A question often asked, and often wondered about. One that comes with a multitude of misconceptions. These range from what a private investigator does, to what the people that hire them are like.
This is due to a number of reasons, but there are two in particular that stand out:
- There is little information out there about private investigators and what they do. Whereas, the information there is, points to a wide array of duties in their job description. Making it difficult for the average person to pinpoint exactly what PIs do.
- Then, in part related to reason one, is that most people’s mental image or idea of a PI comes from works of fiction. Whether it be films, TV shows, books or games. Fiction is undeniably saturated with characters who are private detectives. Or characters that engage in activity pertaining to a private investigator’s job. Most famous among them, of course, is the fedora wearing and extraordinary detective, Sherlock Holmes.
Not to say that fiction is completely inaccurate. Creators tend to do their research, but they don’t paint a complete picture either. After all, they aim to dramatize, entertain and bedazzle their audiences.
So who exactly hires private investigators?
Both individuals and companies hire them for their diverse set of skills:
- Law firms, for example, are some of our most prominent clients. Here at Advantage Investigators, we are regularly hired for background checks. Which range from criminal investigations to witness reliability, or even investigation into the opposition. We are also employed by law firms for expert witness testimonials. This can involve searching vast databases, and acquiring said witnesses’ testimonials. All responsibilities crucial to pre-trial preparation.
- Private individuals are also amongst the many that seek PIs’ expertise. Clients like these come from all walks of life, and with their own eclectic multitude of needs: Infidelity, child custody and pre-marital investigations, prosecuting stalkers, finding a missing person or their assets, and even background checks on nannies.
- Business owners. It is not uncommon for someone looking to go into business with a new partner, to want to know more about them. Background checks into their legitimacy and business history could be relevant.
- Landlords, it can be a bit of a gamble bringing in new tenants to one’s property. A background check into potential tenants, that might raise red flags, could prove a life-saver for a property owner.
- Human resources professionals or departments. As discussed in last week’s article, knowing who you are employing, and if their work ethic matches your business, is important. Instrumental to keeping a healthy workplace environment and productive business.
Closing Thoughts:
The list could go on, but these are the most notable and frequent types of clientele that hire private investigators. As is easily observable, the stereotypical paranoid spouse or vindictive divorcee, depicted in countless fictional stories, makes up a very small portion of a private investigator’s clients.
In fact, more often than not, when individuals in vulnerable positions approach PIs, their hunch is well founded. They may have reason for concern. Finding evidence to that fact is a serious matter. These are not strange or unhinged people, as they are all too often portrayed. They are ordinary people, just like you and me. They might even work in an office near you.
If you find yourself in need of this particular set of skills, please feel free to call us. Or simply click on this link to get in contact with one of our team members.
