Every year the private investigation team at USI receives hundreds of calls and emails across our offices. While many of these requests ultimately result in us being retained and assisting the client, it’s important to also discuss the cases which we must turn down. For every individual who calls in, the services they are asking us to perform always seem logical and reasonable. However, some are simply not rooted in what private investigators actually do on a day-to-day basis. Many people still have been influenced by Hollywood driven misconceptions of private investigators. They simply don’t realize that we have to work within the law, and the governing rules of our industry. We have compiled a brief list of the type of requests that we cannot accommodate, or can only perform under the tightest of restrictions, under the direction in writing from an attorney. We understand that people want to seek justice, however, it’s crucial to understand what a private investigator is legally entitled to do on your behalf. Continue reading to learn about behaviors that are not acceptable for professional private investigators.
Impersonate Law Enforcement
In a majority of states, private investigators are not permitted to wear a badge, uniform, or use any logo or phrasing that could suggest that the investigator is a police officer or government official. Ultimately, this helps to prevent private investigators from misleading individuals about their association with the law.In some cases, private investigators may wear badges and uniforms that indicate they are private investigators, and they will often work in conjunction with local law enforcement or federal officials.
Trespassing Is Still Illegal
A private investigator is not allowed to unlawfully enter a property, house, or building. It’s true that trespassing laws differ from state to state; in some cases, an investigator must have permission from the owner before entering a property. Private investigators cannot enter a residence or business without consent, and if they are asked to leave they must do so immediately. Logically, this also bars PIs from using forced entry or lock picking to get inside.
Place a GPS Tracker on a Vehicle Without Consent
Private investigators don’t have the authority of Darth Vader, so they can’t go placing GPS tracking devices on vehicles without the consent of the owner. GPS trackers can only be placed on vehicles with the consent of an owner. For instance, if a wife wants to put a tracker on her husbands car, she can only do so if the car is in her name, not his.
By the same merit, an employer cannot place a GPS tracker on an employee’s private vehicle, however, they can place a tracker on a company-owned vehicle, provided that they have gone through the proper steps of consent.
Access Protected Information
Although private investigators are legally entitled to fine the location of the information, which can be useful if a subpoena is required, private investigators cannot obtain federally or state protected information without consent of the individual or a subpoena. These restrictions apply to a variety of documents, including:- Financial Records: Account specific information like transaction history can’t be obtained without either a court order or permission from the card or account holder
- Phone Records: Through legal investigative methods, an investigator can determine what carrier or person is associated with a given phone number, however, phone records are deemed to be private and protected by both federal and state statutes, so a private investigator cannot access these records without a court order or subpoena.
- Bank Accounts: Again, a PI can identify the location of bank accounts associated with a specific person, but they cannot access the specific information regarding these accounts.
United Security Incorporated | Private Investigators in CT, NY, MA, NJ and PA
While many of us want to see the good in people, the world does have it's fair share of dishonest and fraudulent people. We recognize that there are situations that call for professional guidance and assistance when individuals and companies are concerned about the truth.
Whether our private investigators are working to help an attorney gather evidence, investigate investment scams or follow a suspected unfaithful spouse, our clients rely on us to minimize the risk and gather clear objective evidence. In today's world, it's definitely better to be safe than sorry, and get the facts.
