Hiring a private investigator is usually something people do once, at a stressful time, without knowing what to expect. This guide explains when it makes sense to bring in a licensed investigator, what they can and can’t legally do, how to choose the right one, and what the process looks like from the first call to the final report.
When to hire a private investigator
For individuals
- Suspected infidelity. When doubts about a partner are affecting your life and you need facts rather than guesswork. See cheating partner investigations.
- Family law and parenting matters. Documenting care arrangements, welfare concerns or breaches of orders, working alongside your lawyer. See family law investigations.
- Locating someone. A witness, beneficiary or family member you have lost contact with. See locating people.
- Checking someone’s background. Before a significant personal or financial commitment. See background checks.
For businesses
- Employee misconduct or theft. Gathering facts discreetly before you act.
- Insurance and workers’ compensation claims. Checking whether a claim matches what is actually happening.
- Due diligence. Understanding who you are dealing with before a deal or partnership.
- Protecting confidential information. Including counter-surveillance and bug sweeps. See corporate investigations.
What a private investigator can and can’t do
Real investigations look nothing like television. A licensed investigator works within the law, which means they can:
- observe and document a person’s movements in public places, with dated photo and video evidence (surveillance)
- search public records and lawful databases
- make field enquiries and interview witnesses
- prepare a written report of what they found
They can’t tap phones, read someone’s messages or log into their accounts, fit tracking devices to a car someone else uses without consent, enter private property, or pretend to be police. A licensed investigator will decline requests that fall outside the law, and that protects you as well: unlawfully obtained information can’t help your case and can create problems of its own. This is general information, not legal advice.
How to choose the right investigator
- Check the licence. Investigators are licensed by each state. In New South Wales, investigator licences are administered by NSW Police (SLED) and can be checked on the Service NSW register; Victoria, Queensland and South Australia have their own regulators. The ACT does not license private investigators, so ask about licences held in other states.
- Ask about relevant experience. An investigator who regularly handles your type of matter will plan it better.
- Confirm insurance. A professional agency will be happy to tell you what cover it holds.
- Get a written quote before any work starts. You should know the scope and cost up front.
- Ask what the report will look like. If the matter may end up with a lawyer, the report needs to be clear, dated and well documented.
What to expect when you hire one
- A confidential first conversation. You explain the situation; the investigator tells you plainly what is and isn’t possible.
- A plan and a quote. The scope, timing, number of investigators and cost are agreed before work begins.
- The investigation. Carried out discreetly and lawfully, with updates at key stages.
- The report. A clear account of what was found, with supporting photos or video, prepared to a standard suitable for legal proceedings where needed.
Sometimes the answer is that nothing is going on, and that is worth knowing too.
What affects the cost
Every matter is different, so reputable agencies quote case by case rather than publishing a flat rate. The main factors are the type of work, the hours or days involved, how many investigators are needed, travel, and the kind of report you need. Ask for the quote in writing.
Why use a licensed investigator rather than doing it yourself
- Experience: investigators know how to gather information without being noticed or escalating a situation.
- Lawful methods: evidence gathered properly is far more useful than anything obtained by crossing legal lines.
- Objectivity: an outside professional reports what actually happened, not what anyone hopes or fears.
- Confidentiality: your matter is handled discreetly from start to finish.
Talk to Truth Investigations
Truth Investigations has been helping clients since 2013. We hold investigator licences in New South Wales (Master Security Licence 410944186), Victoria, Queensland and South Australia, and work across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Adelaide and Canberra.
The first conversation is free and confidential. Call 1800 878 847 or use our confidential enquiry form.
