What does a private investigator do? How do I know when to hire one? Will they be able to help me? These questions don't come up often, but we are ready with a long list of answers when they do.
A private detective and investigator searches for clues to gather evidence for court cases or private clients. They interview people, verify information, conduct surveillance, find missing persons, and gather vital case facts. Depending on their expertise, they might be hired to investigate computer crimes or cooperate to help solve a case.
Some people hire private investigators so routinely that it would be difficult for them to imagine completing a project-whether it's personal or professional-without one. Other people think a PI is just like an FBI agent- they're needed only when a catastrophe arises, such as a kidnapping or something equally tragic.
The need for a PI usually falls somewhere between never and always. Although you can generally handle matters on your own, there are times when you can genuinely benefit from a private investigator or investigative agency.
Unfortunately, the world is full of people who commit dishonest, corrupt, and fraudulent acts. If you feel threatened by such a person, contacting a private investigator is smart. This expert can often prevent a bad situation from worsening by gathering crucial evidence. Private Investigators are frequently hired for the following reasons.
A good time to hire a private investigator is for any of the following reasons:
Private investigators often perform background checks on individuals or companies for law firms, corporations, and private citizens. PIs search public records, conduct interviews, and verify reference checks and facts to provide a detailed profile of someone.
Here's an example: Patricia has survived two divorces and several bad relationships. She broke up with most of the men because they lied to her. She's very trusting, and the revelations always come too late. Her current boyfriend, Stephen, has recently proposed. A third divorce would be financially and emotionally devastating to Patricia. She consults a private investigator to get an objective report on Stephen, a divorced man with no children. She'd like to see the information in his divorce file.
With instant access to public records, a private investigator can search court filings for details of a divorce and any criminal or civil charges filed over the years. The investigator can also check a financial background for state or federal tax liens, judgments, bankruptcies, default notices, or hidden assets.
After receiving a copy of the background search, Patricia feels confident in accepting Stephen's proposal.
If you're requesting surveillance, you're usually ninety-nine percent certain that your partner is being deceitful. Still, you need proof in hand to confront your partner or to support your claims in court in filing for divorce or child custody (unless you live in a state that has no-fault divorce). An investigative service will gather evidence to confirm or eliminate your suspicions if handled properly and professionally.
Stacey knew Brandon was a womanizer. He didn't break up with his last girlfriend until two months after he began a hot relationship with Stacey. It wasn't comforting, but Stacey loved him and hoped Brandon would be different.
Fast-forward one year. Now, she suspects Brandon's up to his old tricks, maybe even dating his ex. He claims he's faithful, but Stacey still believes he's lying. She needs definitive proof, for example, a videotape of him having sex in the car.
Every month, ShallBe Global Security fields calls asking about surveillance services. Eighty percent of the time, the callers are female. We invite them for a free consultation; we take down information on the individuals involved, explain the surveillance process and equipment, discuss fees and payment, and select the best time to conduct the surveillance.
We find it's faster and less costly to our clients if we assign a two-person team to the case. With only one investigator, losing someone in traffic may add hours or days to the process and increase hourly mileage-rate totals. The team should have two-way radio communications along with video and digital cameras.
Private investigators locate people for various reasons: Adoptees, birth parents, relatives, former friends, lovers, spouses, co-workers, and employers can benefit from reuniting with a person from their past (see Chapter Two). Private investigators access databases, interview acquaintances, and piece together clues to track down people you've lost contact with. They can use public records to fill in missing information and uncover a new name, address, telephone number, and Social Security number.
Many companies need an employment background check on job applicants. An airport shuttle company may need to check applicants' driving histories with the Department of Motor Vehicles if hiring a driver to transport passengers in the company's vehicle.
Perhaps a Fortune 500 Corporation is filling a top management position and wants to evaluate an extensive profile of a candidate that goes far beyond what's on the resume. Interviews with references and other informational searches can provide that.
Parents may also decide to hire an in-home nanny. A PI can check the prospective caregiver's personal, financial, and criminal history and her references.
Gary wants to start a small pizza restaurant in his neighborhood. His brother, William, introduced him to Joseph. Now, Gary and Joseph are considering a partnership. Everything looks good, but Gary will be investing his life's savings, and he doesn't know Joseph. Gary may decide that a background investigation by a respected PI could make the difference between success and disaster.
Before you invest your money or time in a new company or other financial deal, you'd better research it. A company may appear legitimate, with a fancy office, a pleasant receptionist, and a readily available list of previous client referrals. But it could be a sophisticated scam. A private investigator can perform background checks to check public records for licensing, small claim judgments, bankruptcies, state and federal tax liens, and other judgments or defaults.
Some private investigators perform corporate security consulting. A business may need to secure premises, property, assets, people, or information. Some companies may need only a nighttime security guard or an alarm system. But others need electronic surveillance, loss prevention staff, and strict computer security. Experienced private investigators can recommend security services and techniques to prevent inventory theft or provide for employee safety.
Insurance companies estimate that twenty percent of claims are fraudulent. Even a single fraudulent claim can cost a business tens of thousands of dollars - all unnecessarily.
A PI can look into employee claims to verify their legitimacy. For example, we once performed surveillance for a workers comp case and successfully photographed one claimant happily playing golf while he supposedly couldn't work because of a bad back. Sometimes, we wait until trash day to learn the truth about the claimant. If a claimant can haul thirty pounds of trash to the curb, maybe his back condition isn't so bleak.
The company also benefits in another way: This deters future fraud by warning other employees that the company pursues every claim.
Top-echelon private investigators are an integral part of your community's law enforcement. They work closely with police and the local, state, and federal court systems. When securing evidence in the judicial process, they assist police, the district attorney's staff, and lawyers. They conduct searches and surveillance, serve subpoenas, take statements, and testify in court. They can also assist with unsolved crimes and cold cases.
A bonus: Because of the role private investigators play in the legal arena, they're an excellent source for attorney referrals.
Planting electronic listening devices is illegal and can result in a felony conviction. Still, we receive at least a few monthly calls requesting such a service.
If it's illegal, who's doing it? In small and large companies alike, the competition can be relentless, and the pressure to beat the competition can be ruthless. This can lead to one company bugging the boardroom of another, maybe by bribing an employee to place the hidden monitoring device. While no legitimate private investigator will wiretap an office, many will offer "bug sweep" services to remove the problem. These are just a handful of the many services a reputable private investigation firm can provide.
Private investigators are professionals who complete vital tasks for both individuals and businesses. They often help people successfully deal with those uncomfortable situations. If you feel vulnerable due to a perceived threat, consider contacting a trustworthy private investigator today.
If you're looking for a private investigator in Maryland to help you with your case, contact ShallBe Global Security and let us help you.
Westminster Town Mall
400 North Center St
Suite 175
Westminster MD 21157
MD PI Agency License:
23PLU-SGPD32106
MD Security Guard Agency License:
23PLU-SGPD32106
(410) 775-8144
Virginia Agency Licenses:
PI / Security / Personal Protection/ Electronic Security Systems
DCJS ID# 11-19903
contact@shallbeglobal.com