Description
Conduct discreet, lawful investigations for individuals, attorneys, and businesses to verify facts, locate people and assets, document activities, and deliver admissible evidence, reports, and testimony for civil or criminal matters.
- • Meet with clients to define objectives, legal constraints, scope, and budget.
- • Plan and direct investigations, timelines, and resources.
- • Conduct discreet surveillance of persons or locations, documenting activities with photos and video.
- • Perform background checks and due diligence using public records, databases, and OSINT.
- • Locate individuals (skip tracing) through records research and field inquiries.
- • Interview witnesses and subjects; obtain written or recorded statements with consent and in compliance with law.
- • Canvass neighborhoods and workplaces to develop leads.
- • Document scenes with notes, photographs, diagrams, and measurements without trespassing or disturbing property.
- • Collect and preserve physical and digital evidence, maintaining chain of custody.
- • Capture and archive social media and web content for evidentiary use.
- • Review and analyze police reports, court records, and agency files to identify gaps and next steps.
- • Coordinate with attorneys to lawfully obtain records via releases or subpoenas and analyze the results.
- • Prepare clear, detailed investigative reports for clients and counsel.
- • Provide testimony in depositions, hearings, or trials regarding findings and methods.
- • Conduct insurance and workers' compensation activity checks and claimant verifications.
- • Verify employment, residency, and relationships through lawful verification methods.
- • Perform asset and liability searches consistent with privacy and financial laws.
- • Use mapping, database, and analytic tools to connect people, events, and locations.
- • Plan and execute stakeouts; maintain logs of observations, times, and contacts.
- • Practice safe mobile and foot surveillance techniques and counter-surveillance awareness.
- • Coordinate forensic testing with qualified labs or experts and relay case objectives.
- • Handle evidence and client data securely; protect confidentiality and privilege.
- • Communicate progress and findings to clients; adjust strategy based on new information.
- • Collaborate with insurers, corporate security, and law enforcement when appropriate.
- • Develop undercover pretexts where lawful and ethical to obtain information.
- • Manage case files, expenses, and timekeeping for billing and compliance.
- • Ensure compliance with licensing, recording, and privacy laws in all jurisdictions worked.
- • Produce exhibits, timelines, and maps to support litigation or internal decisions.
- • Verify alibis and timelines by corroborating records, video, and witness accounts.
- • Conduct missing-person and locate-family investigations.
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Public Service & Safety
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Source
Tasks & skills:
O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
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Sources & Standards:
This site includes information from O*NET by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Career Clutch has modified some of this information for student readability. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Last reviewed: Jan 2026
