By Topher Leritz- Last Updated: 22nd, July, 2024
What Do Private Investigators Do?
Being a Private Investigator means there’s no such thing as a “typical day at work.” On any given day, a Private Investigator in Seattle may be conducting cell phone forensics in their office, interviewing a parent for a child custody investigation, or working to locate missing persons in the Pacific Northwest. The tools and techniques used in private investigations are diverse and have evolved significantly over the last few decades. While some of the work involves cooperating with law enforcement or assisting clients and lawyers with legal procedures (such as process service and testifying in court), Private Investigators are primarily hired to find answers and gather evidence. The methods used to achieve this can be broadly categorized into research, interviews, and observation. Medusa Investigative is a licensed Private Investigator agency with an experienced team offering private investigation services throughout Seattle and the surrounding areas.
Hollywood loves to depict Private Investigators in movies and on TV, but the reality is quite different. While office work is part of the job, a significant portion of a Private Investigator’s work involves fieldwork, such as interviewing clients or other sources at their homes or places of employment and conducting surveillance in various settings. Private Investigators also spend a considerable amount of time working in cooperation with law enforcement and providing litigation support to lawyers and others in the justice system. There’s no neat and tidy way to sum up what Private Investigators do because every day is different, and with technology continuously changing, some investigative services and techniques look very different than they did even a few years ago.
How Private Investigators Do What They Do
Research:
Research is integral to many Private Investigator services, from background checks and heir searches to hidden finances and skip-tracing investigations. While a significant amount of research can be conducted online, it sometimes requires searching through old public files and requesting copies of dated records unavailable online. Experienced Private Investigators have honed their research skills and developed innovative ways to access the necessary information despite strict privacy laws.
Interviews:
Private Investigators conduct many interviews throughout their careers. They interview clients, workers at businesses and other organizations, eyewitnesses, and even the subjects of their investigations. Sometimes, these interviews are conducted openly, but in other instances, such as fraud investigations or sensitive family law cases, investigators may need to conceal their identity and true motives. Thus, interviews range from straightforward information gathering to undercover work.
Observation:
Even in the 21st century, observation remains a crucial skill for Private Investigators. Careful observation and attention to detail can be the difference between getting stuck on a case and solving it. For example, secret shopper services involve posing as a customer to observe employee behavior and other aspects of the customer service experience, providing valuable feedback to business owners or managers. In corporate security investigations, investigators may observe everything from campus security procedures to new hire training and employee activities. Observation is a staple of many investigative services, not just for corporate clients.
At Medusa, we pride ourselves on firm integrity and a will to get to the bottom of things that cannot be beaten. If you feel you may need the services of a Private Investigator, please let us help.
– Topher