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 this cost?

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 why not? It's a perfectly logical and usually significant, question.
Unfortunately, nearly everyone gets a similar answer: "It depends".

If the case involves a cheating spouse and you know 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 we manage our time and try to minimize the expense,
there are often factors beyond our control, that create challenges and obstacles.

So, here are some 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 you your specific needs.

To protect yourself from those agencies that lack integrity consider the following:

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.

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 only increase your chances of achieving
significant results in your investigation. 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) Please understand that there are certain circumstances beyond our control.
However, we are trained professionals and can often avoid or minimize the effect of these circumstances.
If you've read the above in its entirety, you understand that the work of a private investigator is not quite as it is portrayed on television...and that brings us to the next section:

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.

And, when you do resume the surveillance, the subject already
know what vehicle to look for, so you can't use the same vehicle.

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.

And, when the subject drives through a yellow traffic signal that has now turned red...what do you do?
A trained investigator would know what the most viable options are.

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

This is one of the reasons we request so much information about the subject, in the first place.
Things like: best friends, relative (and their addresses), favorite hangouts, employer etc, come into play.
These and other factors, will help us to determine the subjects most likely destination.

Using a van for surveillance:

One might think that using a van for extended surveillance is a most appropriate choice.
Certainly it would be if comfort was the primary consideration instead of effectiveness.

However, vans, by virtue of their size, will always be prominent and easily spotted when looking in the rear-view mirror. They cannot "hide" while in traffic, while smaller vehicles can.
And, if you're following a smaller vehicle on a long trip, you will need to refuel before the subject 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 videotape a child.

All conduct must be done in a manner that absolutely and unequivocally assures 100% discretion
No further explanation should be necessary.

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

But for everyones safety sake, we reserve the right to use discretion regarding how and when evidence is obtained.
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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