Investigation and Surveillance Faq’s
General
Q: How long does it take to receive the report?
A: The report will be completed within 1-2 days after the assignment. The report will then be mailed to you.
Q: If I needed an investigation tomorrow, would you be able to accept this kind of “rush” request? Is there an extra charge?
A: This would depend on our case schedule. If we are able to fit you in we will be more than happy to fulfill your request. We will let you know if your request is acceptable as soon as possible. We don’t charge any “rush” fees.
Q: How should I ask questions regarding your services prior to my request?
A: Please click here to contact us and tell us about your concern. We will respond promptly.
Q: How do I know if you actually received my request?
A: We will send you a confirmation through email.
Q: What should I do if I do not receive a confirmation email after my request is made?
A: Please click here to contact us and let us know as soon as possible.
Q: If I have additional information that I feel may be useful in my investigation, how can I tell you about this information?
A: Please use the comments/specific instructions box at the end of the request form for all additional information.
Q: Can I cancel the request?
A: You can cancel your request by mail or fax. We accept the cancel request 3 days prior to the assignment. For example, if the investigation is scheduled on January 12, and you notify us to cancel on January 9 or before, we will refund all the deposit. If the cancellation is made within 3 days of the investigation your deposit is not refundable. Please click here to contact us for details.
Q: Is your cover area only Los Angeles County?
A: We can also travel to Orange County and other surrounding areas.
Investigation
Q: I want to know if the subject lives at the location. What plan should I choose?
A: There are two ways to check the residential status. One is to talk to an apartment manager or possible neighbors, or check the resident directory. The other is to stay at the location and see if the subject shows up. If you choose the former way, Site Visit Investigation with an Interview option is applied. If you choose the latter way, Stationary Surveillance is applied. Most customers choose Site Visit Investigation for this purpose.
Q: What is the difference between Stationary Surveillance and Moving Surveillance?
A: In Stationary Surveillance, our investigator sets up the fixed post near the requested location and records the activity there. The investigator does not change his position. In Moving Surveillance, our investigators could change their positions and follow the subject if necessary. If you would like to know all the activity of the subject wherever he or she goes, you should choose Moving Surveillance.
Q: I need process service. What plan should I choose?
A: We accept process service as Stationary Surveillance.
Q: I would like an investigator to take photos when the subject meets somebody at the particular location. What plan should I choose?
A: Our investigator goes to the location (restaurant, etc.), stays there and waits for an opportunity to take quality photos. Therefore, Stationary Surveillance would be applied.
Q: For checking the activity of the subject at a particular location, what is the difference between Site Visit Investigation and Stationary Surveillance?
A: Basically, Site Visit Investigation is simply to “visit” the location and collect information. Our investigator does not stay at the location more than 1 hour. If you want us to check the activity for extended hours, you need to choose Stationary Surveillance.
Q: I want investigators to follow the subject, but I am not sure if he goes out from his home. He may stay in his home the whole day. Can I choose Stationary Surveillance?
A: Since your request is to follow the subject if he goes out, Surveillance Investigation would be applied even in the case he doesn’t go out.
Q: I am thinking about requesting Surveillance Investigation, but I don’t have a large enough budget to hire two investigators…
A: We strongly recommend using multiple investigators for Surveillance Investigation. However, we could accept one investigator request as long as you understand the result may not be satisfied. Of course, we will do our best for you.
Q: What is the success rate of Surveillance Investigation?
A: I would say the success rate of Moving Surveillance for most private investigators in the U.S. is higher than 90% with three investigators, 80% with two investigators and 60 to 70% with one investigator.
Q: If investigators loose the subject during Surveillance Investigation, is the fee refunded?
A: Unfortunately, surveillance is sometimes interrupted by the dangerous or illegal driving of the subject, heavy traffic, cautious neighbors or other inevitable reasons. Although our success rate is high, the fee is based on working hours. The fee cannot be refunded, and this is the standard in the investigation business. We appreciate your understanding; of course, we will do our best for you.
Q: I don’t have any photos of the subject. Can you still conduct an Investigation?
A: Yes, we can. Please provide the subject’s description and vehicle information.
Q: Do you conduct other types of investigations rather than field investigations?
A: Yes, we also provide missing person investigations, background checks, fraud investigations, lie detection services, corporate investigations and forensic analysis. Please click here to contact us for details.
Q: What does “When the subject goes back to his or her residence (Max 6 hours)” mean?
A: It means our investigators follow the subject until he or she goes back to the residence. However, even though the subject still has not returned to the residence, the investigation is ended after 6 hours. This limitation is for saving your budget.
