12 Dec
2008
Commercial and Private Investigators: A Short Career Guide

commercial private investigatorsMost private investigators work in a specialized field. They usually focus on a particular field either through choice or circumstance. If they get exposed in certain cases frequently, for example, they become better trained and experienced at that particular practice. This is why some investigators become commercial investigators while others practice privately.

What do commercial investigators do?
Commercial investigators are those that work in the corporate or industrial setting. They are often employed by companies and private groups, either on project basis or full-time. In some cases, they may also be employed by government agencies. Their jobs usually focus on trading, finance and other aspects of the business and commerce.

How is commercial investigation different from private investigation?
Private and commercial investigators are similar in that they both have functions that are akin to those practiced by certain law enforcement officials, albeit rather limited in scope and power. Private investigators also generally work independently, although many are employed by private companies. Private investigators also assist lawyers in case of civil cases.

One significant difference in what commercial investigators do that some private investigators do not readily get involved with is in strategic corporate planning. Many companies seek the help of a commercial investigator to assist them in designing corporate standards and business policies. Companies do this to help them establish set rules to protect their businesses and control internal conflict or crimes.

In case of any problems that require an investigation, commercial investigators are then asked to perform a professional probing of the case. This will help solve any crimes or misdemeanors that may be related to commercial or corporate fraud, economy-related offenses and even computer-related crimes.

Becoming a commercial and private investigator
Commercial investigators are often required to complete Senior certificate and Basic Police Training. They must also complete the set number of hours required for training in certain courses. They should also pass certain tests and obtain the necessary security clearance.

Most of the specific training required of commercial investigators focus on detective work related to commerce, finance and economics. They are often called in to investigate cases that could point to fraud, embezzlement or related offenses.

Private investigators, on the other hand, are required to obtain basic training in detective work and have sufficient training in specific courses. After completing the number of hours required for training and assisted experience, private investigators can then obtain their license, a requirement they must meet for most states and jurisdictions. Depending on the nature of their job, they may also opt to carry a firearm.

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19 Sep
2008
Family Law Private Investigators: How to Hire

familyThe process of hiring private investigators is tricky for most first-timers, especially if it’s a family concern and you don’t wish for the general public to be aware of certain matters. If you’re in need of the services of a private investigator, here are a few tips to help you scout out the best.

Choose insured private investigators.
Trust between an investigator and client is always essential, but there’s also nothing wrong with playing it safe. Rather than make yourself vulnerable to any claims in the event that something happens to your investigator in the course of his investigation, you can simply hire an insured P.I. and get rid of such risks immediately.

Stick to licensed private investigators.
Although not all states require private investigators to obtain licenses prior to offering their services, you can at least be assured that those who are licensed have certifiable knowledge, skills, and abilities for their chosen profession. Those with licenses are also bound to be more ethical in their work; you won’t have to worry about your investigator crossing the line and making you liable for any criminal offense.

Prioritize well-established companies.
More years in the business are always good. They’re not prone to make mistakes that novices and amateurs often commit. The years they’ve devoted to their practice also gives them the kind of experience and expertise that new private investigation firms are still trying to achieve.

Well-established companies also have greater resources. In the course of their business, they’re sure to have accumulated a greater number of contacts and have built far stable relationships with them. As such, a veteran private investigator can get you the kind of information that’s normally withheld from most people.

Check their background.
You don’t have to be a P.I. yourself to conduct a background check. When hiring a private investigator, you need to view them as potential employees because that’s what they’ll basically function as if you do avail of their services. That gives you the right to inquire about their employment history. How many clients have they transacted with? Have all their investigations met with success? Can they provide you with references? What do other people have to say about the firm? How do agencies like the Better Business Bureau rate them?

Last but not the least, consult with concerned family members and ask for their opinion. A private investigation will proceed more smoothly if it has the cooperation of everyone concerned, and you can only obtain that if your loved ones concur with your decision.

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22 Aug
2008
Honey Traps and Private Investigators

busyHoney traps are one of the most commonly used techniques, not to mention one of the most commonly requested as well, for assessing a person’s fidelity to his or her partner. If you wish to find out whether the person you have a relationship with is faithful to you, a private investigator can help you out with a carefully orchestrated honey trap.

Honey Trap
A honey trap is a contrived incident involving a private investigator and the target. Honey traps are requested by clients who wish to verify the faithfulness of a certain person or, more often than not, their partners. In a honey trap, the private investigator will assume a certain identity before approaching the target. He or she will then use the subsequent events to prove or disprove a person’s fidelity, making sure to provide ample evidence to support the results of the honey trap.

How Do Honey Traps Take Place
When you approach a private investigation firm for a honey trap for your partner, you will be asked several questions to help the firm determine the best agent to use for the investigation. When the right agent is selected and the ideal set-up has been created, the agent will then approach the target. In most cases, the agent will be equipped with a microphone and body camera, and you may then see and listen to what takes place in the ensuing moments.

It will then depend on your agreement whether you wish the agent to merely certain information from the target or have the agent angle directly for a date or assignation. All resulting exchanges of communication, from actual live conversation to phone calls to text messages and Internet chats will be recorded or transcribed for your perusal.

How to Choose the Right Private Investigator for Honey Traps
Honey traps have monumental consequences and that’s why it’s important for you to choose the best person for the job. One thing you should look for experience: just imagine what trouble it could lead to if the investigator you hired end up falling in love with your partner.

Experienced investigators are also able to conduct the entire operation with requisite discretion; your partner shall never know that you doubted him or her to the extent of putting your partner’s fidelity to test.

Last but not the least, the ideal private investigator for honey traps is one who understands the emotional risks that come with such a decision and will thus consult you every step of the way, ready to put a halt to procedures at any time you desire.

image credits to Kaptain Kobold

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