FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
ABOUT PRIVATE INVESTIGATIONS
Why do P.I’s charge that amount?
What we charge depends on many factors. Location, experience, difficulty of the investigation, number of investigators assigned, etc. Often times all we have to sell is our knowledge and our time. Think for a moment about what some other service industries charge. Plumbers, mechanics, doctors, TV repair guys. Now think of this... our work product may very well solve your case, keep you out of jail, find your key witness, catch your spouse cheating, or even save your life. Do you really want to go bargain shopping for that type of service? Some PI firms invest thousands of dollars each year on equipment, training, and databases so that they can offer you the best service possible. Always feel free to call around and get price quotes from other agencies. Just make sure they are offering a comparable service. Make sure that they aren't just going to contract it out to another firm, and mark it up. Check for a PI license, and don't be afraid to ask who will actually be doing the investigation. Just because you meet with the owner, who has decades of experience, that doesn't necessarily mean that he will be doing the surveillance, etc. Make sure that the person actually doing it has more than just a few weeks of training.
Do P.I.’s ever work PRO-BONO???
Everyone wants something for free. There is nothing wrong with that. It's not a crime to want, just don't get upset when/if your request for a freebee gets turned down. Sure we give out plenty of help for free, but sometimes it's just not feasible. Our time is all we have to sell. You stand a chance of someone answering your question for free. Go ahead and ask. It just gets old sometimes to hear the same old story about not being able to afford a PI, and then we receive an email on a $1,000+ computer. There are many investigators out there that will help out for free when they can, but you shouldn't just expect it. That's all I'm trying to say. This is our job. This is how we feed our families and pay our bills. There aren't a whole lot of service-based professions who will gladly offer out free advice on how to do it yourself without paying them.
Can P.I.’s get non-published phone numbers and addresses?
There has to be a good or legal reason for obtaining this information. Many times ex-husbands or ex- wives, or even psycho stalkers want to find a person's unlisted address to do harm. There has been at least one high profile murder (of a T.V. star) that occurred because a PI gave out an unlisted address to a psychopath stalker. Because of this, more and more laws are passed which restrict the flow of data to our profession. That means we have to charge you more for some services. Also, since we are giving out information that can be considered "private", we will most likely (and should) want to know why you are seeking this information. If you are not comfortable in telling us WHY you want the information you want, you will not get this information. We do not want to end up as the lead story on the local or national news channels.
Can a P.I. get toll calls and long distance records?
Be advised that with the passing of many new privacy laws, this in some instances can be construed as Theft of Proprietary Data. It depends on how the information was obtained. Again, you need a good reason for this, and curiosity doesn't count.
Where can I find this information for free?
Think about this question. This is basically saying, "I don't want to hire you, but will you tell me how to get the information you sell for free?" It's like the old saying: The computer repairman comes to your house to fix your computer. He looks at it, takes out his screwdriver and tightens one screw on the back of the computer. He hands you a bill for $100. Of course you ask, "Why $100? It only took you 5 seconds to turn that screw!" He replies, "Yes. But you didn't pay me to turn the screw......you paid me to know WHICH screw to turn."
Some PI's will post links to various search engines and databases on their sites. Normally, anything found on the Internet is outdated (as far as free databases), and should always be verified through other sources.
Can a P.I. tap my phone? Can a P.I. sell me a "bug"?
Depends on the state you are in and the circumstances surrounding. Most likely no. Some states will let you tape calls if one person in the conversation knows about the recording. This is referred to as a "one party state". Better to check with your attorney and be sure to get his advice in writing. Under most circumstances selling a "bugging device" is illegal.
Where can I buy debugging devices, I think my phone may be tapped?
The people who really know this area consider most of what you will find being sold on the Internet junk. A true "debugging device" can cost thousands of dollars. Just owning a device does not guarantee that the person is qualified to operate it correctly. There are schools that teach nothing but the operation of certain pieces of equipment. Some of these companies who offer Debugging will perform a "Dog and Pony Show" for you when they arrive, while using a $50 piece of equipment they bought from an Internet spy shop. Buyer Beware
I've tried to do the investigation myself. Can a P.I. help me now?
Keep in mind that if you try to do the investigation yourself, you stand a very good chance of botching it. Once the SUBJECT knows he/she is under investigation, you can usually give it up. It is usually better to invest the money with a reputable PI and have it done right the first time. Besides, a judge will be more likely to believe the evidence produced by a disinterested 3rd party, than someone directly related to the subject of the investigation.
Can P.I.’s find anyone, anywhere, anytime?
No one can. Be realistic. Some PI's are very good, but no one can find anyone, anywhere, anytime. This is just a marketing scheme. If they are making that promise, get it in writing that if they don't find them, you don't pay (No Find, No Fee). Which brings me to my next topic...
Should I pick an investigator who is a member in many organizations?
That depends on you. Some organizations have very strict application procedures and testing, while others simply require a fee. I wouldn't base your choice on that aspect alone. Just as there are diploma mills for college degrees, there are diploma mills for this profession too. Some companies will award you with a "Certified Expert Certificate", just from buying their book on a certain subject. There are also Internet sites where you can order PI credentials and certificates, and even become an ordained minister who used to work for the KGB, for the low, low price of $19.95.
How should I go about choosing an investigator?
Many good investigators can be found on the Internet or in the phone book, while others rely solely on referrals. There are investigative referral companies and organizations such as C.A.L.I., PICA, SDCIA, & PI-International. Check with the state. Most states require P.I.s to be licenses and have had prior investigative experience from law enforcement or other related fields.
Can you use the nanny cams and hidden video?
Some P.I.s have that capability. Ask. Some sell the equipment, and some rent it. If you set something like that up in your home, consult with an attorney. If you forget and leave the microphone on (recording sound), that may be a felony in many states.
Do PI's carry guns? Can they be bodyguards?
Some do. Depends on the state, and depends on the person. Most states require special licensing for Body Guard work. Make sure you ask them if they are licensed to offer that service. In California a P.I can do bodyguard work in conjunction with an investigation.
Can a PI do things the ordinary citizen can't?
Normally a PI is just an ordinary citizen who has been licensed to conduct "Private Investigations" in that state. Usually we can access databases that the general public can't. P.I.’s who have a law enforcement background usually will have a better understanding of the law.
Why do P.I.’s want a retainer fee up front?
Unfortunately, some clients who do not like the outcome or results of their investigation do not want to pay. So, like many other professions, such as attorney, P.I.’s work off of a paid retainer instead of the dealing with the hassle of collecting the monies due through a law suite or collections agency.
Do I still have to sign their contract?
Yes, It is best that you do. P.I.’s like to have everything in writing from the client so there is no misunderstanding about the fees and assignment. All work is confidential and P.I’s do not inform other parties that you have hired them.
Can a P.I. guarantee results?
We cannot guarantee results. We can only guarantee that the necessary information, documentation, etc. will be searched for diligently, legally, expediently, and as economically as possible.
Can investigators lose the Subject on surveillance?
If surveillance is necessary we feel obligated to inform you of the "real life caveats." Surveillance, especially moving surveillance, is a hit and miss science. We can perform these observations under agreed upon time and location parameters but cannot promise activity on behalf of the subject. Similarly, moving surveillance carries with it inherent obstacles such as the unpredictable nature of traffic. There is no guarantee that contact with the subject can be maintained as we cannot predict traffic flow, traffic conditions, weather, or other unforeseen problems. We are bound to follow all laws, including traffic laws. Similarly, privacy and private property laws will dictate the conduct of some surveillance.
We hope that these questions and answers have given you a better understanding of what a private investigator can or can’t do. Today Private Investigators play an important part in helping the general public in gathering information that enables them to seek justice and/or prove their case.
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