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The differences between special investigation unit investigators and patrol officers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a special investigation unit investigator has an average salary of $49,213, which is higher than the $35,621 average annual salary of a patrol officer.
The top three skills for a special investigation unit investigator include management system, BSA/AML and fincen. The most important skills for a patrol officer are patrol, customer service, and public safety.
A special investigation unit investigator works at an insurance company to detect and thwart fraudulent claims and activities. To carry out their duties, they must coordinate with staff to gather and analyze client information, perform research and analysis, travel to different sites to observe and investigate, and conduct interviews as needed. They may also investigate employees, examine their actions and information. Moreover, a special investigation unit investigator must maintain an active communication line with staff for an efficient and smooth workflow.
The job of patrol officers is to enforce ordinances, laws, prevent crime, control crowds, arrest violators, and regulate traffic. They also perform other duties that may include monitoring an assigned area for unauthorized or suspicious activity, responding to reports of emergencies and possible crime such as robberies, and building good relationships with community members. To be a successful patrol officer, you should have solid judgment, excellent communication skills, and decision-making skills in stressful situations.
Special investigation unit investigators and patrol officers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Special Investigation Unit Investigator | Patrol Officer | |
| Average salary | $49,213 | $35,621 |
| Salary range | Between $32,000 And $74,000 | Between $27,000 And $46,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | Seattle, WA |
| Highest paying state | - | North Dakota |
| Best paying company | - | Mount St. Mary's University |
| Best paying industry | - | Government |
There are a few differences between a special investigation unit investigator and a patrol officer in terms of educational background:
| Special Investigation Unit Investigator | Patrol Officer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 63% | Bachelor's Degree, 43% |
| Most common major | Criminal Justice | Criminal Justice |
| Most common college | - | California State University - Long Beach |
Here are the differences between special investigation unit investigators' and patrol officers' demographics:
| Special Investigation Unit Investigator | Patrol Officer | |
| Average age | 44 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 63.0% Female, 37.0% | Male, 82.9% Female, 17.1% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 12.1% 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, 12.5% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 18.5% Asian, 3.5% White, 59.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0% |
| LGBT Percentage | 9% | 7% |