Why would I need the services of a Private Investigator?
1. Danger Risks – If you try to do your own private investigation instead of hiring a detective, it’s likely that you could put yourself in danger. Unless you have experience with investigative work, you won’t know how to properly perform surveillance. This could lead to you being discovered, which can ruin your chances of success and possibly put you in danger, especially if your suspect has a criminal background. On the other hand, a private detective will be trained to perform surveillance without being detected.
2. Advanced Skill Set – You may think that you have what it takes to be a private detective from watching crime shows on TV, but the job is far more complicated than it seems. Real private investigators are trained in the latest surveillance technology and research methods. They also know how to think on their feet, perform threat assessments, and anticipate a suspect’s next moves. Many of today’s private detective companies make sure their investigators continually receive training so that they can perform quality investigations.
3. Investigation Techniques – Conducting an investigation involves asking the right questions and knowing how to ask them to get the right answers. Private investigators are trained to use probing techniques and ask open-ended questions so that subjects provide them with the most information. This is a skill that can take years to develop and can only be found among professionals.
4. Specialized Technology – A vital part of today’s investigation involves the use of specialized equipment for surveillance, tracking, and research. This technology is both expensive and complicated to use. Even if you had the money to buy this equipment, it’s likely that you wouldn’t use it to its full potential. It’s best to leave it up to professional investigators.
5. Experience – Even if you have the natural skills and fancy equipment of a private investigator, you won’t be able to match the value of their experience. It’s likely that they’ve already experienced situations such as being discovered, coming to a dead end, or coming across danger, which means they know how to handle such situations when they happen again. Any amateur who tries to conduct a private investigation will likely waste a considerable amount of time and put themselves in danger.
6. Knowing and Respecting the Laws – Since most private investigations have the possibility of leading to court proceedings, a professional detective is trained to collect evidence in a way that doesn’t violate the law or court rules. There are also laws in every state that directly deal with private investigations and allow professional detectives to do certain things that amateurs can’t get away with.
7. Time – Private investigations can take up a lot of time, which is why professional detectives perform them as a full-time job. It’s highly unlikely that you would be able to devote nearly as much time to an investigation and still spend time on other responsibilities like your job and family. You also won’t use time nearly as effectively as a professional detective will.
What types of services do Private Investigators Provide?
Private Investigators offer many types of investigations. Investigators often work with Law Firms to gather information on civil or defense cases .Insurance companies often hire investigators to look into suspicious claims. Private individuals hire investigators to locate missing people, to do surveillance on spouses and many other reasons. Businesses hire investigators to do background checks and embezzlement investigations.
What types of things are Private Investigators not allowed to do?
Private investigators are not allowed to break the law. Although Private Investigators have access to information the general public can not obtain, they must obey the same basic laws as ordinary citizens. Three big things they cannot do: Pose as Law Enforcement Officers. Wire Tapping. Obtain cell phone records via pre-texting.
What should I do before hiring a Private Investigator?
It is important you due your due diligence before hiring a Private Investigator. You should do the following: ask for and check references, obtain their license number and check with the licensing board to make sure they are current and have no complaints.
How do Private Investigators charge?
In the majority of cases Private Investigators charge by the hour. Hourly rates vary. Nearly all investigators will ask for a retainer fee before taking a case. It is unlikely you will find an Investigator willing to do just one or two hours of investigative work.
What types of special tools or equipment do Private Investigators use?
A successful Private Investigator will own several investigative tools. These tools are based on the type of cases they work on. The most important investigative tool is a surveillance friendly vehicle. Other things are digital video cameras, covert body cameras, covert body recorders, night vision cameras, gps tracking equipment, and security video systems.
Who must a Private Investigator divulge information to?
A private Investigator may not release information acquired during an investigation to anyone other than his or her client, unless otherwise instructed by the client. However if a judge issues a Private Investigator to release information through a court order, the rules of the court must be followed.
Do Private Investigators ever offer free advice?
Often Private Investigators will offer free advice on how to proceed before accepting a case. Many times they will advise a client to consult with an attorney before taking on a case. This insures that the investigation will not only be beneficial but cost effective.
