Special investigator vs internal affairs investigator

The differences between special investigators and internal affairs investigators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a special investigator and an internal affairs investigator. Additionally, an internal affairs investigator has an average salary of $54,189, which is higher than the $50,623 average annual salary of a special investigator.

The top three skills for a special investigator include law enforcement agencies, background checks and child abuse. The most important skills for an internal affairs investigator are patrol, background checks, and conduct interviews.

Special investigator vs internal affairs investigator overview

	Special Investigator	Internal Affairs Investigator
Yearly salary	$50,623	$54,189
Hourly rate	$24.34	$26.05
Growth rate	3%	3%
Number of jobs	14,799	15,880
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 67%	Bachelor's Degree, 60%
Average age	44	44
Years of experience	2	2

What does a special investigator do?

A special investigator is responsible for gathering information and analyzing evidence to identify criminal activities and law-violating instances. Special investigators review surveillance devices, interview witnesses, and coordinate with law enforcement agencies to collect related reports. They sort and store documents securely on databases for reference, confirm statements, and assist in court procedures for in-depth investigation. A special investigator must be highly communicative and observational, especially in organizing materials and verifying information to support claims and file the appropriate legal actions.

What does an internal affairs investigator do?

An internal affairs investigator is responsible for investigating an alleged violation committed by a person or company, such as misuse of funds, misconduct, corruption among company officials, or other concerns involving employees and staff. They also monitor wrongful accusations. Other duties include writing investigative data and reports, conducting interrogations and interviews with all parties involved in an accusation, and providing testimony.

Special investigator vs internal affairs investigator salary

Special investigators and internal affairs investigators have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Special Investigator	Internal Affairs Investigator
Average salary	$50,623	$54,189
Salary range	Between $31,000 And $80,000	Between $25,000 And $115,000
Highest paying City	Lompoc, CA	New York, NY
Highest paying state	Maryland	Maryland
Best paying company	City of Los Angeles	Amazon
Best paying industry	Insurance	-

Differences between special investigator and internal affairs investigator education

There are a few differences between a special investigator and an internal affairs investigator in terms of educational background:

	Special Investigator	Internal Affairs Investigator
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 67%	Bachelor's Degree, 60%
Most common major	Criminal Justice	Criminal Justice
Most common college	-	-

Special investigator vs internal affairs investigator demographics

Here are the differences between special investigators' and internal affairs investigators' demographics:

	Special Investigator	Internal Affairs Investigator
Average age	44	44
Gender ratio	Male, 63.5% Female, 36.5%	Male, 72.0% Female, 28.0%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 11.8% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 16.9% Asian, 2.8% White, 62.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%	Black or African American, 11.7% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 16.7% Asian, 2.8% White, 63.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%
LGBT Percentage	9%	9%

Differences between special investigator and internal affairs investigator duties and responsibilities

Special investigator example responsibilities.

Gather and analyze pertinent documentation, collect recorded statements, report fraud, and manage data in support of subsequent litigation.
Gather and analyze pertinent documentation, collect recorded statements, report fraud, and manage data in support of subsequent litigation.
Complete a DMV check to verify applicant identity.
Conduct in-depth financial investigations to determine patient's eligibility for Medicaid.
Ensure compliance of all plans and documentation by researching employment history, criminal records, civil filings, and DMV records.
Use specify techniques to safeguard PII including daily case document check out and bi-weekly case retention manifests.

Internal affairs investigator example responsibilities.

Receive multiple letters of commendation for effective investigations that lead to successful prosecutions.
Deploy technical surveillance (CCTV) to protect corporate proprietary information and assets.
Used exception reports, CCTV and interview to determine loss and make decision on resolution of the case.
Testify at criminal, civil, administration, arbitration and/or deposition hearings.
Investigate and open cases on customers and non-customers who have potentially engage in activity which goes against federally mandate BSA/AML regulations.
Conduct extensive research and case file preparation for due process hearings such as pre-disciplinary conferences and arbitrations.

Special investigator vs internal affairs investigator skills

Common special investigator skills

Law Enforcement Agencies, 11%
Background Checks, 9%
Child Abuse, 7%
Insurance Claims, 5%
SIS, 5%
Local Law Enforcement, 4%

Common internal affairs investigator skills

Patrol, 22%
Background Checks, 10%
Conduct Interviews, 8%
Law Enforcement Agencies, 8%
Narrative Reports, 5%
Administrative Hearings, 5%

Special Investigator vs. similar jobs

Special Investigator related careers

Special Investigator related jobs

What similar roles do

Zippia Careers
Protective Service Industry
Special Investigator
Special Investigator vs Internal Affairs Investigator

Updated January 8, 2025

Browse protective service jobs