Job Description
Private Investigator | Private Security Officer
With this Company you will be Licensed as a Class "A" Registrant of Ohio Special Services Group, LLC. Therefore you will be able to fill both roles when needed.
Private Investigator
Private detectives and investigators provide private investigative services to collect information. Private detectives analyze information to solve mysteries and uncover facts. Private detectives and investigators offer protection services, pre-employment screening, and investigate peoples' backgrounds. Some investigate identity theft, cyber harassment, and copyright violations. They assist during criminal and civil cases, insurance fraud, missing persons investigations, and child protection and custody disputes. They are often hired by people to investigate whether their spouses have committed infidelity. Private detectives utilize many investigative methods. They generally use computers to find documents, locate deleted emails, and conduct database searches. Investigators utilize computers to find information about criminal records, telephone numbers, court judgments, and motor vehicle registration. Detectives and investigators also conduct surveillance. Investigators make phone calls to verify, for example, someone's income or location of employment. While conducting missing persons or background checks, detectives conduct interviews to collect information. Sometimes investigators conduct undercover work to monitor people without being identified. Most private detectives and investigators understand how to conduct physical surveillance while some specialize in using technology for surveillance. Sometimes private detectives conduct surveillance from a car or a location where they will not be noticed. Using video cameras, mobile phones, and binoculars private detectives conduct time consuming surveillance. The duties of private detectives are dependent on clients' requests. For example, if a private detective were investigating workers' compensation fraud, he or she might monitor the person suspecting of committing fraud to determine whether it is being committed. If the person is defrauding workers' compensation, the investigator would document it by taking pictures and report the person to authorities. Detectives and investigators must obey all laws while conducting investigations. They must stay updated about privacy laws, as well as other federal and state laws affecting their work. Often private detectives must make judgment calls when the legality of certain surveillance methods is unclear. They must collect evidence legally, so it will be admissible in court. WORK ENVIRONMENT
Some private detectives spend all day in their office doing computer work and making phone calls, but many detectives spend time out of the office interviewing people and conducting surveillance. When investigators are conducting investigations, they may spend their time in fancy corporate offices or rundown bars. Store and hotel detectives spend their days at the businesses they provide security for. Investigators usually work alone, but sometimes while conducting surveillance or when trying to avoid being identified, they work in groups. Since detectives often confront people, their jobs can be dangerous and stressful. When investigators have bodyguard responsibilities they often carry firearms. Since private detectives conduct surveillance and contact people not available during normal business hours, they often work nights, early mornings, and weekends.
EDUCATION AND TRAINING
Private investigators are typically not required to complete formal training, but many hold graduate degrees. Investigators who specialize typically hold bachelor's degrees and complete specialized training. Aspiring investigators should take classes in criminal justice and police science while in college to improve promotion opportunities. Even though relevant prior work experience is usually required, some private investigators begin their careers after earning a college degree, typically in police science or criminal justice. Companies and individuals that hire private investigators often prefer hiring investigators with law enforcement experience.
PRIVATE SECURITY OFFICER
Job Duties
Private security guards are hired by businesses and individuals to protect people and property from criminal activities such as vandalism, theft and fire. A security guard's specific duties will vary by employer, but typically will include monitoring a specific area at all hours of the day and reporting on any incidents that may take place. Private security guards may wear uniforms or be dressed in street clothes. For example, shopping mall security personnel may wear street clothes while they monitor the mall for shoplifting.
Private security guards look for anyone or anything suspicious in their area of responsibility by monitoring video cameras, scanning crowds, inspecting property and supervising activities. After hours, they regularly check that all windows, gates and doors on a property are secure. They also ensure all security equipment is working properly. Private security guards may also investigate reports of suspicious activities or disruptions occurring on the property.
Some individuals hire private security guards to escort them safely to various places. They may also drive shielded vehicles containing valuable items.
Private security guards may detain individuals who are suspected of a crime on their property until law enforcement arrives. Or, they may escort people off the property and warn them they may face arrest if they return. Some private security guards are trained to respond with physical force and to carry and use weapons, including firearms, batons and pepper spray.
To keep track of each day's activities, security guards write daily reports. Any incidents or suspicious people are recorded for review by security managers. Private security guards are sometimes called on to testify in court.
Education
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported there are no formal education requirements for private security guards, but they need at least a high school diploma if the job requires that they carry a firearm (www.bls.gov). Some employers require security guards to possess some type of formal training, especially those who will need a high level of security. Security education degree and certificate programs can be found at many universities and colleges. Bachelor's degree programs are available in majors such as security management, criminology, information security and other related majors. Coursework in these programs include emergency planning, terrorism studies, critical thinking, security methods, risk investigation and security ethics.
Certifications
Certification for private security guards is not mandatory, but helps validate an individual's capabilities and professional experience. ASIS International, a security professionals organization, offers three certifications accredited by the Professional Certification Board. Individuals granted the Certified Protection Professional certification must have at least nine years of security experience that includes several years of security management experience. They must also pass a test demonstrating security solutions and ethical business procedures.
A Professional Certified Investigator certification is awarded to individuals who perform investigations and exhibit adept capabilities. They must have at least five years of investigative experience and must take an exam.
The Physical Security Professional certification is awarded to security professionals who display technical proficiency in security solutions. They must have at least a high school diploma or equivalent and five years of work experience in security solutions technology. Candidates must pass an exam before receiving the certification.
Employment Outlook and Salary Information
Private security guards are hired to protect people, places or possessions. It is their job to monitor and patrol an area they've been hired to oversee, or to provide personal security for an individual or group they've been hired to protect. They must be observant, as their job involves being alert and looking for anything out of the ordinary that may suggest an imminent threat.
Company Description
Licensed Private Investigators Licensed Private Security Officers Licensed Bail Bond Agents