Frequently Asked Questions
1. What services do professional private investigators provide?
The services which a professional investigation company provides can vary from company to company. Most companies have individuals who come from different backgrounds giving the company diversity in their profession. Most professional investigators have backgrounds in law enforcement, but not all. Services will vary depending upon the company’s investigators experiences and which services they prefer to perform. For a list of our services, click on our Professional Services Tab.
2. If I retain a professional investigator to perform surveillance what results can I expect?
Results of any type of investigation, whether it be surveillance or other services
can not be 100% guaranteed. A licensed professional investigator will attempt to the
best of their ability, while obeying all laws, to get results for their client. Ethical investigators will not force a situation to get a desired outcome. Investigators are
retained to get "JUST THE FACTS, MA'AM, JUST THE FACTS", to borrow an old line
from the Dragnet Television Series.
While performing surveillance there are many obstacles that can hinder an
investigator and his or her associates. Unpredictablity of a subject is just one factor. Other factors that can be obstacles are, location of the subject's residence. If it is in a rural area, parking out on the road may draw unwanted attention by the subject who may also call Law Enforcement in regards to a strange vehicle. Of course weather and it's unpredictablity come into play. Gated communities, concerned neighbors, foliage or vegetation and dead end streets are just a few more obstacles that investigators must cope with. Surveillance may take long hours involving several days or weeks with the possiblity of no activity. During this time the investigators will attempt to document events, as they happen, with photos or videos. Documentation of events will be taken when, in the investigators experienced professional judgment, it is considered that capturing photos or video will not create suspicion from the subject under surveillance.
Investigators are not always able to keep sight of their subject in traffic. Some subjects under surveillance may break traffic laws by using excessive speed or running red lights, to name a few. Investigators will not risk the health of others or themselves by attempting to "keep up" with their surveillance subjects. The risks are too high for everyone. Some surveillance circumstances may require the tag team surveillance technique involving two or more investigators. If it is deemed more effective to use additional investigators to reach the desired objective, it will be to ensure that we are effectively using resources to achieve results to the best of our ability and in your best interest.
For an investigator to determine the strategy to be used during surveillance, it is beneficial if the client can assist with providing the investigator with as much firsthand knowledge of the subject’s schedules, behaviors and habits. A current photo of the subject when provided to the investigator is also beneficial.
3. What types of activities are licensed, professional investigators not allowed to pursue?
Private Investigators are able to access information which the general public can not access. Investigators must obey the laws which every citizen is subject to in the United States or any other country.
Investigators are not allowed to wire tap, obtain cell phone records or financial information using pre-texting (concealing one’s true intent by deception). Nor can investigators present themselves as law enforcement officers or as an employee of a law enforcement agency.
4. What is the usual charge when contracting with an investigator?
That will depend on the services which are required. Each request is discussed in detail with the Client and the investigator will make a determination of which services are required for the most effective outcome. Most investigators charge by the hour like attorneys. Our current rate is $65.00 per hour and a contract with a retainer is required in the estimated amount of work to be performed to properly handle the assignment. In addition to hourly fees, all reasonable expenses incurred by LONE PINE INVESTIGATIONS in an assignment, including but not limited to, mileage charges (currently @ the rate of $0.585 per mile), parking expense, long distance telephone charges, and any other out-of-pocket costs plus State Sales Tax (currently @ the rate of .0675%) will be estimated and included in the retainer. The taking of depositions and court ordered testimony shall be considered part of the investigation and payable at the rate of $65.00 per investigator, plus expenses incurred.