Up until now, what you probably knew about private investigators came from action Hollywood movies. You were used to Sherlock Holmes-like detectives who wore dark coats, carried sleek firearms, and fought like kung fu professionals.
However, much of what you may have assumed about private investigators is probably wrong.
For one, they need to be licensed. Plus, they operate under strict codes, which they cannot violate without legal backlash. Still, private investigators are indispensable in the right situations due to their expertise and special training.
What do private investigators do?
A private investigator or private detective helps clients, whether individuals or organizations, get to the root of civil or criminal cases. Whether it’s the case of a missing person or financial fraud, a private investigator could be involved to make or break the case.
Private investigators are conversant with the law
Although they aren’t lawyers, private investigators know the laws at hand. They’re often tasked with gathering evidence for civil matters like divorces and vehicle accidents or criminal cases like theft and fraud.
In gathering evidence to compile case files, private investigators require knowledge of the law. This includes federal and state laws and how to navigate civil and criminal court systems.
Private investigators do more than covert surveillance
A private investigator is more than some secret agent who lurks in the shadows, stalking people in the quest for the truth. Aside from tracking down evidence, valuable assets and people, they use various skills to access public records and private databases.
They write reports and do a lot of bookkeeping, including tenant screening, skip tracing, and background checks. They can also be hired to take videos or photos and interview witnesses in addition to covert surveillance.
Private investigators have to obtain evidence legally
Forget the suave, sly double-agents you see in movies. The law binds private investigators and, as such, must obtain evidence legally. So, there’s no trespassing or impersonation. Even for a PI, wiretapping or tracking with GPS is illegal without prior approval.
Presenting wrongfully or unethically obtained evidence in court will invalidate your case, so private investigators always operate within the confines of the law.
Private investigators work in various industries
PIs do more than just catch cheating spouses. Given their skill set, it’s no surprise that private investigators are in demand in several industries. Some of these avenues include the following:
Computer forensics service
Personal protection services
Crisis intervention
Criminal investigation
Pre-employment screenings
Various specialties in the profession also include the following:
Civil investigation
Investigative business administration
Terrorism and intelligence
Investigative law and ethics
Private investigators have to be licensed
Private investigators aren’t above the law. Thus, if you plan to hire one, you must ensure they’re licensed. They must pass a special exam by meeting various security, experiential, educational, and legal requirements.
For instance, to become a private investigator in Texas, you need to be at least 18 years old and have a record free of felonies and Class A misdemeanors. Additionally, you must be free of mental defects or disease and not have registered as a sex offender in any state.
The Texas Department of Public Safety regulates Private Investigators in Texas and must be licensed under the Private Security Act, Chapter 1702 of the Texas Occupations Code.
Hire a private investigator to gather the information you want and uncover the truth
A private investigator is your best bet to gather valuable information, uncover the truth, and resolve tricky disputes where your reputation, life, or assets may be at risk. They have the required people skills and technical expertise to bring the truth to light and unravel the most complex matters. Request a quote today!