Private investigators do much more than taking photographs of cheating spouses or interviewing unsavory characters as their movie and TV counterparts are portrayed. Real private investigators work side-by-side with business owners to assist with acquisitions, attorney referrals, investment inquiries and more. Whether you need to have an extensive background check performed on an employee or require a due diligence report prior to acquiring a new business, a private investigator can help you uncover the information you need to make smart business decisions. So exactly what is private investigation and what does it entail?
Must Be Licensed to Work
Choosing a private investigator is not an easy decision. Not all private investigators offer the same level of experience, knowledge base or commitment to the job. It is also important to ensure that the professional you choose is licensed to work. Most states require private investigators to be licensed.
Before hiring a private investigator, ask to see a physical copy of their license and verify that the license was issued by the proper state agency. Be sure to check the name on the license, as well as the expiration date. If a private investigator claims to be a member of the state’s private investigator associations, confirm that this is true.
Gather Pertinent Information
Private investigators are paid to gather facts. Gathering relevant information is one of the first steps in the private investigation process. There are many ways that private investigators can collect information, such as from interviewing people, reviewing documents or examining pictures. Some details are easily obtained while others require a private investigator’s unique skills.
If you are hiring a private investigator, it is important to provide as much information as possible to streamline the process. The more information that you can provide, the faster the task can be completed.
May Be Contracted with Local Law Enforcement
Some cases or tasks can be completed by a single private investigator. For more detailed or complex matters, a private investigator may team up with another investigator or an authoritative figure. In some scenarios, a private investigator will team up with local law enforcement. This can be highly beneficial to business owners who require help with certain legal aspects.
Private investigators are sometimes contracted with local law enforcement when dealing with criminal investigations. They may also work with other industry professionals, such as bounty hunters or bail bondsmen. These professionals may specialize in certain areas, such as uncovering insurance fraud.
Utilize Surveillance Tools
A private investigator should be proficient in multiple forms of technology. Computer forensics, audio and visual surveillance and recording devices are critical tools for any private investigator.
Some methods of surveillance are achieved using drones and cameras. A private investigator may take photos or video using high lens devices from a far distance. These pictures and videos can help document activity and be examined at a later time for additional details.
Often Work with Individual Clients
Private investigators work for small businesses, private organizations, police departments and individual clients. While the services offered by private investigators can differ from state to state, most private investigators are flexible in terms of clients and are happy to work with all types of people who require investigative assistance.
Hiring a private investigator can be particularly beneficial for business owners. Nearly every business deal comes with the requirement of conducting a thorough background check, whether you are hiring new employees or taking on a new business endeavor. When you hire an experienced private investigator, you can count on them to take over these important tasks for you so that you can focus on other job duties designed to grow your business.
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Private investigators offer a wide variety of services to businesses, such as pre-employment screening, investment checks, background checks for prospective business partners, electronic surveillance detection, assistance with workers’ compensation claims and many more.
If you are a business owner and require the help of a professional private investigator, contact American Protection Group (APG). The private investigators at APG have more than 34 years of experience in the home, commercial and industrial security and investigation industries. All of our private investigators are trained, certified, background checked and employment verified. To learn more about private investigation or to request a quote for our services, reach out to APG today.