Private investigators may be hired by individuals, groups or businesses to undertake various investigatory services. A private investigator may even work alongside an attorney in criminal and civil cases. They verify information, interview people, locate missing persons, conduct surveillance and collect important facts that can aid in cases. Private investigators are often hired by individuals and businesses to investigate crimes or find evidence of wrongdoing.
Private Investigator Services Offered
Here are just a few common services that private investigators offer:
Reconnaissance
Reconnaissance is a mission to obtain important information through visual observation or another method of detection. Private investigators are trained to gather evidence to help in a wide range of scenarios. This process may involve verifying information, interviewing people, and conducting surveillance. Investigators work in a variety of situations, such as legal, financial and personal. Many also have expertise in different areas, such as insurance fraud or background records.
Finding Missing Persons
Each year, an average of 800,000 people are reported missing and entered into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC), according to the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS); and 85 to 90 percent are minors. A person may hire a personal investigator to locate a long lost family member or loved one, a missing person who is part of a cold case, a runaway or minor who has been kidnapped or a fugitive. Private investigators use various techniques to find a missing person. This may include physical searches, networking with informants or other private investigators, surveillance work, performing background checks, or searching hospitals or mortuaries.
Conducting Background Checks
Conducting background checks is another common service that many private investigators offer clients. Employers often perform background checks on job candidates to verify information on an application or resume. Landlords may perform background checks on applicants to check rental and criminal history which could pose a risk to the safety and security of a rental property.
Private investigators are dedicated to conducting tailored background checks that fit the unique needs of each customer, including pre-employment screenings, reputational investigations, financial background checks and background checks performed as a component of litigation. In some instances, potential vendors or business partners may need to be vetted. Each background check is different and the level of detail that can be obtained by a private investigator is nearly limitless.
Investigating Spouses
A husband or wife may sometimes contact a private investigator to watch their spouse. If a person has suspicions that their spouse is being unfaithful or lying, that person may hire a private investigator to follow the spouse and collect evidence. This process may involve tracking the spouse’s vehicle, monitoring their internet activity or even searching their assets. A private investigator can even provide evidence of infidelity or other hidden actions through photographs, videos or investigating the person’s internet history. With evidence gathered by a private investigator, a client is better equipped to make a decision regarding the future of their marriage.
Mystery Shopper
Mystery shoppers are hired to investigate employee honesty and customer service within a business. Sometimes referred to as ‘secret shoppers,’ these individuals may pose as a client or customer to observe if a person within a business is being honest or providing quality customer care. The job of a mystery shopper may be to make a purchase, note the quality of the items purchased, ask questions, ask for support from customer service, test phone services, investigate digital services or compare a business to its competitors. If you own or operate a business, having a mystery shopper in your business, interacting with your employees, can be useful.
Undercover Workplace Services
Similar to mystery shopping, a private investigator may also provide undercover workplace services. This could involve a number of services based on the unique needs of the client. Along with portraying a customer in a business, a private investigator can also play the role of a new employee or supplier. An investigator is able to observe how employees interact in the presence of this new person. Employee behavior can also change while not under the supervision of management. Undercover workplace services can be an effective way to detect and stop poor behavior and problems like theft. Private investigators work alongside businesses and institutions in nearly all professional fields, such as law firms, insurance companies, schools and campuses, retail outlets and personal estates.
Call The Security Solutions Specialists
Private investigators often work independently and use a variety of tools and resources to gather information. As each case is unique, clients can expect to schedule a meeting with a private investigator to discuss their needs or concerns and express what they can expect when they invest in services. A professional private investigator will discuss the time and process required to engage in the services requested. For more information about this process, contact the experts at APG.