What information can a private investigator obtain?
A licensed private investigator can gather a wide range of information. Their work includes checking public records, tracking digital footprints, and conducting surveillance. Each method reveals different types of data, and each has legal boundaries.
Access to Public Records
Private investigators can retrieve documents from government databases. These may include:
- Property records
- Business registrations
- Bankruptcies
- Criminal records
This information is generally legal to access and forms the base for many investigations.
Phone Numbers and Email Addresses
With access to databases, a private investigator can uncover current and past contact information. This can be helpful in locating individuals, verifying identities, or confirming communication patterns in infidelity or fraud cases.
Social Media and Online Activity
Investigators often review public social media accounts. They analyze posts, check-ins, photos, and friend lists. This may expose patterns of behavior or hidden relationships. It can also support or disprove a claim in legal cases.
Surveillance and Observation
Surveillance is one of the most well-known methods. It involves watching and recording a subject's activities. This might include:
- Taking photos or video footage
- Recording times and locations
- Tracking interactions with people (and identify those persons)
All of this must be done without trespassing or breaking privacy laws. Professional PI's understand where the line is drawn.
Vehicle Tracking and License Plate Checks
Private investigators may legally track a vehicle in some states. This is done using GPS or by following a subject. They can also run a license plate to learn about ownership, registration, and past accidents. Access to this information depends on state laws and permissible use.
Financial and Asset Investigations
Investigators can discover bank accounts, properties, vehicles, and business holdings. They use databases and open-source intelligence. However, they cannot legally access bank balances or transaction details without consent or a court order.
Checking for Hidden Assets
During divorce cases or debt collection, clients may want to know if someone is hiding money or property. Investigators cross-reference property records, business ownerships, and lifestyle signs to spot inconsistencies.
Skip Tracing: Locating a Person
One common task is locating someone who has skipped town. This could be a missing relative, a debtor, or a witness. Investigators piece together clues from social media, utility records, and change-of-address data.
What Investigators Cannot Do
There are strict limits. Investigators cannot:
- Wiretap phones
- Hack into emails or social accounts
- Access health records
- Enter private property without permission
- Impersonate law enforcement
Breaking these laws could lead to criminal charges or loss of license.
What Do Private Investigators Have Access To?
They have access to special databases not available to the public. These tools combine many public records into one place. They also flag connections, aliases, and contact details. Investigators must verify their identity and purpose before using these tools.
How Deep Can a Private Investigator Dig?
The depth depends on the case, the budget, and the timeline. Some jobs need basic contact information. Others involve weeks of tracking and documentation. Each step must comply with legal standards to keep the evidence admissible in court.
Is Surveillance Legal?
Surveillance is legal when done in public places or from a lawful position. Investigators can watch someone in a park, on a sidewalk, or from a public road. They cannot install cameras in private spaces or use drones over homes without permission.
Can a Private Investigator Help in Court?
Yes. Investigators provide evidence that can support a legal case. Their reports, photos, and observations are often used in court for:
- Child custody disputes
- Cheating spouse claims
- Fraud investigations
- Background checks
Their work must be well-documented, truthful, and legally gathered.
Who Typically Hires a Private Investigator?
Private individuals, law firms, and businesses all use investigators. The reasons vary:
- Spouses suspect cheating
- Employers want detailed background checks
- Lawyers need supporting evidence
- Creditors are looking for assets
Each case starts with a clear goal and ends with a report.
Hire a local Private Investigators in Los Angeles
Private investigators can find a lot of information. They combine records, observations, and online research. But they must stay within the law. If you need to uncover facts, hire a licensed professional with a proven record.
Licensed-Investigator.com provides discreet and lawful investigations. Whether you're looking into a partner, a potential employee, or a financial matter, we can help. Contact us to schedule a consultation today.
