Private detectives and investigators held about 34,900 jobs in 2014. The industries that employed the most private detectives and investigators were as follows:
Investigation, guard, and armored car services
30%
Government
7
Finance and insurance
6
Retail trade
6
Nearly 1 in 4 private detectives and investigators were self-employed in 2014.
Private detectives and investigators work in many environments, depending on the case. Some spend more time in offices, performing computer searches and making phone calls. Others spend more time in the field, conducting interviews or performing surveillance.
Although investigators often work alone, some work with others while conducting surveillance or carrying out large, complicated assignments.
Some of the work can involve confrontation, and some situations may call for the investigator to be armed. In most cases, however, a weapon is not necessary because private detectives and investigators' purpose is to gather information, not to enforce laws or apprehend criminals.
Private detectives and investigators may have to work with demanding, and sometimes distraught, clients.
Work Schedules
Private detectives and investigators often work irregular hours because they conduct surveillance and contact people outside of normal work hours. They may work early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays.
In addition, they may have to work outdoors or from a vehicle, in all kinds of weather, depending on what the subject of the investigation is doing.