What Kind of Experience do Private Investigators Need?
Investigators have a unique set of skills and experience gained from their backgrounds in law enforcement, military intelligence and related areas. These skills are rare, but essential to the client. For example, a detective hired to deal with industrial espionage may use computer skills to search databases and other records for information. When investigating infidelity they use audio and visual surveillance to prove what’s really going on. While many cases involving private investigators still require extensive legwork on their part, more and more investigators are relying on various aspects of technology to help solve cases. Good investigators possess advanced IT skills and are well-trained in the latest surveillance technology. At Ranger Guard and Investigations, all investigators are trained not only in criminal law, but also advanced computer forensics.
Each case is unique. What stays the same is the broad range of abilities investigators need to close cases quickly and effectively. That’s why at Ranger Guard we prioritize those candidates whose backgrounds and qualifications show they have the skills we look for to deliver for our clients.
What Licensing Do Private Investigators Need?
In the United States, private investigators need to be licensed by the state they work in. In addition, quality private detective agencies always ensure that investigators have the relevant licenses and training to carry and operate any firearms they use. As investigations have become more complex in recent years, agencies such as Ranger Guard and Investigations use a variety of tools to ensure they hire only the best licensed, insured, and trained private investigators. At Ranger Guard we carry out extensive background investigations to ensure our agents are up to date with all the relevant government certifications. Beyond qualifications, we make sure our investigators have the experience and skills they need to carry out their duties, including extra training in advanced computer techniques and other innovative methods.
One of the most important factors to take into consideration is an agency with a record of proven success, such as Ranger Guard, to make sure your investigator lives up to expectations. In most cases, these agencies are ones that hire investigators with experience in law enforcement or military investigations. Such experience, combined with additional training in forensics, computer investigations, surveillance techniques, and other tools of the trade, make the detectives at these agencies stand out.
What Does a Private Investigator Do
There are a couple things that all private investigators have in common and that they do for every case, as well as some things private investigators never do. Before anything else, reputable private detectives will sit down with you for an initial consultation. Depending on the situation facing the client, they may suggest turning to police or using other options to resolve the situation. Because you will be placing your trust in these individuals to get answers to very personal and potentially embarrassing questions, always make sure you are clear as to how the investigation will progress, and that all information will be strictly confidential at all times.
After the consultation it’s time to get to work. Along with the common methods of following a suspect on foot and by vehicle, Private investigator services like Ranger Guard make excellent use of today’s innovative technology when conducting surveillance. This can involve sophisticated audio and video equipment, as well as various apps and other IT methods designed specifically for high-tech surveillance. They can unlock computers and mobile devices such as a cell phone or tablet, enabling them to access information others may be attempting to hide. Since many investigators have prior law enforcement and military intelligence experience, they can access little-known databases containing important information. Investigators often work undercover in an office or other environment to observe potential suspects up close and gain firsthand knowledge of their day-to-day activities.
Whenever you’re looking for a private investigator, it’s important to make sure the agency you’re hiring has the capabilities to handle the task. Large corporate investigations involving employee theft or embezzlement need investigators who are trained in the relevant techniques needed, such as video surveillance and computer forensics. Smaller operations require a different approach. By doing so, you’ll gain peace of mind during the investigative process, knowing it is being conducted by trained and experienced professionals.
How Can I Find a Private Investigator Near Me?
Finding an expert private investigation company can be easy, if you know what to look for. When searching online you will undoubtedly get a very long list of local private investigators who conduct corporate investigations and domestic investigations in the area. Use online customer reviews to help make sure the company you choose is a recognized expert in the field. You can evaluate their terms of contract, investigative methodology, cost of services, and many other factors to determine if they are a good fit for you.
Ranger Guard & Investigations is one of the few private investigation experts in the major cities, conducting both corporate and domestic investigations.
How Much Does a Private Investigator Cost?
When many people imagine private investigator prices, they often think it will be thousands of dollars or more. However, to the surprise of many clients, hiring a private investigator through Ranger Guard and Investigations is surprisingly affordable. Rather than make private investigator cost an obstacle to clients, Ranger instead has chosen to offer our services at rates most clients can easily afford. Whether it’s a large corporation needing an investigation into employee theft or an individual seeking answers to more personal questions, Ranger investigators are able to find the answers clients seek.
What to Avoid With a Private Investigator
Trust is integral to investigative services. This is why it’s important to work with an agency that puts the needs of its clients above all else.It is essential that all information is kept confidential between the investigator and the client. The last thing you need is the party you are investigating to find out about the investigations, especially in a sensitive case like an infidelity investigation. At the initial consultation, discuss how it will be conducted, and how they plan to communicate with you. Because you will be placing your trust in these individuals to get answers to very personal and potentially embarrassing questions, always make sure you are clear as to how exactly the investigation will progress, and that all information will be kept strictly confidential at all times.
You also need to make sure you’re not overpaying. Some private investigative agencies choose to use a team of investigators to help solve cases. This is rarely necessary. It often drags the case on longer than needed and results in a much greater expense for the client.
To give you peace of mind and answer any questions you may have, contact the Better Business Bureau, as well as state and federal agencies in charge of regulating private investigators before starting to work with an agency. By doing so, you’ll be able to learn of any complaints lodged against the agency, as well as any pending legal action that may be directed toward the agency.
Ranger Guard uses solo investigators and always ensures the strictest confidentiality. To make sure we can trust our staff, Ranger Guard carries out strict tests and background checks before every hire. This includes strict drug testing, aptitude tests, and background checks to verify employment, education, and character references. We do these tests so clients know the investigator assigned to their case is a person of high standards and ethics.
If you have a nagging feeling something is wrong inside your company or a relationship, it may be time to use the services of a trained investigator. It is better to be safe than sorry, and a properly conducted investigation will give you the peace of mind you’ve been searching for. To start the process, visit our website to fill out an online contact form, or call us.