If you’ve seen private investigators on TV, you probably picture a figure lurking in an alley, wearing a trench coat and playing fast and loose with the law. But the reality of hiring a private investigator yourself is a whole different story. Below are the four most common misconceptions about investigators, and what you should expect to get the results you want.
Misconception #1: They are allowed to occasionally break the law.
The Truth: Your PI isn’t able to act outside the law, which prohibits them from activities like breaking and entering, or getting into altercations with anyone they’re investigating. And although many talented investigators, including our team, have a background in law enforcement, we are not permitted to pose as police officers. Instead of recklessly disobeying the law to achieve results, a talented investigator will know which questions to ask, who to track down (and how to reach them), and then use the latest technology to get the information that you need. By acting through legitimate channels, not only does your case have the best chance of being solved, but it has the best chance of being upheld should you need to reference it in court.
Misconception #2: Investigators can tap phones, access bank accounts, and tag cars.
The Truth: Depending on the state laws, the investigator cannot tap someone’s phone or place GPS tracking devices on cars not owned by the client. In addition, certain information – such phone records, medical records, and bank information – is only accessible with a subpoena. For example, an investigator can track down a bank account, however, they are not able to access the account or see transaction history without a court order. Computer forensics also require a subpoena, however there is some flexibility if it’s a shared computer.
Sometimes the investigator is also not allowed to record conversations, depending on state laws. Massachusetts is one of 11 two-party states, they require both parties to consent to recording a conversation, rather than one-party states which only require one participant to consent.
Misconception #3: The PI will always uncover what you’re looking for.
The Truth: The investigator can only uncover information that exists, and they won’t ever make up information just to satisfy a client. For example, if a spouse hires an investigator to uncover infidelity during divorce proceedings, and there is no infidelity going on, the PI can’t document anything to the contrary.
Misconception #4: Investigators can use entrapment to gain information.
The Truth: Tricking someone into a situation will only lead to that discovery being inadmissible. The investigator isn’t allowed to create false situations that trap someone, whether it is a spouse needing infidelity evidence, an insurance company needing to negate a false claim, or any other example that could be disproven by creating a false environment. However, the PI will use legal channels to uncover this information, often tapping into surveillance skills to catch the person in the act in a truthful and organic scenario.
As always, our team is here to help you address any questions or concerns you may have about working together. There is no investigation that is too big or too small that we can’t handle. Contact us today.
