The most famous American private detective firm, The Pinkerton Detective Agency, was founded in 1850 by Allan Pinkerton. A few years later, he hired Kate Warne, who was the first female detective in the United States. Many pop culture cliches portray private investigators as working in the gray area of the law, or being shady, but this is most often not the case. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that about one quarter of private detectives are employed by the government, one quarter are self-employed, and almost half work for some kind of financial institution or other business. Read on for 10 reasons to hire a private investigator.
- Surveillance. This is the function that people think of most when they think of hiring a private investigator- following someone without being noticed. This may seem easy, but doing it without losing your target or being seen is actually a very challenging skill set. Also, there are many situations in which surveillance is useful.
- Background checks. Private investigation companies have access to databases and record sources that the average person cannot search. Many people choose to do background checks on business associates, employees, or even lovers.
- Personal injury investigation.A private investigator can help with personal injury lawsuits and collect evidence that the police don’t have time for, such as contacting witnesses or locating photos of the incident.
- Divorce, infidelity, and child custody.This is one of those situations that surveillance skills are indispensable for. A private detective can find evidence to help you in your divorce or family court situations so that the ruling is in your favor.
- Arson and insurance fraud.Private investigators can help insurance companies and victims of arson determine the exact cause of the damage, saving their clients thousands in false insurance claims.
What are some other reasons to hire a private investigator? Have you used one in the past? Comment and let us know!