What to Expect During a Private Investigation
Initial Consultation
The first step in any private investigation is the consultation. These can be done over the phone or in person. During this meeting, the PI will ask for detailed information about your case and clarify your objectives. For instance, if you’re looking for evidence of infidelity, you’ll be asked to provide details about your spouse’s schedule, habits, and any suspicious behavior. In a corporate case, you may need to supply names, addresses, and other details such as type of injury or incident date. You will then either sign a contract or a letter of engagement.
Expect to discuss fees during the consultation. Private investigators typically charge an hourly rate, which varies based on the complexity of the case, geographic location, and the investigator’s experience. According to industry data, the national average hourly rate for private investigators in the U.S. is around $90-$150 per hour, although this can fluctuate.
Investigation Methods: Data Collection, Reports, and Surveillance
- Surveillance
Surveillance is a cornerstone of many investigations, especially in cases involving suspected infidelity, fraud, or workers’ compensation claims. PIs may follow the subject, document their activities through photos and video, and track their movements using GPS devices (if legal in the jurisdiction). Surveillance might involve long hours of waiting, often without significant action. Be patient during this stage; thorough surveillance is crucial to building a solid case.
- Interviews and Witness Statements
In many cases, investigators will conduct interviews with people connected to the subject, including friends, family members, neighbors, or colleagues. This information helps create a profile of the subject and can provide insights into their behavior. Statements from witnesses or other individuals can be crucial, especially in legal cases.
- Background Checks
Background checks are another common tool in private investigations. These checks can involve looking into a person’s criminal history, financial records, employment history, social media presence, driving record, and more. In corporate cases, PIs may investigate business affiliations, lawsuits, or regulatory violations. These checks help verify the truthfulness of a subject’s claims or reveal hidden assets and secrets.
- Digital Forensics
As more communication and documentation move online, digital forensics has become increasingly vital in private investigations. This can involve analyzing emails, texts, social media accounts, and even recovering deleted data from devices. Depending on the case, PIs might also trace IP addresses, follow online transactions, or investigate dark web activity.
- Photographs and Video Documentation
In many investigations, photographs and video play a key role in proving a case. Investigators will discreetly collect this evidence while maintaining a legal distance. For instance, in infidelity cases, PIs will often provide clients with time-stamped photos and videos of the subject’s actions to substantiate their suspicions. In fraud cases, photos of transactions, meetings, or improper behavior can serve as critical proof.
Reports and Updates
Throughout the investigation, expect periodic updates from your investigator. Depending on the nature of the case, updates can come in the form of written reports, phone calls, or emails. These updates will typically summarize the work completed, findings, and any recommendations for the next steps. You will also have access to our case management software via a link that is emailed to you. This is a secure link.
Depending on the nature of the case, you may receive a final report, concluding the entire investigation. This comprehensive document details all findings, including surveillance data, interviews, background checks, and digital forensics results. The report may include photo and video evidence, transcripts of interviews, and detailed analysis of what was uncovered. This document is often presented in court or used to negotiate settlements, so it is thorough and precise.
The Importance of Discretion and Confidentiality
One of the most critical aspects of private investigations is discretion. Investigators are well-versed in maintaining a low profile to avoid alerting the subject of the investigation. Whether the case involves personal, corporate, or legal matters, the goal is always to keep the investigation covert to ensure its success.
Confidentiality is another cornerstone of the private investigation process. Private investigators are bound by confidentiality agreements to protect your privacy and the sensitive information uncovered during the case. This is particularly important in cases involving high-profile individuals, legal disputes, or potentially embarrassing revelations. Trust between the client and the PI is vital, and a reputable investigator will handle your case with the utmost professionalism.
Common Statistics on Private Investigations
The private investigation industry has seen significant growth in recent years, fueled by increased demand for services such as background checks, fraud investigations, and surveillance. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that private detective and investigator jobs are projected to grow 6% from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.
According to a survey conducted by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE), private investigators were involved in 29% of fraud detection cases, with 60% of PIs reporting that their work resulted in a criminal referral or legal action. In personal matters like infidelity, statistics show that around 30-60% of married individuals in the U.S. will engage in infidelity at some point during their marriage, making infidelity investigations a common reason for seeking PI services.