What You Should Know About What PIs Do

When people think of a private investigator – also known as a PI or a private detective – the images that often come to mind are of shadowy figures trailing cheating spouses or posing undercover in dramatic scenarios. Yet the reality of what skilled investigators do is far more nuanced, professional, and critical for many clients navigating legal, personal, or corporate challenges. Whether you’ve considered hiring a PI in Los Angeles or simply want to explore what goes on behind the scenes, it helps to know how investigators like those at Kinsey Investigations operate, the types of work they undertake, and the value they add.

At its core, a PI’s job involves gathering information that’s difficult or sometimes impossible to obtain on your own. That might mean conducting surveillance to document a person’s movements and activities, uncovering evidence of infidelity, or validating alibis in domestic investigations. But modern investigators also delve deep into digital footprints, social media backgrounds, online presence, and activity that sheds light on character or authenticity. We routinely perform investigations for employment screening, vetting business partners, or confirming premarital profiles. Our findings often reveal imposter accounts or misleading identities, hidden risks in today’s interconnected world.

Another essential PI service involves legal process assistance, such as process serving – delivering subpoenas and court documents – or interviewing witnesses. The PI may also help locate missing persons, conduct asset searches, or handle investigative due diligence, especially in financial, business, or fraud contexts. These investigations require not just technical tools but also methodical approaches to ensure evidence is admissible and defensible in court.

What truly sets a competent PI apart is the combination of investigative skill, discretion, and the ability to deliver clear, organized reporting. Kinsey Investigations provides time‑stamped video, text message updates, and detailed timelines to clients, helping them understand not only what happened, but when and where, so they’re fully informed and can feel confident moving forward. In essence, the investigator’s job is as much about guiding you through a process as it is about gathering the facts you need.

The Role of a Private Investigator: What You Should Know

1. Services Offered by PIs

• Surveillance and Infidelity Investigations
  Whether uncovering evidence of suspected cheating or confirming a person’s whereabouts, PIs conduct discreet surveillance. Kinsey Investigations emphasizes using female investigators whose appearance and presence allow them to blend in naturally, making them less likely to be detected.
• Background and Social Media Checks
  Modern investigations include digging into online behavior: public records, social media presence, profile consistency, and authenticity. Clients – particularly employers or prospective business partners – frequently use this service to screen individuals before moving forward. Kinsey Investigations reports exposing numerous imposters and falsified identities through such checks.
• Process Serving and Legal Documentation
  PIs may serve subpoenas, summonses, and other legal documents. They also gather witness statements and help build evidence chains for court cases or civil litigation.
• Corporate, Legal, and Special Investigations
  Some PIs specialize in fraud detection, loss prevention, internal misconduct, intellectual property protection, and employee investigations.

2. Regulatory and Licensing Requirements

• Firearms Permits
  In California, private investigators permitted to carry firearms must hold both a BSIS exposed firearms permit and a concealed weapons permit issued by local law enforcement. Without both, carrying concealed firearms during an assignment is not allowed.
• Training Under Qualified Managers (QM)
  To become independently licensed in California, aspiring PIs must complete approximately 6,000 hours, or around three years under a licensed Qualified Manager. Kinsey Investigations provides training under their QMs for individuals serious about beginning a career in investigations.

3. How Investigators Engage with the Police and Legal System

• While PIs operate independently of law enforcement, they often coordinate with police, particularly in cases like missing persons. Kinsey Investigations ensures clients file police reports when necessary so findings are properly recorded in official systems and can be removed once the case resolves.
• Collected evidence, from surveillance videos to documented interviews, must comply with legal standards if used in proceedings. Professional firms keep detailed logs and maintain chain-of-custody protocols to support admissibility.

4. Cost Considerations and What to Expect

• Hourly Rates: PI services are usually charged hourly. Kinsey specializes in domestic surveillance, often charging $150/hour with a minimum of five hours (around $750 total for short assignments). Longer engagements may be negotiated for reduced hourly rates.
• Expenses Included: Many firms include job-related expenses – mileage, equipment, administrative handling – in a flat rate. Kinsey Investigations notes their fees are fully inclusive of such expenses, providing clarity and removing unexpected costs.

5. Choosing the Right Investigator

When deciding on a PI, consider the following:

• Referrals and Reputation: Ask for references and check licensing with state authorities.
• Specialization and Experience: Ensure the investigator has handled similar cases. For example, domestic investigations require a different skill set than corporate fraud matters.
• Communication and Comfort: You should feel at ease discussing personal or sensitive topics. A good investigator should be respectful, transparent, and low-pressure.
• Formal Contracts: A clear contract outlining scope, fees, and confidentiality is essential before work begins.

Why Hire Kinsey Investigations?

Private investigators provide a bridge between confidential, painstaking fact‑finding and actionable insight for individuals, families, attorneys, and businesses. Whether you’re looking into a cheating spouse, assessing a potential hire or partner, serving legal documents, or tracking down someone, a professional PI can often deliver results you simply can’t achieve on your own.

With a licensed, experienced agency like Kinsey Investigations in Los Angeles, you can expect trained surveillance specialists, digital social media forensics, transparent fee structures, and evidence presented in clear formats. Above all, our investigators work within the law, collaborate with police where appropriate, and stand by the integrity of the evidence they provide.

If you’re considering hiring a PI, remember: this is an investment in knowledge, clarity, and often, peace of mind. A reputable investigator doesn’t just collect evidence – they help you navigate difficult situations with confidence, discretion, and the right tools to move forward.