Private Investigators Defined

A private investigator is an experienced investigator who is hired by a citizen to collect evidence regarding a specified concern. Private investigators offer an array of services. Frequently, an individual or a family will hire a private investigator to analyze and resolve a missing person case, particularly when public law enforcement agencies have not yielded suitable results. In addition, a private investigator may conduct investigations and surveillance in order to obtain proof of an individual's adulterous behavior. Private investigators may be hired by employers, who are attempting workers compensation fraud. In addition, many private investigators will search through public records for an individual in order to locate the records that he/she desires. These professionals can conduct background checks and polygraph tests. Many private investigators will also offer forensic services and document reconstruction services.