Private detectives and investigators gather facts and information about legal, financial, and personal matters.

Private detectives and investigators conduct research for a variety of reasons including:

• Verifying people’s background before employment
• Tracing missing people
• Investigating computer crimes
• Divorce disputes

Detectives and investigators use a variety of tools to gather information such as phone calls, computers, cameras, and surveillance. Sometimes an investigator may go undercover in order to gather information.

Detectives and investigators may specialize in one of the following areas:

• Computer forensic science investigators gather data from computers and e-mails.
• Legal investigators help lawyers prepare defenses and verify facts in law suits.
• Corporate investigators conduct internal investigations such as drug use among employees or expense account audits.
• Financial investigators develop profiles of people about to engage in large financial transactions.
• Store detectives try to catch people who steal.
• Hotel detectives protect guests from theft.

Most detectives write reports and case summaries to inform clients or supervisors. Many present evidence at hearings and court trials.