We’ve all seen the old black and white gumshoe movies, where the private detective is hired by the “dame in distress” to check out the intentions of her errant husband. Of course, these movies were always a fictional representation of private detectives, albeit an entertaining one.
Today they are even further removed from the truth, as Private Investigators base their services very much in the 21st century. This includes the use of modern technology in all aspects of investigations, with some services being very much technology based. So what are some of the main services that private investigators provide, in 2015?
Matrimonial and relationship investigations
This is probably one of the areas of expertise that private investigators are most famous for, and it’s still a big part of private investigation work. Many people have reason to want another individual to be observed. This can apply to a matrimonial partner, or to many other romantic or family relationships.
If you know someone who is behaving in a suspicious manner, or you think may be taking part in an illegal or dangerous life practice, a private detective can watch them for you, and obtain evidence to either prove or disprove your suspicions. These observations can be static or mobile, or can even involve the use of GPS tracking. The aim of the observation is usually to provide you with detailed records of the findings, as well as photographic and video evidence.
Tracing missing persons
If someone goes missing it doesn’t always mean that they are in trouble; often people make a conscious decision to remove themselves from their current life. That doesn’t lessen the worry for people left behind. Missing persons investigations can be an excellent way of locating a person who has gone missing. They can also be of help when you have simply lost touch with someone.
Private investigators use a variety of methods to locate missing persons, including online searches, speaking to friends and acquaintances and searching electoral records.
Computer monitoring
One of the aspects of private investigation that was not around at the time of the old detective movies, is the monitoring of computer activity. Whether you are a concerned business owner, or a worried parent, private investigators can provide you with software that enables you to monitor the activity that is taking place on the computers in your home or office. Investigators can even help you to install the software, if they have access to your computers.
In this digital age, computer monitoring is a vital tool, in protecting both data and people.
Security services
This may not be something that you would immediately think to consult with a private investigator about, but it’s an important aspect of the services provided by private investigators in 2015. If you are a business owner, or a private individual, you can consult with a private investigator about the type of security help you may need. This can include installation of CCTV, computer forensics and the tracking of vehicles.
Background checks
In a world where digital technology makes it easier for people to construct false identities and histories, background checks form an increasingly large part of a private investigators workload. Hiring a professional is often the only way that a business owner or private individual can get accurate information on people, such as prospective employees or online dating prospects.
As you can see, in the digital age of 2015, private detectives provide a far more wide ranging service than they did in the past. The old image of the gumshoe now truly only exists in the movies.
Image courtesy MockLogic via Flickr
Barry Coyle
Tuesday 11th of July 2017
Very Good story, keep up the good work