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Background investigator vs military police officer

The differences between background investigators and military police officers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a background investigator has an average salary of $51,076, which is higher than the $38,080 average annual salary of a military police officer.

The top three skills for a background investigator include excellent time management, work ethic and face-to-face interviews. The most important skills for a military police officer are crowd control, order operations, and patrol.

Background investigator vs military police officer overview

Background InvestigatorMilitary Police Officer
Yearly salary$51,076$38,080
Hourly rate$24.56$18.31
Growth rate6%3%
Number of jobs4,428122,487
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 64%Bachelor's Degree, 37%
Average age4440
Years of experience6-

What does a background investigator do?

The primary job of background investigators is to conduct background checks into an individual's personal and professional history that can validate or disprove their identity and character. They perform background investigations as part of hiring new employees, making an investment, and choosing a public official. Background investigators are responsible for obtaining and reviewing witness statements and arrest reports and meeting with candidates or the management to keep them updated on the investigation's progress and status. They are also responsible for completing background packages for final review and recommendation.

What does a military police officer do?

A military police officer is responsible for ensuring the safety and security of the areas assigned for their duly protection. Military police officers monitor their premises efficiently, inspecting suspicious individuals within the territory, and enforcing strict legislation protocols and military regulations for everyone's compliance. They locate security breaches, assist with law enforcement investigations, provide battlefield support, and coordinate with other law institutions and citizens for security enhancement. A military police officer must have extensive knowledge with state procedures and military rules, performing various duties, and maintaining peace and order.

Background investigator vs military police officer salary

Background investigators and military police officers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Background InvestigatorMilitary Police Officer
Average salary$51,076$38,080
Salary rangeBetween $28,000 And $90,000Between $25,000 And $56,000
Highest paying City--
Highest paying state--
Best paying company--
Best paying industry--

Differences between background investigator and military police officer education

There are a few differences between a background investigator and a military police officer in terms of educational background:

Background InvestigatorMilitary Police Officer
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 64%Bachelor's Degree, 37%
Most common majorCriminal JusticeCriminal Justice
Most common collegeCalifornia State University - BakersfieldCalifornia State University - Bakersfield

Background investigator vs military police officer demographics

Here are the differences between background investigators' and military police officers' demographics:

Background InvestigatorMilitary Police Officer
Average age4440
Gender ratioMale, 49.6% Female, 50.4%Male, 78.9% Female, 21.1%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 15.2% Unknown, 5.8% Hispanic or Latino, 18.8% Asian, 4.6% White, 55.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%Black or African American, 12.1% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 17.7% Asian, 3.3% White, 61.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0%
LGBT Percentage8%7%

Differences between background investigator and military police officer duties and responsibilities

Background investigator example responsibilities.

  • Participate in and lead the controlled purchase of illegal narcotics and firearms to apprehend suspects.
  • Conduct covert surveillance, deploy camera systems & GPS trackers, & report findings to be used in family court cases.
  • Provide EEO education and training.
  • Have top Secert ssbi clearance in JPAS
  • Comply with DOD site security protocols.
  • Conduct background investigations on behalf of CBP.
  • Show more

Military police officer example responsibilities.

  • Lead basic reconnaissance operation and report enemy movement to the platoon sergeant.
  • Manage the collection effort, supervise all-source analysis and ensure combat information and intelligence are disseminated rapidly to army units.
  • Perform law enforcement and garrison duties on military installations to include service during combat operations.
  • Investigate suspicious persons and situations along with safety hazards, unusual or illegal activity within the appointed patrol area.
  • Maintain weapons such as the M9 pistol and the M4 rifle.
  • Fulfill a range ofMP duties for both combat and peacekeeping missions.
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Background investigator vs military police officer skills

Common background investigator skills
  • Excellent Time Management, 18%
  • Work Ethic, 18%
  • Face-To-Face Interviews, 11%
  • National Security, 8%
  • Law Enforcement Agencies, 8%
  • Financial Institutions, 7%
Common military police officer skills
  • Crowd Control, 26%
  • Order Operations, 25%
  • Patrol, 15%
  • Public Safety, 6%
  • Emergency Calls, 4%
  • Law Enforcement Patrols, 3%

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