If youāve never had to hire a private investigator, you might not realize what they can and canāt do. PIs need to have a license to operate. Most states require a criminal justice degree, a law enforcement background, or an apprenticeship under a licensed investigator.
Regardless of qualifications, there is usually also a test to establish their understanding of the legal aspects of their job. Contrary to their image in movies and novels as outsiders who act on their own accord, actual private investigators provide a range of legal andĀ investigative servicesĀ for individuals and businesses.
What Do Private Investigators Do?
Itās common knowledge thatĀ private investigatorsĀ are often hired to gather evidence in legal disputes, but these professionals can do so much more. Hereās a list of the most popular reasons that businesses and individuals hire a private investigator.
Surveillance and Counter-Surveillance:
Whether itās tracking down a cheating spouse, finding a stalker, or just finding out whether someone has eyes on you, a private investigator can provide you with accurate intelligence and the professional testimony to contextualize it in court.
Background Checks and Due Diligence:
Whether youāre screening someone you met online before meeting in person or checking out job candidates for sensitive positions within your organization,Ā proper background checksĀ take access to professional investigative resources.
Forensic Document Investigation:
Document investigation using modern forensic methods can help unearth proof of doctoring and other evidence of fraud.
General Fraud Investigations:
Fake or altered documents arenāt the only kind of fraud PIs can detect. They also uncover the workings of larger fraud and confidence schemes to aid victims or legal professionals.
Landlord-Tenant Disputes:
Investigators are often hired by one side or the other inĀ disputes between renters and landlords. For landlords, property usage and whether tenants abide by agreements can be the key to an eviction. For tenants, an investigation can uncover past violations and ongoing landlord issues that support the lawsuit or other civil remedy.
This is just a cross-section of services, which vary if the client is an individual or a business. Laws governing corporate background checks and employment screenings allow them, under some conditions, to request information not available to private individuals who request background checks or to companies who are conducting them for reasons other than pre-employment screening.
If youāre wondering whether a private investigator can help you, chances are the answer is yes, even if you need some help figuring out exactly what that investigator should do to gather evidence for you.
Expertise and Independence
The biggest reason why people hire an investigator is to gain access to the intellectual and professional capacities of someone who understands the process of uncovering evidence. Itās a highly unique skill set that is difficult to develop. The methods used are usually very dependent on the situation. Many times the client request is for evidence about an issue. Then the investigator devises the exact range of services, who explains their necessity and obtains client approval for the expenses.
This means clear communication is key when you are hiring an investigator, and itās an important part of the job. If you are looking to hire a private investigator in Dallas, TexasA True PIĀ offers a range of services and can help you navigate the legal system when you need to resolve a dispute.