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The differences between special investigators and special investigation unit 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 a special investigation unit investigator. Additionally, a special investigator has an average salary of $50,623, which is higher than the $49,213 average annual salary of a special investigation unit investigator.
The top three skills for a special investigator include law enforcement agencies, background checks and child abuse. The most important skills for a special investigation unit investigator are management system, BSA/AML, and fincen.
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.
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.
Special investigators and special investigation unit investigators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Special Investigator | Special Investigation Unit Investigator | |
| Average salary | $50,623 | $49,213 |
| Salary range | Between $31,000 And $80,000 | Between $32,000 And $74,000 |
| Highest paying City | Lompoc, CA | - |
| Highest paying state | Maryland | - |
| Best paying company | City of Los Angeles | - |
| Best paying industry | Insurance | - |
There are a few differences between a special investigator and a special investigation unit investigator in terms of educational background:
| Special Investigator | Special Investigation Unit Investigator | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 63% |
| Most common major | Criminal Justice | Criminal Justice |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between special investigators' and special investigation unit investigators' demographics:
| Special Investigator | Special Investigation Unit Investigator | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 63.5% Female, 36.5% | Male, 63.0% Female, 37.0% |
| 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, 12.1% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 17.2% Asian, 2.8% White, 62.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% |
| LGBT Percentage | 9% | 9% |