There are many reasons why an individual or business entity would hire a private investigator. Many private investigative agencies offer a vast array of services that they specialize in that create huge benefits for their clients. Most private investigation agencies have access to some of the same tools that law enforcement agencies used to investigate their cases. In some instances, private investigative agencies may provide specialized services that some smaller law enforcement agencies might not be able to provide. Some of these specialize services might include cellular phone forensics, cyber-security investigations, and digital counter-surveillance.
In a normal relationship, it is implied that both parties will remain monogamous to each other. Although it is a beautiful admiration, it is not commonly exercised in this day and age. There are many indicators that a spouse or love one might be engaged in an adulterous relationship or in laymen terms cheating, but indicators without factual evidence are just that, indicators and doesn’t in itself prove that someone is actually carrying out the act. Hiring a private investigator in this situation would be greatly appropriate. A private investigator job is not to prove cheating, but rather gather the evidence and facts that may or may not support cheating and turn in a written report to the person that hired him or her findings of the investigation.
Employee theft is a major concern for all types of business entities. Crime in the workplace is costing employers $50 billion a year, according to Elaine Pofeldt[1] with cnbc.com. In an article written by George N. Root III[2] with smallbusiness.chron.com, “When you understand the way that employee theft impacts a company, you can create effective policies to combat it.” This is a situation where hiring a private investigation agency make good sense for the business owner(s) especially if the business does not have its own Asset Protection Department. A competent private investigation agency could coordinate a low-key strategic plan with top management to combat employee theft without disturbing normal operations. A private investigation agency could deploy undercover investigators into the workforce to conduct discreet surveillance. The agency could install hidden surveillance cameras and asset tracking devices to investigate employee theft. These are some of the many things a private investigation agency can do to help with employee type crimes.
Law enforcement charges an individual with a crime based on allegations and probable cause. Probable cause is a high probability that the person, who was alleged to have committed the crime, actually committed the crime based on some form of circumstantial or physical evidence. The individual that was charged with the crime is absolutely sure he or she is innocent of the crime that they have been accused of committing. The accused individual hires an attorney to represent their case. The attorney request “Discovery” from the prosecution. According to the Offices of the United States Attorneys[3] with the Department of Justice, “Prosecutors must also provide the defendant copies of materials and evidence that the prosecution intends to use at trial. This process is called discovery and continues from the time the case begins to the time of trial. A prosecutor has a continuing obligation to provide the defendant documents and other information which may reflect upon the case.”
Based on the information provided to the attorney, the attorney begins to prepare their defense of the case. This is where it would make sense for an attorney to hire a private investigation agency that specializes in Criminal Defense Investigation. Many private investigation agencies are owned by prior law enforcement officers or hire prior law enforcement officers with extensive experience and training investigating criminal cases. This could be a valuable resource for an attorney. A competent private investigator with criminal investigation experience could analyze the criminal case and evidence brought against the individual to make sure the case was handled properly. The investigator can visit the original crime scene in an effort to see if any new evidence that might have been overlooked can be discovered. They could interview any witnesses that might not have been interviewed during the criminal investigation. There are many other valuable assets a competent private investigator can provide to a defense attorney to assist their client to having a fair trial in court. Law enforcement agencies are very great at what they do and are commended for what they do, but they are human beings and not perfect. Law enforcement officers sometimes make mistakes or overlook evidence that might prevent an innocent person from being prosecuted wrongly. In the below video, Attorney Ryan Garry with Ryan Garry Attorney LLC[4] gives a great presentation on why an attorney should hire a private investigation agency that specialize in criminal defense.
There are many types of insurance companies that offer a variety of different insurance products and services to consumers. Life Insurance, Property & Casualty Insurance, Worker’s Compensation Insurance, Health Insurance, and General Liability Insurance are a few common types of insurance products offered by insurance companies. In general, when a legitimate insurance claim is filed by the insured for a loss, the insurance company indemnifies the insured for that loss. However, there are many fraudulent claims of a loss that are filed to insurance companies that create huge financial impacts for the insurance companies and consumers. According to an article on fraud by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners[5] (NAIC), “Fraud not only inflicts extra costs on insurance companies, but it also financially impacts consumers and businesses. The Coalition Against Insurance Fraud indicates that fraud costs businesses and consumers $308.6 billion a year. Additionally, the FBI estimates fraud costs the average family between $400 and $700a year in premiums.”
In this situation it would make legitimate sense for insurance companies to hire private investigation agencies to investigate suspicious insurance claims. Not only will this strategy benefit the insurance companies, it would also benefit its clients financially. Private Investigators can use various investigative techniques and methods to verify whether or not insurance claims are legitimate or fraudulent saving both insurance companies and consumers lots of money long-term. The above situations are only a few reasons why anyone should hire a private investigator. Private investigation agencies can be a great resource for those who need answers and evidence that will hold up in court. Hiring a private investigator can be expensive. When your freedom, money, children, and assets are on the line, hiring a private investigator along with an attorney is well worth the investment.
[1] Workplace crime costs US businesses $50 billion a year (cnbc.com)
[2] The Consequences of Employee Theft (chron.com)
[3] U.S. Attorneys | Discovery | United States Department of Justice
