One of the most iconic jobs a private investigator may be hired to do is collect information on a person of interest. Private investigators can gather information for for an employer who is looking for more information on an employee or for an insurance company suspecting a claimant of fraud.    For most instances, a private investigator’s client  will expect quick and accurate results. Thankfully, with the increased efficiency of communication and record keeping devices, there are a number of tools that private investigators have available to quickly find information.
Key Tools for Gathering Information
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Databases and detective sources. By looking through the right databases, private investigators can access, contact information, social networking data, and  so much more. Examples of these databases include: TLO and Accurint.
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Court records. Court records are a good source of information for individuals that may have a criminal record, or have a regular history of taking companies to court for insurance claims. These public records can either be found online or may require a visit to the courthouse to obtain.
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Contact people close to the target. This one might be tricky depending on how close the individual is to the target. Coworkers and neighbors might be willing to disclose what they know, but friends and family might not be as comfortable giving personal information to a stranger. It helps if a private investigator maintains composure, and a polite attitude when interviewing individuals about a target.
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Use the Internet. The internet has become the largest database of information in the world. Some targets may make it easy to find their information on social networking sites, where people regularly disclose information about themselves for others to see. In addition to this, targets may even have their own personal site with information or posts about their location and regular habits.
Private investigators often use surveillance. Law enforcement, for example, could hire a PI to further an investigation when they don't have the manpower to follow a suspect themselves. Private citizens may want a cheating spouse exposed. Perhaps a corporation wants to uncover fraud. Regardless of the client, the vital aspects of surveillance are the who, when, where and how the surveillance will be conducted.
What Resources & Equipment You Need For a Private Investigator Business
This can be a challenge (particularly for a new business) because you have to balance this need with the need to also be financially responsible. Â Video editing and photography equipment could be the most costly items when starting your new private investigator business. Â Do your research to find the camera that best suits your needs.
Starting your new business by working at home can be a huge money saver.  Working from home is also  has tax benefits. If you choose to go this route, it is important to dedicate an area of your home strictly to business to separate your work and home life.
You will need a separate phone line for your business. Â This may sound simple, but finding the right one to fit your budget can be challenging. Â Consider some free online resources For video conferencing and there are also cloud-based phone systems, , that could be beneficial as well.
Getting business cards is another essential item. Â This ensures your clients have your contact information readily available. Â Look at some affordable business card providers by exploring your options on the internet.
Targets of a Private Investigation
Who is the target? Are they a career criminal? A repeat offender? Or is it an average person, likely unaware they are being watched? Private investigators should have background information about who they are following prior to the investigation to better make informed decisions during a stakeout.
When will the surveillance be conducted? It’s easy to lose a target during a busy part of the day like rush hour, for example. On the opposite end of the spectrum, a PI could easily be noticed during late night when no one else is around.
Locations for a Surveillance
Where will the surveillance take place? Will it take place on foot, perhaps in a shopping plaza? Will it take place by car, following the target home from work? Knowing the general location helps determine what equipment to bring and how portable it needs to be. Investigators should also be able to quickly change between modes of transportation, depending on what the suspect is doing.
What Private Investigators Cannot Legally Attain
In some respects, information that is ascertained about you on the web, legally or otherwise, may not always be able to be used against you in court.
Information Available on the Web
Here are just a few examples:
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Medical Records: The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) protects your medical history records from anyone without proper authorization.
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Telephone Records: Private Investigators may be able to identify your telephone carrier, but access to your call records, or wire taps by a third party is restricted by state and federal statutes (such as: Â the Telephone Records and Privacy Protection Act of 2006).
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Bank Accounts: Although you may be able to identify accounts that are linked to an individual, you cannot legally obtain account specific information without a court order or the consent of the account holder.
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Credit Information: There is a restriction against third parties obtaining your credit information. Also, credit reports are protected by the Fair Credit Report Act, Driver’s Privacy Protection and Gramm-Leach Bliley Act. PI’s cannot obtain this information without authorization.
How To Protect From Identity Theft
Nevertheless, always keep in mind the importance to remain vigilant in taking the appropriate steps to protect yourself from identity theft. Using common sense when posing information online is key. As a rule of thumb, less is more when it comes to the web.
National Investigative Training Academy, Inc. (NITA) is an online provider of state-approved and accredited private investigator training classes. We provide the student with a uniquely innovative training experience that has never been offered within the investigative community. Â Most of the NITA courses offer training on ethics and legal matters regarding Private Investigators.
Our enrollment counselors are here to answer any questions you might have about our state- and board-approved status, pre-licensing training, or professional development programs.
