How does private investigation work? It’s often the first question we hear from those looking into private investigator services. There are a lot of misconceived notions about private investigations because of the image portrayed in movies and books so it first starts with understanding what private investigators actually do. Private investigators are hired to find information by gathering facts and collecting information that can be used to determine if crime is committed.
Contrary to popular belief, the start of a private investigation isn’t tailing someone in a vehicle or conducting interviews in shady alleys. It begins with solid planning and analysis. The private investigator must sit down with the client, whether a private citizen or business, and determine if the case is not only possible to solve but also ethical and legal to pursue. The investigation is conducted through a variety of ways but usually begins with surveillance. This involves hours of stakeout and following an individual in order to document where he or she goes and who her or she interacts with. Private investigators often also interview subjects and witnesses. However, because there is no legal obligation to talk to a private investigator, this could prove to be a time consuming and difficult part of the process. They also collect information by searching through public records to find more about criminal records, mortgage records, voter registration, or marriage and divorce records.
After gathering all their information, private investigators must then analyze the evidence to share with their clients. It’s important to note that the evidence gathered must be done so in a way that it is acceptable to present in court. For example, they cannot collect information by trespassing or breaking and entering or using recording devices and wiretapping. As a result, surveillance is usually done from a public property. Private investigators are often called upon in court to present their findings.
Given all the work that goes into a private investigation, the second question often asked is “How much do private investigators cost?” That answer, as you may suspect, varies based on a variety of conditions. First, are you working with an agency or an individual? Second, where are you located? The cost of a private investigator, much like real estate, depends on location. Third, how complex is the case? It’s fair to assume that complicated cases that require more hours of surveillance or deeper digging for information will cost more than simpler cases. The cost can also vary based on the payment plans offered – hourly rate, flat rate, or retainer.
The work private investigators do is often related to the most important things in one’s lives – children, business, family, etc. As a result, it’s critical to select the private investigator or agency best fit to return a favorable outcome. The top private investigation companies offer a variety of services and employ private investigators with experience and formal training. Global Pursuit has been in business for over 40 years and our investigators are world renowned with high-level contacts throughout the United States, Europe, Asia, Latin America, Mexico, Canada, Africa, and the Middle East.
