Private Detectives and Investigators

Task by task

Each task this job involves, as listed by O*NET, rated on whether a large language model like GPT-4 could cut the time it takes by at least half at the same quality. Tasks marked Seen in real AI use appeared in conversations with Claude in April–May 2026 (Anthropic Economic Index).

• AI can speed this up on its own: 1 (6%)
• AI can speed this up with extra software: 10 (59%)
• Little or no AI speed-up: 6 (35%)

• Write reports or case summaries to document investigations.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
• Conduct private investigations on a paid basis.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Search computer databases, credit reports, public records, tax or legal filings, or other resources to locate persons or to compile information for investigations.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Conduct personal background investigations, such as pre-employment checks, to obtain information about an individual's character, financial status, or personal history.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Expose fraudulent insurance claims or stolen funds.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Obtain and analyze information on suspects, crimes, or disturbances to solve cases, to identify criminal activity, or to gather information for court cases.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Question persons to obtain evidence for cases of divorce, child custody, or missing persons or information about individuals' character or financial status.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Observe and document activities of individuals to detect unlawful acts or to obtain evidence for cases, using binoculars and still or video cameras.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Investigate companies' financial standings, or locate funds stolen by embezzlers, using accounting skills.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
• Alert appropriate personnel to suspects' locations.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
• Count cash and review transactions, sales checks, or register tapes to verify amounts or to identify shortages.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
• Testify at hearings or court trials to present evidence.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Confer with establishment officials, security departments, police, or postal officials to identify problems, provide information, or receive instructions.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Perform undercover operations, such as evaluating the performance or honesty of employees by posing as customers or employees.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Monitor industrial or commercial properties to enforce conformance to establishment rules and to protect people or property.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Apprehend suspects and release them to law enforcement authorities or security personnel.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Warn troublemakers causing problems on establishment premises and eject them from premises when necessary.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task