FAQ

We get a lot of common questions in the investigative business. Below are the most frequently asked questions and their answers. If you do not see your question listed, please fee free to contact us directly.

QUESTION: What is the difference between a Private Detective and a Private Investigator?

QUESTION: What types of cases does your firm handle?

QUESTION: Can private investigators do anything the police can do?

QUESTION: Can private investigators access police and government databases?

QUESTION: I can’t be seen talking with an investigator. Is that a problem?

QUESTION: What hours do you work?

QUESTION: What areas do you cover?

QUESTION: What types of payment do you accept and will your company name show up on my credit card statement?

QUESTION: How soon can you start working on my case?

QUESTION: Will you keep my information confidential?

QUESTION: What are your payment terms?

QUESTION: Will my partner know you’re watching them?

QUESTION: Can you tell if someone is bugging my phone or getting into my computer?

QUESTION: Can you GPS someone for me?

FAQ's

Question: What is the difference between a Private Detective and a Private Investigator?

In most cases there is no difference. Some states professional licensing bodies simply choose which term to use when providing industry licensing.

Question: What types of cases does your firm handle?

We handle a variety of cases and our investigators have their individual specialties. We either handle the following types of cases or can refer you directly to a specialist whom we trust. Our referral is absolutely free of charge:

  • Accident Reconstruction
  • Adultery
  • Alimony Reduction
  • Arson
  • Asset Checks
  • Asset Search
  • Background Checks
  • Bug Sweeps
  • Cheating Spouses
  • Child Custody
  • Child Recovery
  • Child Support / Custody
  • Child Visitation
  • Civil Investigations
  • Competitive Intelligence
  • Computer Forensics
  • Corporate Investigations
  • Covert Surveillance
  • Crime Scene Investigations
  • Criminal Defense Investigations
  • Criminal Investigations
  • Cyber Investigations
  • Divorce
  • Domestic
  • Due Diligence
  • Electronic Data Discovery
  • Electronic Surveillance
  • Executive Protection
  • Financial
  • Fire
  • Fraud
  • General Investigations
  • Homicide Investigations
  • Identity Theft
  • Infidelity
  • Insurance Investigations
  • International Background Checks
  • Internet Profiling
  • Judgment Recovery
  • Missing Children
  • Missing Persons
  • Mystery Shopper
  • Photo Surveillance
  • Polygraph
  • Pre-Employment Background Searches
  • Premarital
  • Process Service
  • Public Record Searches
  • Repossession
  • Skip Tracing
  • Surveillance
  • Targeted Individuals
  • Trial Preparation
  • TSCM
  • Video Surveillance
  • Workers Compensation
  • Wrongful Death

Question: Can private investigators do anything the police can do?

No. Private investigators are considered private citizens and must function accordingly. Although courtesy may be given in situations such as loitering, private detectives must follow the law just like you.

Question: Can private investigators access police and government databases?

Some government databases do allow licensed private investigators access. In addition, private investigators may typically gain access to proprietary information databases that are not available to the general public.

Question: I can’t be seen talking with an investigator. Is that a problem?

No. We can arrange to meet covertly, communicate via email or text, or make other arrangements in order to avoid detection.

Question: What hours do you work?

Our detectives are available to work 24-7. Your needs are of the utmost importance to us.

Question: What areas do you cover?

We serve the world from the heart of Missouri. Our investigative network is global, through the professional organizations to which we belong. We are proud to handle your case from start to finish, regardless of the location where services are needed.

Question: What types of payment do you accept and will your company name show up on my credit card statement?

We accept cash, wire transfer, cashier’s check, and credit card payments. In addition, we can assist with helping to make sure your payment will not be "detected" by a spouse if that is of concern.

Question: How soon can you start working on my case?

Often, we can begin work for you on the same day you contact us.

Question: Will you keep my information confidential?

Yes. Your information is kept confidential unless we are required by law or a court order to share your information with the authorities. Your case will not be discussed outside of our firm without your permission. In addition, all case histories and client information are kept in a secure location.

Question: What are your payment terms?

Typically, private investigators work on retainer, similar to attorneys.

Question: Will my partner know you’re watching them?

No. Our investigations are discreet and confidential. They should not be able to discern that they are being watched or followed.

Question: Can you tell if someone is bugging my phone or getting into my computer?

Yes. Our agency offers TSCM (Technical Surveillance Counter Measures). This service can detect "bugs" as well as unauthorized GPS surveillance and computer and phone spyware.

Question: Can you GPS someone for me?

Maybe. We recommend you first contact your attorney about using GPS. It is our understanding, based upon our experience in the field, that it is only legal to GPS your own or your marital property. As stated previously, we always recommend that you contact your attorney to discuss this option since privacy laws are constantly changing. If you have a question that you do not see answered here, please use our contact form to reach us with your concerns.