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Criminal investigations division investigator vs private investigator

The differences between criminal investigations division investigators and private investigators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a criminal investigations division investigator, becoming a private investigator takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a criminal investigations division investigator has an average salary of $54,381, which is higher than the $48,019 average annual salary of a private investigator.

The top three skills for a criminal investigations division investigator include litigation, law enforcement agencies and federal agencies. The most important skills for a private investigator are background checks, background investigations, and video surveillance.

Criminal investigations division investigator vs private investigator overview

Criminal Investigations Division InvestigatorPrivate Investigator
Yearly salary$54,381$48,019
Hourly rate$26.14$23.09
Growth rate3%6%
Number of jobs6,4216,675
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 57%Bachelor's Degree, 54%
Average age4444
Years of experience26

Criminal investigations division investigator vs private investigator salary

Criminal investigations division investigators and private investigators have different pay scales, as shown below.

Criminal Investigations Division InvestigatorPrivate Investigator
Average salary$54,381$48,019
Salary rangeBetween $33,000 And $88,000Between $29,000 And $78,000
Highest paying City--
Highest paying state--
Best paying company--
Best paying industry--

Differences between criminal investigations division investigator and private investigator education

There are a few differences between a criminal investigations division investigator and a private investigator in terms of educational background:

Criminal Investigations Division InvestigatorPrivate Investigator
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 57%Bachelor's Degree, 54%
Most common majorCriminal JusticeCriminal Justice
Most common college-University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Criminal investigations division investigator vs private investigator demographics

Here are the differences between criminal investigations division investigators' and private investigators' demographics:

Criminal Investigations Division InvestigatorPrivate Investigator
Average age4444
Gender ratioMale, 65.9% Female, 34.1%Male, 73.1% Female, 26.9%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 12.0% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 17.2% Asian, 2.8% White, 62.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%Black or African American, 13.2% Unknown, 5.6% Hispanic or Latino, 18.9% Asian, 4.6% White, 57.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage9%8%

Differences between criminal investigations division investigator and private investigator duties and responsibilities

Criminal investigations division investigator example responsibilities.

  • Receive multiple letters of commendation for effective investigations that lead to successful prosecutions.
  • Participate during local search warrant and issue subpoenas for documentary evidence and notice to appear in court.
  • Proofread and assist state investigators with writing affidavits in order to obtain search warrants and subpoenas for operations and phone taps.
  • Provide direction and guidance on several high-profile homicide investigations, as well as numerous additional criminal and narcotics investigations.
  • Conduct OFAC alert investigation using global standard policies, procedures and tools aim at meeting internal and external regulatory requirements.

Private investigator example responsibilities.

  • Manage all business reporting to include; payroll, taxes, client billing, account reconciliations and compliance reports.
  • Take ownership of the queue and promptly escalate any issues or obstacles to completing daily SAR filings
  • Conduct SIU, fraud, criminal, civil, and exploratory investigations as defined in client contracts.
  • Conduct different types of SIU investigations as well as civil, criminal, and asset background courthouse checks.
  • Serve subpoenas, coordinate witness court appearances, compile information from interviews, and developed/maintain community and informant contacts.
  • Create quality control documentation associate with manufacturing process, raw materials and quality testing procedures according to corporate and FDA guidelines.
  • Show more

Criminal investigations division investigator vs private investigator skills

Common criminal investigations division investigator skills
  • Litigation, 15%
  • Law Enforcement Agencies, 11%
  • Federal Agencies, 11%
  • Trial Preparation, 10%
  • Subpoenas, 10%
  • Evidence Collection, 8%
Common private investigator skills
  • Background Checks, 15%
  • Background Investigations, 12%
  • Video Surveillance, 12%
  • Subpoenas, 5%
  • Law Enforcement Agencies, 5%
  • Computer Database, 4%

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