The choice of a private investigator or private detective can make a significant difference in getting the results you need. Many people often ask, “What is the difference between a private detective and a private investigator?”

In many states, there is no difference. However, in some states the phrase “private detective” is used exclusively for a person who has a law enforcement background.
 
One significant factor that a person should consider is the individual’s background. There are a variety of specialties in the field. However, some private investigators have diverse backgrounds.
 
Some specialties include computer forensics, vulnerable adult abuse, missing persons, skip tracing, divorce, missing heirs, background investigations, identity theft, fugitive recovery, infidelity investigations, email tracing, online searching, Internet investigations, and accident investigations.
 

Hiring a private investigator to conduct surveillance
 
One commonly held myth about private investigators/detectives with law enforcement backgrounds is that they are all well-versed in surveillance techniques. In reality, many law enforcement officers rarely conduct surveillance during their careers. Even fewer police officers are involved in conducting moving surveillances (following suspects who are moving in a vehicle or on foot). If you need a private investigator or private detective to handle a case that requires surveillance, it is important to ask about their previous surveillance experience.
 
Police officers who typically conduct a lot of moving surveillance include narcotics detectives and fugitive detectives. Contrary to popular belief, not all federal law enforcement agents are well-versed in surveillance techniques. For example, the Federal Bureau of Investigation often utilizes its Special Operations Group (SOG) to conduct surveillance operations.
 
It is very difficult to develop an aptitude in surveillance without regular practice. Some organizations such as the State Department and the Central Intelligence Agency spend millions of dollars every year on surveillance and counter-surveillance training for their employees. Private investigators or detectives with this type of background are likely to be well-versed in surveillance through frequent training and extensive practical experience.
 
The use of tracking devices has become popular in the private detective/private investigator industry. Global positioning systems (GPS) are being used increasingly to track everyone from fleeing fugitives to cheating spouses. The legality of these devices varies from state to state. These devices give the private investigator or private detective the ability to track and record a suspect’s whereabouts via a laptop or desktop computer. Furthermore, they allow private investigators to keep track of suspects who drive very quickly and those who are surveillance conscious. The use of GPS may be ideal when the suspect’s travels are totally unknown.
 

What’s my private investigator’s background?
 
A second significant factor to be considered when selecting a private investigator or private detective is the individual’s experience in investigating the types of offenses or allegations that he is being hired to handle. Many investigative skills are transferable. However, there are some investigative skills that are practiced on a regular basis in a particular field. For example, detectives with homicide experience may be better at identifying various wounds and estimating a time of death, whereas investigators with narcotics backgrounds may be better at conducting surveillance and identifying hidden assets.
 

What type of training does my private detective have?
 
The third factor that should be considered in choosing a private detective or private investigator is the person’s training. For example, robbery detectives are more likely to have received extensive training on stake-out operations, while homicide detectives are likely to have received extensive training in interviews and interrogations. Investigators who attend seminars in their areas of expertise are likely to be well-versed in modern investigative techniques and the laws governing various techniques. It is important for you to have this information to ensure that the private investigator you choose will not overstep his or her legal boundaries. This knowledge could make a significant difference in preventing a lawsuit against you and your investigator. It is also important to note that evidence obtained illegally may be rendered inadmissible in a criminal or civil court. This essentially results in a waste of the client’s time and money.
 

What should I pay a private investigator?
 
The fourth critical factor in deciding whether or not to hire a private investigator or private detective is the cost of the investigative services being provided. Prices often range from $50 to $200 per hour, plus expenses. The costs can vary based on a variety of factors, such as the state where the private investigator or private detective operates, the reputation of the private investigative agency, the level of potential danger of the case, and the complexity of the investigation.
 
Some agencies may be able to charge less than others if they hire apprentices to work on some of their cases. Apprentices are often unlicensed and work under the agency’s license in exchange for the opportunity of gaining valuable experience. Therefore, before making a hiring decision, it is a good idea to ask a private investigative agency precisely who will be working on your case.