Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers about hiring a private investigator: cost, privacy, surveillance and the evidence you get at the end.
FAQ
Before You Hire an Investigator
These are the questions people ask us most. Don’t see yours? Ask us. The call is free and confidential.
Hiring an investigator
How do I hire you for an investigation?
Start with a call, an email or the contact form. You and one of our consultants then talk through a confidential contract.
That is when we gather the sensitive details: who the person is, photos, addresses, vehicles and schedules. If you prefer, the contract and details can go by email, or we can set up a meeting with a licensed consultant.
How much does it cost to hire a private investigator?
Surveillance is billed by the hour. Before a case starts, we plan the work around your situation and set a budget with you, and we never go past the surveillance time in your budget without your permission.
Investigative services are paid in advance. You can pay by credit card, PayPal, cash, check or money order.
Is hiring a private investigator legal?
Yes. We have access to tens of thousands of records, including financial, property and criminal records, and every source we use is completely legal.
How quickly can you start an investigation?
Usually 24 hours’ notice is plenty, and we can often start right away. First we gather the facts and complete the forms needed to begin.
Weekends are our busiest time and may need more notice.
How long does an investigation take?
It depends on the service. We give you a rough timeline at your first consultation.
Privacy
Will my information be kept confidential?
Yes. We only share information about you when the law requires it. Everything else you tell us stays completely confidential.
We keep your information only as long as we need it and keep it up to date, and you can ask what we hold about you at any time. Your confidentiality is our highest priority.
Will the person find out they are being watched?
Our surveillance is 100% confidential, and we do everything needed to keep it covert. If we ever think the investigation is at risk, we back off and decide the next step with you.
One important tip: never threaten to hire an investigator. It makes the person much harder to watch. If you already have, tell us so we can plan for it.
Surveillance and evidence
What information do you need to start surveillance?
A physical description and any photos of the person, their addresses and vehicle details, when and where to start, and the reason for the surveillance.
Our trained, licensed investigators then capture courtroom-quality video of everything that matters, backed by their experience and credibility.
What should I do once surveillance is set up?
Don’t do anything that could tip the person off. Keep your usual habits, and don’t ask too many questions about what they are doing.
Is your firm up to date with security devices?
Yes. We use current technology, including advanced GPS tracking devices and video cameras, to solve cases as quickly and accurately as possible.
What evidence will I get at the end of a surveillance investigation?
You get the video and a detailed written report that describes everything the investigator saw, plus any other evidence collected.
If you like, we can archive the evidence at our secure location and keep it ready for you. Video usually comes on DVD, and other media, such as a USB flash drive in the file format you prefer, is available on request.
Types of cases
What types of cases does a private investigator handle?
Many kinds. Yes, we take cheating spouse and other domestic cases, usually with surveillance, but they are a small share of our work. Here are the cases we take on:
Free Consultation
Talk to an Investigator Today
Your first consultation is free and confidential. Tell us what is going on, and we will tell you how we can help.
- Available 24/724 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year
- [email protected]Email us any time
- P.O. Box 56817New Orleans, Louisiana 70156