Though you might think of private investigators as cliche plot devices for thrillers and mystery novels, they can come in handy when the situation calls for it. Certain circumstances require stealthy observation and evidence collection, which is best done by an expert. If you find yourself in one of the following situations, you might want to consider hiring a PI.
About a missing person.
According to the National Missing and Unidentified Persons database, more than 600,000 people go missing yearly in the US alone. Of this number, 15-20 thousand remain missing after a year. After reporting a person missing, your local police department will initiate a search. If the missing person is not found within a few weeks, the case will remain open but will be passed to a different department. Often, due to the money and time involved in searching for a missing person, the search will be called off within weeks or months of the report being filed.
In this situation, many people take the search into their own hands by hiring a personal investigator. A PI will focus all of their energy on your case specifically and commit the scope of their skills to finding your loved one. Additionally, the work of a PI can go a long way to uncovering evidence, bringing suspects to justice and providing closure for family and friends.
During a messy divorce.
People going through a messy divorce are frequently inclined to hire a private investigator, especially if financial assets, infidelity, or child custody is involved. For many, divorce is a high stakes process that can lead to financial hardship and seriously damage someone’s reputation.
If you suspect your partner of infidelity, hiding or manipulating shared assets, interfering with your relationship with your children, or other suspicious behavior, a PI might be able to help find the truth and provide some peace of mind.
When hiring personnel.
If you’ve ever applied for a job, you’re likely familiar with the routine background checks involved with most hiring processes. However, the background check process usually only involves a standardized review of basic records, including employment history and criminal record. If you’re hiring for a position that will require someone to take on a lot of responsibility, or work in close proximity to you, your family, or with your finances, it might be in your best interest to consult a PI.
A PI will be able to delve deeper into a prospective employee’s past and uncover anything potentially concerning. If you’re considering this option, make sure you inform the person in question of your intent to complete a thorough background check.
When planning high profile events
Events with a large anticipated attendance or high profile attendees could warrant the employ of a private investigator. In unfortunate cases, these events can unexpectedly dissolve into chaos with catastrophic results. Even when security personnel are present, situations can easily escalate beyond the capabilities of security guards, making coordinated response protocols difficult to execute.
In these cases, private investigators can often provide expertise, leadership and direction to your on-site security. They can serve as your eyes and ears, provide insight into potential threats or areas of liability, and mitigate dangerous situations should they arise.
For ground-breaking journalism.
Investigative journalists are tasked with the often difficult job of uncovering stories that would otherwise remain hidden. Many ground-breaking news moments, including the debriefing of the infamous Watergate scandal by the Washington Post and the recent ousting of Harvey Weinstein, have been the product of diligent investigative reporting.
When cases are as high profile as these two, a PI can be a priceless asset. Not only do they have access to a network of professionals in a variety of industries, they have the expertise and training required for unearthing dense paper trails and past allegations.
In any of these situations, a private investigator can provide the level of professionalism, discretion and credibility necessary to find answers. As always, take the time to find a reputable security company when seeking out a private investigator, especially if dealing with sensitive or incriminating information. Read more on our private investigator services HERE or call us anytime to talk with a trusted representative.