Private investigation companies are hired by individuals, businesses and government agencies to handle a variety of cases. From conducting employment-related background checks to locating missing people, private investigators have the knowledge and experience needed to find crucial evidence using a wide range of tools and sources. The average person does not usually possess the skills required to gather vital evidence and information. They may also not want to risk getting caught inquiring about or conducting surveillance on another person. For these reasons, they may hire a private investigation service.
Why Do People Seek A Private Investigation Service?
Making the decision to hire a private investigation service is not always easy. Not every case requires the help of a private investigator, especially if the information the person is searching for can be easily found via an online search. However, more complex cases will generally require the expertise of a private investigator with experience in the particular field. Here are some top reasons why people seek private investigation services.
Background Checks for Employment or Business
The background check is generally the final step taken by many employers before deciding to hire a job candidate. Background checks are a reliable way for employers to verify claims made by job seekers during the hiring process and to protect the business from certain risks. Information found on a background check can be used to help avoid workplace safety issues and theft. Background checks can also help organizations maintain a strong reputation based on honesty and integrity.
When a private investigator is hired to conduct a background check for employment, the investigator will locate records that may indicate red flags. Private investigation services generally include criminal background checks, reference checks, education verifications and occasionally motor vehicle license verification and credit checks. Hiring a private investigator to perform background checks on potential hires can provide employers with peace of mind and prevent potential lawsuits and similar issues.
Investigations of Personal Matters
Personal matters are one of the most common reasons for acquiring private investigation services. A landlord or real estate manager may hire a private investigator to screen tenants and evaluate whether they are suitable for the property or not. A person may request a relationship background check to verify their partner’s criminal record, date of birth, employment history or education. Investigative services may even be used when online dating to avoid catfish scenarios.
Infidelity investigations are also common among private investigation businesses. If one partner believes that the other is being unfaithful, he or she may hire a private investigator to discreetly follow the suspicious partner and collect evidence. A spouse may also acquire private investigation services if he or she believes that the other spouse is hiding bank accounts or other assets.
Allegations of Abuse
Allegations of abuse must always be taken very seriously. If a person suspects that someone is abusing a child, elder or other helpless friend or family member, they may seek the services of a private investigator to collect evidence of potential wrongdoing. Abuse is typically hidden from plain view which can make finding evidence challenging. A private investigator will typically use surveillance and other tools to find potential evidence of abusive behavior or misconduct.
In addition to following the person of interest, a private investigator may gather forensic evidence that could be used in court for a conviction. If evidence regarding child abuse may be collected and used in custody matters.
Finding Missing People
As of December 31, 2019, the FBI’s National Crime Information Center (NCIC) reported nearly 87,500 active missing person records. Approximately 44 percent of these missing persons records are people under age 21 and 35 percent are youth under the age of 18. When a child or family member goes missing, private investigation services are often sought to help locate evidence of the crime or the person’s whereabouts.
Due to limited resources, law enforcement is unable to continue actively looking for a missing person forever. After a certain amount of time, they may declare a missing person a cold case. Friends and family members who want answers often rely on private investigation services to continue the search in the months or even years after the initial event.
Talk to Our Private Investigation Service Experts
Many private investigators also offer specialized services, such as personal injury investigations, insurance fraud claims, embezzlement investigations, stalker investigations, lie detector testing, mystery shopper projects, undercover “sting” operations and similar cases. To learn more about the top reasons to acquire a private investigation service or to speak with a private investigator, contact the experts at American Protection Group today.