California Private Investigator FAQ

Q: What does a Private Investigator do? A: A Private Investigator performs a wide variety of services for their clients. These services include locating individuals, collecting video or audio evidence with surveillance techniques, performing background checks, workers compensation claims, conducting bug sweeps and wiretap checks, GPS vehicle tracking, and more. Private investigators use a variety of equipment and techniques to collect information, while accessing databases and files to which many people don't have access, in order to do their jobs. For more information, visit http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos157.htm.

Q: What kind of training is required for Private Investigators in California?

A: In order to become a licensed private investigator in California, an individual must be at least 18 years of age, have completed at least 6,000 hours (three years) of state certified investigative work, pass a state exam and have no criminal history that would bar an individual from the duties of a private investigator. Training often consists of hands-on field experience working with a licensed private investigator. Most investigators also have two or four-year degrees in a field related to criminal justice. Some investigators enter the field with previous military police or law enforcement experience, or some have a combination of both police experience and apprenticeship. To find out more information, please visit http://www.bsis.ca.gov/.

Q: Do private investigators have access to records not available to the general public?

A: YES. Licensed private investigators qualify for access to databases which are not available to the general public. These services include data aggregators such as LexisNexis and ChoicePoint, and provide much more in-depth and detailed information than what is available on the internet and through retail information brokers.

Q: Will my information remain safe and confidential?

A: YES. All information given to a private investigator by a client, as well as information obtained by the private investigator on the client's behalf, remains confidential, and passes only between the investigator and client. The only exception to this rule is if there are illegal activities being witnessed, or if the investigator has reason to believe that someone involved in the investigation (either the client, or the person being investigated) is a danger to themselves or to others. For more information on California confidentiality laws, please visit http://www.privacyrights.org/ar/callaw.htm.

Q: Will the person I am attempting to locate be notified?

A: NO. Your information and the reason for your locate investigation search will remain private. Generally, most searches are amassed from some type of public record in which that person holds no expected right to privacy. For instance, real property (homes and structures) are recorded with local government and are considered public information. Private investigators in California have a duty to keep client confidentiality, similar to that of a therapist, doctor and attorney.

Q: Will the person under surveillance know that they are being watched?

A: A private investigator takes every precaution necessary to ensure that the target of an investigation is unaware that they are being observed. If the person knows they are being watched, then the integrity of the investigation is compromised, as the person may not behave normally. It can also risk the confidentiality of the client's information; therefore, alerting the target to the investigator's purpose is avoided if at all possible.

Q: What can I expect from a consult with a Private Investigator?

A: Most consultations with a private investigator are about finding out what your options are. Those options can help with making a more informed decision on how to take the next step. We know you have concerns about letting someone else in on your situation. So when you contact a private investigator for the first time, whether over the phone or in person, there should be no obligation to commit and the initial consultation should be free. The fee for services should clearly be explained, and the investigator may ask you some of the questions below:
Why is the investigation needed?
Who are we investigating?
What are you looking to gain?
What type of evidence do you need?
How strong are your intuitions?

Q: Why do some Private Investigators charge more than others?

A: Unfortunately, there is no simple answer. The average industry price for hiring a private investigator in Orange County, and in most areas of southern California ranges from $50.00 to $125.00 per hour depending on which service you request. Cost can depend on many factors, including specialization, technology, sophistication of equipment, company size, geographic service area, security clearances and reputation to name a few. Research if the investigator's cost will ultimately measure up to your expectations.

Q: Can I request a person's phone call records?

A: NO. But sneaky PIs back in the day used to obtain this information from sources within the phone company, and would pay hefty fees for a "call list". Nobody does this anymore, and it's quite illegal. But, finding out phone number ownership is still legal and can be very useful. Private investigators have access to certain databases that may provide: phone number ownership, subscriber information and carrier information. You won't get the physical call records, but knowing who owns the number might just be the evidence you're looking for.

Q: Can I remain anonymous and still hire a Private Investigator?

A: Yes, but why remain anonymous? In California, private investigators are required to keep you information confidential. Keep in mind, an investigator may choose to decline your case based on suspicions arising as to the nature of your intended investigation.