Surveillance, Investigation & Security Consulting Services Industry Profile

Companies in this industry provide investigation and detective services. Major firms include US-based Allied Universal, FTI Consulting, Kroll, and Sterling.

Because of the global nature of business operations, investigation firms frequently operate in multiple countries. Multinational clients may seek providers with local expertise in numerous jurisdictions. The US investigation services market is expected to reach about $6.7 billion by 2024, according to Statista.

The US surveillance, investigation, and security consulting industry includes about 4,200 establishments (single-location companies and units of multi-location companies) with combined annual revenue of about $6 billion.

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

Demand is driven by the needs of businesses, nonprofit institutions, and government agencies for outside advice on risk assessment and mitigation. The profitability of individual firms depends on the efficiency of their operations and their ability to maintain a steady flow of business. Large firms have advantages in being able to offer broad ranges of services and to take on more complex projects. Small firms can compete effectively by specializing. The US industry is concentrated: the top 50 firms account for about 60% of industry revenue.

PRODUCTS, OPERATIONS & TECHNOLOGY

Major services include personal background checks accounting for about 40% of the industry's revenue, followed by the investigation services which accounts for more than 30%. Insurance investigation services account for about 15%. Other services include corporate investigation, legal investigation, and security guard and patrol services.

Pre-employment services assist clients in making confident hiring decisions. Typical services ...