Contrary to common
belief, private investigators are not men who sneak up on people and find out
things for their client by cheating. The fact is that even though movies have
showed these PIs as some sort of hidden agents, the truth is that private investigators
are those who have a special set of investigation skills and who find out
things for you, which you cannot.
However, if you are
still confused about what your private investigator will and will not be able
to do, here are a list of things, which don't include the duties of a licensed detective.
Copy Law Enforcement
One of the first things
you must remember about these private investigators is that even though they
can and are allowed to work in lieu with law enforcement, they cannot impersonate
one. What this means is that a private detective New
York | Los Angeles won't be able to wear uniforms or badges, which look like
shields carried by law enforcement because this is illegal. Instead, the
professional PIs will be clear about their work and won't hide behind uniforms
to protect themselves and find things out.
Tap into Phones or Record Conversations
Another common
misconception, which you will without a doubt have about private investigators,
is their ability to tap into phones and record conversations. Remember that
because they have no legal right over this, they can and will be jailed over
such offenses. Moreover, not only does the federal law prohibit wiretapping,
but also warns anyone who monitors phone conversation without the consent of
the party being listened to. However, a private detective is allowed to listen
in to conversations that take place in public and are loud enough to be heard.
Obtain Information without Consent
When you are looking
for a private investigator, you must make sure that you have one who doesn't
believe in obtaining information without consent. This is important because any
such evidence, which is obtained illegally, cannot be presented in court to
back up your case. Bank accounts, credit card checks, criminal records and
telephone records are some of the things, which the state restricts you from
obtaining without a subpoena. So if you are thinking of hiring a detective who
likes to cross the law and get his information from the wrong places, be warned
because such cases will not stand in court and you will lose before you can
even begin.
Harass or Blackmail
When you are talking
to a possible Los Angeles private detective,
be wary of anyone who feels too domineering or pushy. These two qualities are
an absolute no-no in this line of work because PIs aren't allowed to harass,
blackmail, cheat or bribe to get the information, which they are looking for.
In a nutshell, these investigators are not allowed to break the law for their
client's benefit.
Though there are a lot
of restrictions in the real world for private investigators, if you manage to
find the right one, they will make sure that they get the required information
in the correct way.
