ABSTRACT
The future need for private investigators and the employment outlook of the private investigation profession in conducting traditional investigations as well as homeland security investigations are projected to grow by 5 percent from 2015 to 2024 (Figure 8.1). This is as fast as the average for all occupations. Technological advances have led to an increase in cybercrimes, such as identity theft, credit card fraud, and spamming. Internet scams, as well as other types of financial and insurance fraud, create demand for investigative services, particularly by the legal services industry. Background investigations will continue to be a source of work for many investigators, because both employers and personal contacts wish to verify a person’s credibility. With the concerns related to international terrorism and protection of the homeland, private investigators will be needed to provide this service to private security in areas where the federal government security and intelligence service, and state and local law enforcement cannot.
