Private investigators, or PIs, have been a staple in pop culture for decades. From hard-boiled film noir detectives to modern-day technologically advanced investigators, private investigators have a long history of helping people uncover the truth. But what do they actually do? In this blog post, we will explore some of the services that private investigators offer and how they can help you.
Surveillance:
Surveillance is one of the most common services that private investigators offer. This involves observing and monitoring someone’s activities to gather information and evidence. PIs use a variety of techniques, including physical surveillance, vehicle tracking, and electronic monitoring, to document their subject’s movements and behaviours. Surveillance can be used in many different types of cases, including infidelity, worker’s compensation claims, and insurance fraud.
Infidelity
Infidelity is a common reason people hire private investigators. When someone suspects their spouse or partner of cheating, a PI can conduct surveillance to uncover evidence of infidelity. This may include documenting their subject’s whereabouts, taking photographs or videos, and conducting background checks. Private investigators can also help gather evidence for divorce cases, such as hidden assets or other financial discrepancies.
Worker’s Compensation
Worker’s compensation fraud is a growing problem in many industries. When an employee makes a fraudulent claim, it can cost the employer a significant amount of money. Private investigators can help investigate these claims to determine if they are legitimate or fraudulent. This may include conducting surveillance to observe the employee’s activities, interviewing witnesses, and reviewing medical records.
Investigative Research
Skip Tracing Skip tracing is the process of locating someone who has disappeared or gone missing. This may include finding a missing family member, locating a debtor, or tracking down a witness. Private investigators use a variety of techniques, including public records searches, database searches, and social media monitoring, to locate their subjects.
Background checks:
A background check is an investigation into an individual’s personal, professional, and criminal history. This may include information about their employment, education, criminal record, credit history, and more. Private investigators use a variety of methods to gather this information, including public records searches, interviews, and surveillance.
Private individuals may want to check the background of someone they are considering entering into a relationship with or hiring for personal service.
What Information is Included in a Background Check?
The information included in a background check can vary depending on the purpose of the investigation.
However, common elements of a background check may include:
- Employment history and references
- Education history and credentials
- Criminal record, including arrests, convictions, and pending charges
- Social media presence and online reputation
- Driving record
TSCM:
Bug Sweeps
Private investigators can also conduct bug sweeps to detect hidden cameras, microphones, or other surveillance devices in your home or office. This may be necessary if you suspect that someone is spying on you, such as an ex-spouse or business competitor. A PI can use specialized equipment to detect these devices and provide recommendations on how to protect your privacy.
Private Investigator Training Online If you are interested in becoming a private investigator yourself, there are many online training courses available. These courses can teach you the skills and techniques needed to become a successful PI, including how to conduct investigations, gather evidence, and navigate legal and ethical issues.
In conclusion
Private investigators offer a wide range of services to help individuals and businesses uncover the truth. From conducting surveillance to locating missing persons, PIs use their expertise and specialized tools to gather information and evidence. Whether you need help with a personal matter, such as infidelity, or a professional one, like worker’s compensation fraud, a private investigator can provide the services you need. If you need to hire a private investigator, contact The Smith Investigation Agency Inc. today for a free consultation.