminology: A criminology degree can also be beneficial when seeking a job as a private investigator. Many private detectives have backgrounds in law enforcement or the military, but the profession is also an option for those with strong analytical skills and a keen eye for detail, which can be useful in the investigative field.

Forensic science: A forensic science degree provides specialized knowledge and skills that are applicable in various investigative roles. Graduates with a forensic science degree can pursue careers in private investigation, working with crime scene investigator teams, law enforcement agencies, and government bodies.

Finance: A finance degree can be beneficial as a private investigator, particularly if the individual is interested in financial investigations or corporate fraud. Financial investigators require skills in finance, financial services, financial statements, and financial institutions, which a finance degree can provide.

Where to find your education requirements

To find the exact education requirements needed to work as a private investigator in your area, you should go to your official country or state website for more information.

Recommended By Us

We Recommend ProtonMail for Secure Emails

PI Licensing and Certification Overview

Depending on which country or state you intend working as a private investigator, determines if or not you need a PI license. Not all countries or states require one. It’s essential to note, those that do, will likely have their own licensing requirements.

Licensing

To earn a PI license, applicants may require the following described criteria or something similar:

Be at least 21 years old (or other minimum qualifying age)
Be a citizen or legal resident of the country
Have a high school diploma or GED (General Educational Development) certificate
Hold a current surety bond or liability insurance to protect clients from financial accountability
Have a clean criminal record, including no misdemeanors or felony convictions
Applicants typically need to pass criminal background checks and may be required to submit fingerprints
Require a certain number of years of verifiable, full-time work experience and pass an exam
Proof of continuing education where required
Firearm license where applicable

Certification

When agencies or companies advertise private investigator jobs, they sometimes compare and prioritize candidates who have earned voluntary certification. So, you may wish to earn additional certification to put yourself ahead of your competition.

Certain organizations offer certification for private investigator candidates upon demonstration of their expertise in specific areas. One such organization is ASIS International which grants its Professional Certified Investigator (PCI) status to successful graduates.

Description of PI Job Skills and Work Experience

The type of skills and experience a candidate needs to be successful in a private investigator position, depends on the specific job they are applying for. The following description of PI skills and experience, if present in an applicant, can make the job candidate more employable over others.

Job skills

To do their jobs effectively, private investigators should consider developing the following skills:

Analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills
Communication and interpersonal skills
Organization skills
Observation and memory recall skills
Computer literacy
Interview skills
Research skills
Proficiency with investigative tools and equipment
Knowledge of relevant laws and regulations
Physical fitness

Work experience

Investigators who will be working independently will benefit from having two or more years of experience working as a private investigator or in a related field, such as law enforcement. If being employed to work within a team, candidates with less experience can be considered, as they will have backup from more experienced team members, who can give feedback and advice on their work.

In some cases, potential employers may wish to focus on job applicants who have experience in a particular field. For example, a law firm looking for an in-house legal investigator may want one with a background in law. Or an insurance company looking for an insurance fraud investigator may prefer an individual who has worked as an insurance adjuster or claims agent.

Description of the Private Investigator Work Environment

An important part of the private investigator job description is knowing the working environment; the types of clients, working hours, potential hazards, and any other relevant working conditions of the investigator's role.

Types of clients

A Private Investigator(PI), or Private Detective, primarily works within the following client categories:

Private individuals
Corporations and businesses
Legal entities, attorneys and lawyers
Insurance firms, adjusters and examiners

Working hours

Working as a private investigator is not your ordinary 9-5 job, working Monday to Friday. Private investigators typically work full-time, but often work irregular hours. They may work during the day, the evenings, overnight, weekends, and/or public holidays, depending on the needs of a case.

Working locations

Private investigators typically spend their working time in an office and/or in the field. In the office, they work at desks, using computers and phones doing preliminary investigations, performing online research and updating reports. In the field, they conduct in-depth research. They will work in various locations relevant to a case, for variable lengths of time. They may interview people in person, and conduct lengthy surveillance work from vehicles. To do field research, they may travel to a variety of locations across the state or country.

Working hazards

PI work can be stressful, especially when dealing with difficult cases. Working surveillance cases in the field or undercover work can be particularly stressful and dangerous at times. Other hazards a private detective needs to contend with are the legalities during investigations. Health and safety and ability to de-escalate confrontations should they arise, is important.

Reporting structure

An employed private investigator working for an agency generally reports to a case supervisor or team leader. They may or may not have direct communications with a client, depending on their experience and type of client. Private investigators with years of experience often work independently, but may also work as part of a team. New or inexperienced investigators will work supervised by another experienced PI.

Description of Private Investigator Job Salary and Benefits

The wage range of an employed private investigator in an established firm varies widely, usually based on place of employment, education, skills, and experience. Likewise, if you are considering becoming self-employed.

Salary/wage

Employed: The average wage for an employed private investigator in the United States, working for a company, is generally around $20-45 per hour.

Self-employed: For a self-employed private investigator, you are looking at $83,000 per year or $40 per hour, with a typical pay range between $62,000 and $112,000 annually.

For countries beyond the US: refer to your national and local job agencies.