Making the decision to hire a private investigator is not an easy one. You may be having to conduct an investigation into an employee, trace a missing person or monitor a partner for suspicious activity –none of which are easy things to decide to do. The more personal an investigation, the harder the initial step is.
Here at OpSec Solutions we have years of experience in dealing with personal matters and we understand there may be many factors to take into consideration if you’re thinking about hiring a private investigator, so we have put together a list of pros and cons so you can make an informed decision about what is best for you or your business.
Pros of hiring a private investigator
Expertise – Private investigators are usually highly trained individuals from a police, military, governmental or corporate background, which means they have expertise in finding out information and an attention to detail that the average person does not. Years of experience in the industry can also hone these investigative skills, so that private investigators are far more likely to uncover evidence of wrongdoing or trace a missing person than if you were to attempt it yourself. You may have tried this approach before hiring a private investigator, if so, you know just how difficult it can be!
Local knowledge – If you are going to hire a private investigator, then you are likely to use one that is close to home. Local knowledge is a critical component for a successful outcome, as they are more likely to know where to go, who to ask and the best spots are for conducting surveillance in line with current UK law.
Access to cutting-edge technology – For most private investigations, specialised surveillance is required. From illegal subletting and fraudulent claims to infidelity or custody issues, surveillance services provide the information you need to put your mind at rest –and the evidence you need to prove it in a court of law.
Most private investigators or security solution firms will use a range of technology. For example, here at OpSec we use a wide range of advanced technology solutions, from audible to digital, to provide clients with usable & reliable HD footage & images, with time stamps, GPS tracking and daily logs.
A good private investigator will also have access to a range of databases that the general public do not or would not think to use and in cases of counter-surveillance, they may use blockers and electronic sweeps.
In corporate investigation cases especially, private investigators can carry out mobile phone and computer forensics to recover deleted information and monitor activity on a workplace computer network or work phone system when authorised by the owner/company.
Time – One of the biggest advantages of hiring a private investigator is time constraints. With many of us in full-time employment, we simply haven’t got the time to conduct proper surveillance or monitoring of a person or property. By hiring aprivate investigator, you get peace of mind you are doing all you can with minimal impact on your day-to-day life.
Cons of hiring a private investigator
Cost – For most, one of the big disadvantages of hiring a private investigator is the cost. With a cost of living crisis in full swing, many of us do not have the disposable income left to spend on an investigation. If you do decide to go ahead, make sure you get the full cost of the investigation outlined upfront to avoid any nasty surprises down the line.
Unregulated industry – Unfortunately, as of the moment, the industry sector is unregulated by UK law, which means there are a lot of unscrupulous scammers out there, who will either take your money and not get you a successful result nor the evidence you need or will offer to break the law during the course of the investigation, which not only puts you at risk of prosecution but can also make any evidence obtained unusable in a court of law.
No special powers of arrest – Contrary to popular belief, private investigators have no special powers and have no power to arrest someone for wrongdoing. They also cannot record phone calls from other people without notification nor record anywhere people have an expectation of privacy, such as bathrooms or changing rooms.
They also cannot trespass on private property during the course of an investigation, nor carry out surveillance whilst on private property without the owner’s permission.
Private Investigations with OpSec Solutions
If you are looking to hire a private investigator, you should always make sure the person or agency you are hiring are both reputable and trained in the area of investigation you need. If you are looking for a specific type of private investigator, you want to be sure that they have the knowledge, the skills and the experience required to do the job efficiently and often discreetly.
Our expert security and intelligence team at OpSec solutions is at the heart of what we offer. Every member of the team has a professional background with invaluable experience, whether that’s military, policing, government, or the corporate sector.
When you hire a private investigator, regardless as to the why, you want the reassurance that they can offer a fast response when required. Knowledge of the local area is also critical to the services they provide. Both can be achieved by finding a private investigator that is based locally near you.
Unlike many other private investigation companies, OpSec Solutions ticks both these boxes, with private investigator services across the UK. We have headquarters in London and Manchester, with local private investigators across the nation. Wherever you are based, we will provide a local service with a fast response and no compromise on the results.
To give you the best possible outcome for your investigation, our team takes time to assess every case in detail. We understand that every case has its own requirements and complexities –whether it is a long-term static project, or dynamic mobile surveillance that needs operatives in various locations. After an in-depth consultation, we will outline a clear methodology, tailored to the type of private investigation you require.
We understand that the trust factor is invaluable when it comes to choosing a private investigator, especially in personal matters and if there are legal issues and evidence involved. As evidence can only be used if it has been obtained legally, it is vitally important for you to put your trust in a private detective or private investigation firm that can get you the results in a legal and ethical manner, whilst conducting themselves and their operation with the highest of standards in order to produce quality, effective results. This is best practice throughout private, personal, corporate, or commercial investigations. At OpSec Solutions, we complete all work legally, confidentially and in full compliance with GDPR. We have accreditation and membership from some of the industry’s leading bodies, so you have peace of mind that any private investigative services are carried out ethically, legally and with full confidentiality.
It doesn’t matter who you are, OpSec Solutions works with solicitors, loss adjusters and insurance companies, small businesses and individuals, and even large enterprises who can subcontract their surveillance and investigative needs to our capable team.
Want to know more about the private investigator services we provide, our state-of-the-art technology, and how we could help you? Please contact us at OpSec Solutions today to discuss how we can resolve your case. Use the contact form on our website or call us on 0844-664-1125.