Detectives and criminal investigators,
who sometimes are called agents or special agents,
gather facts and collect evidence of possible
crimes. Law enforcement officers’ duties depend on
the size and type of their organizations.
Private detectives and investigators usually have
some college education. However, many jobs do not
have formal education requirements; and private
detectives and investigators learn on the job.
Previous experience in investigative work can be
beneficial. Private detectives and investigators
need a license in most states.
Private detectives and investigators find
facts and analyze information about legal,
financial, and personal matters. They offer many
services, including verifying people's backgrounds,
tracing missing persons, investigating computer
crimes, and protecting celebrities.
Education requirements range from a high school
diploma to a college degree or higher. Most police
and detectives must graduate from their agency’s
training academy before getting on-the-job training.
-U.S. Bureau of Labor
Statistics
