What Private Investigators Actually Investigate: Beyond Hollywood Myths

Prior to my retirement from the Army, I worked in a private investigator agency and had some fascinating experiences. One of the most impactful cases involved investigating health insurance fraud, where an individual spent several years in prison. Another case involved a business leader who was found guilty of several labor law violations, resulting in a lengthy prison sentence.

Moreover, I took on an adjunct professorship at the University of Massachusetts-Boston, quiting the private detective business. These experiences have given me valuable insights into the real work of private investigators, which extends far beyond the glamorous and often stereotypical scenes often portrayed in movies.

Common Types of Investigations

While one might think of private investigators as simply following a spouse to catch them in an affair, this is far from the norm. Private investigators conduct a diverse range of investigations, including but not limited to insurance fraud, worker's compensation claims, and background checks for high-end clients.

Perhaps the most common type of investigation is related to spousal infidelity, often to gather evidence for a divorce involving alimony. These investigations could also involve business partners or individuals claiming significant injuries.

Professional Hires and Legal Cases

Lawyers often employ private investigators to gather evidence for civil litigation. This might include identifying witnesses, gathering critical facts, or even investigating plaintiffs claiming disabilities to verify the authenticity of their claims.

Today, private investigators often use online research of public databases to collect information for lawsuits. For instance, the myriad of publicly available data can provide crucial insights.

The True Niche of Private Investigators

Truly self-employed private investigators often focus on marital infidelity cases. Such investigations are particularly common in situations where there are concerns about income, such as in child support disputes, or when someone is in doubt about the safety of their minor children. These cases can also involve following employees or individuals claiming injuries that insurance companies might be liable for.

Insurance companies also frequently hire private investigators. One notable case involved a surgeon who was sued for making a patient a quadriplegic during surgery. The surgeon’s insurance company hired a private investigator to follow the patient. Upon completing the case, the so-called quadriplegic was caught on video preparing a yacht for a celebration, and was ultimately charged with insurance fraud. Another common task for private investigators is acting as process servers.

Private investigators play a crucial role in modern society, helping to ensure fair and accurate assessments in legal and personal disputes. Their work goes beyond the typical Hollywood depictions, offering a vital service to both businesses and individuals.

Conclusion

While private investigators are often romanticized in movies, the reality of their work is much more diverse and impactful. From insurance fraud to the verification of disability claims, their roles are essential in maintaining transparency and truth in legal and personal matters. If you're considering hiring a private investigator, it's important to understand the full scope of what they can do to serve your unique needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Kind of Cases Do Private Investigators Often Handle?

Private investigators often handle cases such as insurance fraud, marital infidelity, employee safety concerns, and verifying the authenticity of injury claims. They assist in a variety of legal proceedings and personal investigations.

Are Private Investigators Only Involved in Divorce Cases?

No, while infidelity cases are common, private investigators also work on a wide range of cases, including civil litigation, business disputes, and matters involving worker safety and compensation.

How Do Private Investigators Use Online Data?

Private investigators utilize online databases to gather public information that can be relevant to their clients' cases. This can include financial records, public court filings, and social media activity, all of which can provide valuable insights for investigations.