Private Investigators:FAQ's (Frequently Asked Questions)

FAQ's (Frequently Asked Questions):

Here are the responses to two very frequently asked questions.

1) How much will it cost to hire a private investigator?

2) I've never called a private investigator before. What things should I be aware of?

HOW MUCH WILL AN INVESTIGATION COST?

Nearly everyone asks this question...and it's a perfectly logical question.
Unfortunately, the answer really is, "It depends".

If the private investigator is investigating infidelity and knows the time, date and hotel room number,
then this may be an easy question after all.

This usually this isn't the case, of course.

Regardless of how effectively our private investigators manage theirr time and try to minimize the expense,
there are factors beyond our control, that create challenges and obstacles.

Here are questions to ask yourself, to get a better assess the ease/difficulty of your particular investigative needs:

For a SURVEILLANCE assignment:
1) Can the premises be viewed from a public place for a
prolonged period of time -without risking detection?

2) Is there on-street parking? If not, how many exits are there,
and how easy will it be for one investigator to cover them?
Is one of those exits the most likely route the subject will take to leave the area?

3) Is the subject frequently active when away from the home?

4) Do you know much about the subject's schedule?

5) Do you know the names and address of subject's significant others/ hang-outs?

These factors and more can play a significant role in an investigators chances of success.
At Discovery Sevices, our investigators have had over 15 years of experience in handling the
challenges that may arise in your investigation. We have the experience and expertise to jump any
hurdles that might block other less resourceful investigators.

For a LOCATE/SKIP-TRACE assignment:
1) How old is the last known address for the person?
How certain are you that the information is still valid?
2) Is there any reason for this person to hide their whereabouts?
3) Do you know much about their lifestyle/significant others/hangouts/personal
interests (hobbies, memberships, professional associations etc.).

All these factors and more, play a part in determining the level of success.
But after all is said and done, it's the private investigators experience that will serve you the best.

To maximize the results of an investigation, choose an investigator that will
make the most of time and resources.

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Request an investigation by starting here.

I've never called a PI before. What kinds of things should I be aware of?

Most people who call a private investigator are doing so for the very first time.
At Discovery Services, we understand that.

When you call us, you'll be speaking with a compassionate investigator that understands your situation,
and has the experience to design an investigation to your specific needs

Fact:
Any licensed private investigator can hire inexperienced people.
Typically, they might hire a college person with a major in criminal justice,
and pay them $15/hour -while charging you $60 or $70/hour or more.

Are these the people you want your investigation to be entrusted to?

To protect yourself from those private investigation agencies that lack integrity and experience:
1) Verify the investigator has a valid, active license, and that he/she is bonded and
insured to conduct the investigation in the state(s) he/she may find himself in.

You will likely find that most "investigators" are unlicensed, and are working under someone else's private investigator license.
At Discovery Services, our investigators are all licensed.

In Massachusetts, contact the State Police in Danvers MA at (978) 538-6128.

In Connecticut, contact the Department of Public Safety in Middletown CT at (860) 685-8190.
You may also be able to find out if any complaints have been made against a private investigator.

2) Providing as much information as possible will not only increase your chances of achieving
significant results in your investigation...but it will also save you money!

Our private investigators can do a lot with very little information...
but we can do so much more when you take the time to provide all the details.
And, we can often conduct the investigation much more quickly...at less expense!

3) Understand that there are certain circumstances beyond our control.
But, because we are trained, experienced private investigators, we know how to minimize the effect of these circumstances.

Private Investigations are not like those you see on television.

To better understand the challenges facing real private investigators, consider these examples:

SURVEILLANCE:

Surveillance is not as easy as it appears.

If you stay directly behind the target, they may eventually notice you in their rear-view mirror.
If your spotted, you've just drastically reduced your chance for success -today or anytime in the near future.
Because, when you do resume the surveillance, the subject already suspicious and alerted, and also knows what your vehicle looks like.

So, what's the solution? Keep two or three vehicles behind the target?
Sure, but then you might find yourself behind an elderly person or someone
else who drives slowly or stops at yield signs...while the subject speeds ahead.

But, when the subject drives through a yellow traffic signal that has now turned red...what do you do?

A trained private investigator knows what the most viable options are.

The point is: Surveillance can be a difficult thing to do.

Using a van for surveillance:

Private investigators on television often use van for extended surveillance.
Certainly it would be if comfort was the primary consideration rather than effectiveness.

The truth is that vans will always be easily spotted when the target looks in their rear-view mirror.
A van cannot "hide" while in traffic the way smaller vehicles can.

And, if you're following a smaller vehicle on a long trip, your van will need to refuel before the target vehicle does.

Of course, geographical location may also influence its effectiveness.
For instance, a van in a beach town during tourist season might be ideal.

Children:

Anytime children are involved, present or even in the vicinity of a surveillance, extra care must be taken.
Especially when attempting to document a child in a custody case.

A private investigators conduct must assure 100% discretion, so as not to cause undue concern.
That's why we reserve the right to use discretion regarding how and when evidence is obtained.

The good news is that, if you are a concerned parent in need of a private investigator
to document a parent-child interaction, the possibilities for doing so are plentiful.

Because the bottom line is that no matter what your investigative needs,
public safety is the over-riding consideration in every circumstance.

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(413) 788-4988

"Get the Truth. Get the Proof."

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