What is a Private Investigator?
A Private Investigator (PI) searches for clues to gather evidence for court cases or private clients. They interview people, verify information, conduct surveillance, find missing persons, and gather vital facts for cases.
What you should know before you hire a private investigator?
Hiring a Private Investigation Agency can be tough. Of course, you’d want to work with an agency that is experienced and can solve the case for you in the most cost-effective method, without compromising your identity.
With the strict laws set in place for this industry in Singapore, many PI agencies have resorted to creative ways to accomplish their tasks given by clients. But what exactly are the services a PI can provide, and what is considered illegal?
Hiring an experienced private investigator to conduct investigations is important, especially in surveillance. Those trained surveillance operatives are invaluable when conducting surveillance to gather evidence and reveal the truth to clients.
There are some private investigation agencies that rely on “floating” or freelance private investigators to conduct surveillance. Private investigators specializing in surveillance skill is usually far superior to those freelancer private investigators.
A skilled surveillance operative requires years of surveillance experience and training. If surveillance is not conducted correctly, it can jeopardize the whole case. Surveillance techniques used by private investigators range from physical observation to audio monitoring of conversations. The audio surveillance technique is a more sophisticated type of surveillance, used by most private investigators.
The fees of a skilled surveillance operative are only slightly above the market rate. Private Investigator Steven Tan with 20 years of surveillance experience in conducting local and oversea surveillance. Steven Tan has trained more than 60 private investigators in the art of surveillance.
Private investigator Steven Tan explains that surveillance operatives must be able to follow the subject and have the ability to capture video evidence of the subject and work within legal compliance. They are also trained to handle complicated matters that may arise while conducting surveillance. Private Investigator Steven Tan says this quality of the surveillance operative’s skills far outweighs the cost. Private Investigator Steven Tan gives an example of when a female surveillance operative conducting the surveillance operation must be able to disguise herself as a pregnant woman in 10 seconds.
All surveillance operatives must be trained in handling the evidence-gathering equipment and must be able to capture critical evidence even if the subject is next to him/her.
Tips when hiring a Private Investigator
Do your work and research
There are many agencies available for you to choose which is why it becomes confusing. But reading reviews and testimonials about their previous works can help narrow down the most suitable ones. You will then have a better idea of their specialization, methodology, and reliability.
Ask for a referral
Aside from conducting your own research, asking for referrals from your family members or friends is another form of a proven strategy. If you know someone who has engaged their services before, chances are they will give you their honest opinion.
SPF License
PI Agencies in Singapore require a license to operate. This license is different from that of a Private Investigator who is only licensed to conduct investigations for agencies on behalf of their clients. This means that no one PI can work “freelance” or solicit their own business and is considered an illegal practice in Singapore.
Experience
In-depth knowledge and experience are a must when looking to hire a PI agency. When you hire a private investigator, ask for details about his previous cases that are related to your case. This gives you a chance to see if they can handle a case similar to yours and if they have what it takes to get the job done.
Confidentiality
PIs have access to some very sensitive and personal information of their clients, and often their family members too. As such, you need to make sure that your PI is absolutely discreet and respectful when it comes to the information shared between the two of you.
This is a list of things that you will have to look out for when hiring a PI agency in Singapore. However, we’d always recommend getting a second opinion before choosing the right agency to solve your case. You should always go for the PI agency that you’re most comfortable with, and trust that they will accomplish the task given.
Hiring A Licensed Private Investigator
If you’re looking for an experienced PI to help solve your case or if you need some advice on an ongoing case, you may contact Asia Top Investigation at vt@asiatopinvestigation.com or WhatsApp us at +65 8820 0007.
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