The decision to choose a private investigator or private detective can make a significant difference in getting results. Many people often ask "What is the difference between a private detective and a private investigator? "
In many states, there is no difference. However, in some states the phrase "private detective" is used exclusively for a person who has a law enforcement background.
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One significant factor that a person looking for a private detective should consider is the investigator's background. There are a variety of specialties in the field. However, some private investigators have diverse backgrounds.
Some specialities include computer forensics, vulnerable adult abuse, missing persons, skip tracing, divorce, missing heirs, background investigations, identity theft, fugitive recovery, infidelity investigations, e-mail tracing, on line search, internet investigations and accident investigations.
Hiring a Private Investigator to Conduct Surveillance
One commonly believed myth about private investigators/detectives with law enforcement backgrounds is that they are all well versed in surveillance techniques. In reality, many law enforcement officers rarely conduct surveillance during their entire careers. Even fewer police officers are involved conducting moving surveillances (following suspects who are moving in a vehicle or on foot). If you need a private investigator or private detective to handle a case that requires surveillance, it is important ask investigators about their previous surveillance experience.
Police officers who typically conduct a lot of moving surveillance include narcotics detectives and fugitive detectives. Contrary to popular belief not all federal law enforcement agents are well versed in surveillance techniques. For example, the Federal Bureau of Investigation often utilizes their Special Operations Group (SOG) to conduct surveillance operations.
It is very difficult to develop an aptitude in surveillance without regular practice. Some organizations such as the State Department and the Central Intelligence Agency spend millions of dollars every year on surveillance and counter surveillance training for their employees. Private Investigators or Detectives with this type of background are likely to be well-versed in surveillance through frequent training and extensive practical experience.
The use of tracking devices have become popular in the private detective/private investigator industry. Global positioning systems (GPS) are being used increasingly to track everything everyone from fleeing fugitives to cheating spouses. The legal use of these devices varies from state to state. These devices give the private investigator or private detective the ability to track and record a suspect's whereabouts via a lap top or desk top computer. These devices allow private investigatord to keep track of suspects who drive very quickly and suspects who are surveillance conscious. The use of GPS may be ideal when the suspects travels are totally unknown.
What's my Private Investigator's Background?
A second significant factor to be considered when selecting a private investigator or private detective is the investigator's experience in investigating the type of offenses or allegations that they investigator in being hired to handle. Many investigative skills are transferable. However, there are some investigative skills that are practiced on a regular basis in a particular field. For example, Detectives with homicide experience may be better at identifying various wounds and estimating the time of death whereas former investigators with narcotics backgrounds may be better at conducting surveillance and identfying hidden assets.
What type of training does my Private Detective Have?
The third factor that should be considered in choosing a private detective or private investigator is the investigator's training. For example, robbery detectives are more likely to have received extensive training on stake outs operations whereas homicide detectives are likely to have received extensive training in interview and interrogations. Investigators who attend seminars in their areas of expertise are likely to be well versed in modern investigative techniques and the laws governing various techniques. It is important for you have this information to ensure that the private investigator that you hire will not overstep his or her legal boundaries. This could make a significant difference on whether or not you will be sued along with your private investigator. It is also important to note that evidence obtained illegally may be rendered inadmissable in a criminal or civil court. This results essentially in a waste of the client's time and money.
What should I pay a Private Investigator?
The fourth critical factor in deciding whether or not to hire a private investigator or private detective is the cost of the investigative services. Prices often range from $50 to $200 dollars per hour, plus expenses. The costs of hiring a private detective or private investigator can vary based on a variety of factors such as the state that the private investigator or private detective operates in, the reputation of the private investigative agency, the level of potential danger of the case and the complexity of the investigation.
Some detective agencies may be able to charge less than others since they hire apprentices to work on some of their cases. These apprentices are often are unlicensed and work under the Private Detective agency's license in exchange for the opportunity to gain valuable experience. Therefore, it is a good idea to ask the Private Investigtive Agency precisely who will be working on your case.
