Surveillance Officer / Investigator
Quick Facts
Median Salary$48,628
Most Common EducationHigh school or GED
Projected 10-Year Growth-3.86%
Assessment MatchTake the Assessment
What They Do
A Surveillance Officer or Investigator uses surveillance tools and techniques to investigate a case for a private client. May follow an individual or watch a home or office site and use cameras, binoculars or GPS technology for surveillance
Core Tasks:
- Write reports or case summaries to document investigations.
- Conduct private investigations on a paid basis.
- Search computer databases, credit reports, public records, tax or legal filings, or other resources to locate persons or to compile information for investigations.
- Conduct personal background investigations, such as pre-employment checks, to obtain information about an individual's character, financial status, or personal history.
- Expose fraudulent insurance claims or stolen funds.
- Obtain and analyze information on suspects, crimes, or disturbances to solve cases, to identify criminal activity, or to gather information for court cases.
- Testify at hearings or court trials to present evidence.
- Question persons to obtain evidence for cases of divorce, child custody, or missing persons or information about individuals' character or financial status.
- Observe and document activities of individuals to detect unlawful acts or to obtain evidence for cases, using binoculars and still or video cameras.
- Confer with establishment officials, security departments, police, or postal officials to identify problems, provide information, or receive instructions.
What to expect as a Surveillance Officer / Investigator
1Earn a High school or GED Diploma
53% of people achieve this level of education.
2Gain skills and experience
See Surveillance Officer / Investigator related courses on Tallo
3Land a job
2316 openings for Surveillance Officers / Investigators
Career Progression
in United States (Nation)
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