As an investigative firm, we understand the critical role that licensed private investigators (PIs) play in gathering essential information for legal professionals. Whether it’s evidence identification or evidence collection, PIs employ a strategic blend of public record research with other forms of field work such as surveillance, interviews and record retrieval to achieve the goals of their legal customers.
Public Record Research: Unearthing Information
PIs comb through a vast array of public records, including but not limited to:
- Criminal Court Records: Checking convictions, arrests, and legal history.
- Civil Court Records: Accessing property transaction disputes, personal injury, contract disagreements, divorce records, bankruptcies and other legal proceedings.
- Motor Vehicle Records: Tracking vehicle ownership and driving history history.
- Corporation Records: Uncovering businesses owership and affiliations.
- State and Local Records: Identifying records that pertain to property ownership, professional licenses, marriage, birth and death.
The record research aspect of an investigation often occurs prior to additional field work. The initial record research will often provide insight into crafting the specific strategy of the field work to be conducted. In some instances, there may be good reason to begin an investigation with the field work and the best approach in coordinating an investigation should be discussed with your particular PI at the onset of each investigation.
Field Work: Where the Action Happens
Surveillance Operations
- PIs conduct discreet surveillance to observe subjects’ behavior.
- Stationary surveillance, mobile surveillance and stationery remote operational cameras help to gather real-time data to supplement record research previously conducted.
Interviews and Canvasses
- PIs interview witnesses, neighbors, and relevant parties.
- These interactions provide context, corroborate information, and reveal hidden details.
Record Retrieval
Records identified during prior research or because of the surveillance or interviews is a common aspect of comprehensive plans:
- Utilizing a PI that is familiar with the art of retrieving records is key to gathering information in an accurate and efficient manner.
- Records are located with federal, state and local agencies in addition to private entities. Each requires different approaches to retrieval of information.
- In some instances, records are available and can be retrieved by the public. In other instances, records are only available to private investigators working with permissible purposes. In a few instances records can only be retrieved through service of process.
Legal and Ethical Boundaries
- PIs must adhere to state laws and ethical standards.
- PIs must respect privacy, avoiding inappropriate investigations.
- Evidence gathered must be presented to clients while maintaining privacy and confidentiality.
Licensed PIs seamlessly blend public record research with boots-on-the-ground field work. Their expertise ensures that legal professionals receive accurate, court-admissible evidence. When you need the truth, be sure to work with a licensed PI who able to navigate the complexities of investigation work with precision.
Frasco is here to support legal professionals in their pursuit of justice. If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to reach out!