Frequently Asked Questions
1. What services do professional private investigators provide?
The services which a professional investigation company provides can vary from company to company. Most companies have individuals who come from different backgrounds giving the company diversity in their profession. Most professional investigators have backgrounds in law enforcement, but not all. Services will vary depending upon the company’s investigators experiences and which services they prefer to perform. For a list of our services, click on our Professional Services Tab.
2. If I retain a professional investigator to perform surveillance what results can I expect?
Results of any type of investigation, whether it is surveillance or other services cannot be 100% guaranteed. A licensed professional investigator will attempt to the best of their ability, while obeying all laws, to get results for their client. Ethical investigators will not force a situation to get a desired outcome. Investigators are retained to get "JUST THE FACTS, MA'AM, JUST THE FACTS", to borrow an old line from the Dragnet Television Series.
While performing surveillance there are many obstacles that can hinder an investigator and his or her associates. Unpredictability of a subject is just one factor. Other factors that can be obstacles are location of the subject's residence. If it is in a rural area, parking out on the road may draw unwanted attention by the subject who may also call Law Enforcement in regards to a strange vehicle. Of course weather and its unpredictability come into play. Gated communities, concerned neighbors, foliage or vegetation and dead end streets are just a few more obstacles that investigators must cope with. Surveillance may take long hours involving several days or weeks with the possibility of no activity. During this time the investigators will attempt to document events, as they happen, with photos or videos. Documentation of events will be taken when, in the investigators experienced professional judgment, it is considered that capturing photos or video will not create suspicion from the subject under surveillance.
Investigators are not always able to keep sight of their subject in traffic. Some subjects under surveillance may break traffic laws by using excessive speed or running red lights, to name a few. Ethical private investigators will not risk the health of others or themselves by attempting to "keep up" with their surveillance subjects. The risks are too high for everyone. Some surveillance circumstances may require the tag team surveillance technique involving two or more investigators. If it is deemed more effective to use additional investigators to reach the desired objective, it will be to ensure that we are effectively using resources to achieve results to the best of our ability and in your best interest.
For an investigator to determine the strategy to be used during surveillance, it is beneficial if the client can assist with providing the investigator with as much firsthand knowledge of the subject’s schedules, behaviors and habits. A current photo of the subject, when provided to the investigator, is also beneficial.
Surveillance is expensive and problematic as mentioned above. Mobile surveillance is the most difficult aspect of private investigations. Trying to follow a moving target, with no advance idea of their destination, in traffic, without being detected is very demanding. Only Hollywood could make it look easy.
The priorities of mobile surveillance are, the safety of the public first, not being detected second and the actual pursuit third.
3. What types of activities are licensed, professional investigators not allowed to pursue?
Private Investigators are able to access information which the general public cannot access. Texas Licensed Investigators must obey the laws which every citizen is subject to in the United States or any other country.
Investigators are not allowed to wire tap, obtain cell phone records or financial information using pre-texting (concealing one’s true intent by deception). Nor can investigators present themselves as law enforcement officers or as an employee of a law enforcement agency.
4. What is the usual charge when contracting with an investigator?
That will depend upon the specific services which are requested and the circumstances of the case.
Each case has variances and your request should be discussed in detail between you and the investigation company to make a determination of which services are required for the most efficient and effective outcome.
If you have retained an attorney, LPI finds it beneficial to speak with you and your attorney together to develope an agreed upon strategy which is most advantageous in assiting with your case.
Call or CONTACT US today for a free confidential consultation.
Lone Pine Investigations
Cell (214) 632-9822 or (936) 636-2771
136 FM 231
Lovelady, Texas 75851
LonePineInvestigations@hotmail.com