The Real Kinds Of Cases A Florida Licensed PI Handles Every Day

By David Wright


Many have a romanticized image of the life private investigators live. This is probably because films and television series have traditionally portrayed them as individuals who are routinely involved in shootouts, car chases, and investigations that take them into the most dangerous areas of a city. There are a number of young people who watch these dramas and imagine themselves in this exciting environment. In order to get a sense of the real job, individuals should take a look at the true work a Florida licensed PI does on a daily basis.

About a third of the jobs investigators take on involve checking backgrounds of individuals. These people may be in line for a job that allows access to sensitive company information. Employers want to feel confident there is nothing in a prospective employee's history that indicates they should not be trusted. Parents, nervous about leaving their small children in the hands of a nanny, often hire a professional to double check the resume information they have received.

Most people have seen shows where detectives spend countless hours in their cars waiting on a suspect to show up or leave a building. They may have to set up recorders, and video equipment to collect firm evidence of suspicious behavior. Investigators use surveillance in cases involving infidelity and divorce. They may be hired by an employer to secretly watch a worker who has filed for worker's compensation. Suspected fraud is another crime that can be effectively uncovered using surveillance.

Insurance fraud is a big problem, and insurance companies are aware that policyholders make false claims all the time. They hire detectives to conduct investigations into whether or not the individual in question has a legitimate claim or has made up a story in order to receive a big settlement. The investigators might set up surveillance cameras, talk to neighbors, and research public records to gather information for the insurance company.

Private investigators are employed by corporations to look into any type of suspected business corruption. One owner may suspect another of misappropriating funds or mismanaging other assets. There may be questions about whether or not an employee is selling information to a competitor or secretly informing on the company for profit.

Most people are aware that private detectives are occasionally called in when there are domestic disputes. These may include a spouse who suspects the partner of infidelity, parents who suspect a child of being involved in drug activity, or divorcing partners with child custody issues. Investigators may use surveillance techniques and contact friends and neighbors to gather information.

One area often overlooked by those who are interested in making this a career is the specialty of civil investigation. Trial attorneys hire private investigators regularly to gather information needed in a wide variety of cases. These can include divorce, worker's compensation, spousal support, all kinds of accidents, and even murder.

Most private investigations do not involve car chases, gunfire, or enormous retainer fees. The job can be very rewarding, interesting, and challenging however. If this is a career that really intrigues you, you should talk to someone in the profession to get a sense of what the business really entails.




About the Author: