What Does a Private Investigator Do?
A private investigator is a licensed professional who specializes in gathering information, conducting surveillance, and performing background checks. They work independently or with investigative agencies to provide legal, personal, or corporate clients with essential information. Contrary to Hollywood portrayals, their work is often meticulous, involving extensive research, surveillance, and legal compliance.
When life presents uncertainties or situations beyond your control, hiring a private investigator can be the most prudent step you take. Virginia Beach, a bustling coastal city known for its picturesque beaches, military presence, and thriving tourism industry, is also home to numerous private investigation firms dedicated to uncovering the truth. But what exactly does a private investigator (PI) do, and why would you consider hiring one in a place like Virginia Beach? Let’s explore the key aspects of this profession and how it can serve your personal or business needs.
Why Virginia Beach Is a Hotspot for Private Investigations
- Military and Government Presence: The area hosts several military bases and government contractors, making security-related investigations common.
- Tourism and Business Hub: With millions of visitors annually, local businesses frequently hire PIs for fraud investigations, background checks, and theft cases.
- Diverse Population: A large, diverse population means PIs often handle personal investigations involving family law, missing persons, and infidelity cases.
What Does a Private Investigator Do?
A private investigator is a licensed professional who specializes in gathering information, conducting surveillance, and performing background checks. They work independently or with investigative agencies to provide legal, personal, or corporate clients with essential information. Contrary to Hollywood portrayals, their work is often meticulous, involving extensive research, surveillance, and legal compliance.
Common Tasks Performed by Private Investigators
- Surveillance and Monitoring: This involves discreetly observing a person’s activities, typically for cases involving suspected infidelity, worker’s compensation fraud, or criminal behavior.
- Background Checks: Employers, landlords, and even individuals may request background checks for hiring, tenancy, or personal relationships.
- Asset Searches: PIs trace assets for legal proceedings like divorce settlements, debt collection, and business disputes.
- Locating Missing Persons: Whether it’s a runaway teenager or a long-lost relative, private investigators can locate people through specialized databases and investigative techniques.
- Corporate Investigations: Companies often hire PIs to conduct internal investigations into theft, embezzlement, intellectual property theft, or corporate espionage.
- Legal Support: PIs collaborate with attorneys to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and build strong legal cases for court proceedings.
Hiring a Private Investigator in Virginia Beach: What to Look For
- Licensing and Certification: Ensure the PI holds a valid license issued by the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS).
- Experience and Reputation: Look for PIs with a proven track record and positive client reviews.
- Specialization: Choose a PI who specializes in the type of investigation you require, whether it’s personal, corporate, or legal.
- Transparency and Communication: A good PI should clearly explain the investigation process, timelines, and costs upfront.
Our Private Investigation Services Include:
- Child Custody Cases
- Domestic Investigations
- Missing Persons
- Pre-Employment Investigations
- Surveillance
- Undercover Investigations
We are ready to take on your case! You can reach us at 703-495-4912 for our Falls Church, VA office. Or you can send us an email and we’ll reply as soon as we can.