Question 1

Why is experience and licensing crucial in investigations?

Accepted Answer

While it's easy to assume that all information is available online, the reality is that much of what's needed for a comprehensive investigation is not. Licensed private investigators have access to powerful, restricted databases and resources that are not accessible to the public. This is for good reason. In the wrong hands, this information could be dangerous.

Our firm prides itself on maintaining a curated and continually updated collection of these essential investigative resources. Our access is earned through rigorous background checks and approvals, ensuring that our data is not only cutting-edge and current but also accurate and reliable.

Our experienced analysts carefully examine these datasets, extracting the information most relevant to your case. They then compile it into a concise, easy-to-understand report you can confidently use.

This is the key difference between hiring a licensed professional for accurate and dependable results versus using a generic online background check. For over 30 years, we have stood by our work because we genuinely care about our clients and their cases. We remain committed to our long-standing standard of excellence.

We understand the challenges law firms face when a client loses contact during a mass tort or class action lawsuit. Our specialized service is designed to locate and re-establish communication with these individuals, helping you keep your cases on track.

If reconnection isn’t possible, we provide the most up-to-date information on why allowing you to focus on the clients who are still engaged and moving their cases forward. Thanks to our advanced, industry-leading resources, we haven exceptionally high success rate.

Question 2

Where do you get your information?

Accepted Answer

We do not engage in hacking or illegal activities. Instead, our licensed investigators use

cutting-edge research techniques taught at specific training conferences nationwide. We have earned access to exclusive, credential-based data providers that are far superior to any publicly available online database. The information we access is available only to backgrounded and licensed investigators. It is not granted to the public because this powerful data can be dangerous in the wrong hands.

Question 3

Do people who provide investigative services  need to be licensed?

Accepted Answer

Yes, in most states, and it is a legal requirement in California. Operating as a private investigator without a license is a felony in California. This is a serious offense that can lead to significant legal consequences for the unlicensed individual. When hiring an investigator, it is always a good practice to verify their credentials through your state's licensing agency.In a legal setting, evidence gathered by an unlicensed investigator may be deemed inadmissible in court, which could severely damage your case.

Question 4

Is a contract required for every assignment?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The California Business and Professions Code states, a licensed private investigator must have a signed written agreement with every client for each assignment. This agreement ensures that the scope of work, fees, and expectations are clearly documented before any work begins. This practice protects both the client and the investigator by ensuring transparency and professionalism.

Choosing a private investigator is a critical decision, as their role is to represent your interests, unlike law enforcement, whose duty is to enforce the law. Shannon's advice is a straightforward guide to help you find a qualified professional who can best serve your needs.

1. Verify Their License and Experience

Start by checking your state's licensing site (for example, the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services in California). A quick search of the investigator's name or company will confirm if they hold an active license. It's important to note that even former law enforcement officers aren't licensed private investigators until they have a current, valid license. The length of time an investigator has been licensed is a strong indicator of their experience and professional history. New investigators will often have a more limited base of resources and a smaller professional network compared to seasoned professionals with a longer track record.

2. Review Their Professional Presence

A reputable investigator should have an active and well-established profile on professional platforms like LinkedIn. Look for a detailed history that includes ongoing professional development, continuing education classes, and a robust network of connections. A lack of professional history online should be a red flag, as a legitimate investigator will have a documented career on a platform designed for that purpose.

3. Look for Recognition and Peer Endorsements

Top-tier investigators are often recognized by their peers and clients. They may be asked to teach classes, speak at industry events, or receive awards for their work. These acknowledgements, while seemingly counterintuitive for a discreet profession, are a strong indicator of an investigator's expertise and standing within the industry.

4. Reputation Over Publicity

Don't be fooled by what you see on television. While some investigators may gain a public profile, a solid reputation is built on discretion and proven results. In our field, discretion is a fundamental value, and a reputable investigator's primary goal is to protect your interests through dedicated, confidential work.

5. Confirm Professional Association Memberships

Membership in professional associations is a mark of a committed investigator. Many organizations, such as the National Association of Legal Investigators (NALI), the California Association of Licensed Investigators (CALI), the Southern California Fraud Investigators Association (SCFIA), the Ventura County Bar Association, the Ventura County Women Lawyers Association, the International Intelligence Network (Intellenet), the National Council of Investigation and Security Services (NCISS), and the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE), require a rigorous vetting process for new members. If a potential investigator is not a member in good standing with at least one professional association, it may be a cause for concern.

Question 5

What does an investigatior charge?

Accepted Answer

The cost of an investigation can vary based on the complexity of the case. While some straightforward tasks, like a simple locate request, can be billed at a flat rate, most of our services require a more tailored approach.

We begin with a confidential consultation to understand your needs and discuss how we can best assist you. From there, we create a purpose-built investigative plan that includes a detailed scope of work, clear timelines, and transparent pricing options to fit your budget.

A professional investigator's hourly rate reflects the level of experience, resources, and professionalism we bring to every case. These costs are a direct result of maintaining a professional office, dedicated support staff, comprehensive insurance, and investing in cutting-edge equipment and the most reliable data resources. Our team's expertise is continuously advanced through ongoing training and continuing education from nationwide conferences and classes specifically for licensed professionals. This means we use investigative techniques that are not available to the public, as our methods are built on skill, ethics, and proprietary resources.

Once we have your signed agreement and retainer, we will begin your assignment. Throughout the process, we view our work as an ongoing conversation, and we may suggest modifications to the investigative plan to better serve your needs. All changes will be agreed to in writing, ensuring that we always handle your case according to industry best practices and with maximum efficiency.

For an accurate estimate, schedule your free consultation so we can discuss the specifics of your matter.

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Shannon Tulloss, CII, OSC

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FAQs

Got questions? We got the answers!

Why is experience and licensing crucial in investigations?

Where do you get your information?

Do people who provide investigative services need to be licensed?

Is a contract required for every assignment?

What does an investigatior charge?

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