Searching online, you will likely find private investigators all over the country. However, at M19 Solutions we would always recommend using an investigator based close to the subject of the investigation. Using a private investigator near you has numerous benefits. As well as having invaluable knowledge of the local area, they can provide a quicker response and potentially eliminate the cost of travelling to areas near you. If the subject of the investigation is based close to yourself, it is also easier for you to verify that the investigator is someone you want handling your case. You will be able to visit their office, meet them in person, and possibly gain recommendations from friends for a reputable firm. 

As a ‘ballpark’ figure, a private investigator charges and average of £50-£55 per hour, although it is important to note there is no one-size-fits-all price. Costs can vary greatly based on the type of investigation, the surveillance equipment required, the number of investigators required, the location or locations and the duration of the case. It’s best to steer clear of anyone who can give you a price off the cuff, as they will most probably add to it with hidden costs and added extras throughout the case. At M19 Solutions we will always be honest about how much our services are likely to cost, with no hidden charges.

Cheap private investigators might seem like a good option. However, they often lack experience, specialist knowledge and even the right equipment. It’s usually a case of buy cheap, buy twice – and that’s if you’re lucky. With the delicate and often time-sensitive nature of private investigation, they could cause serious, irreparable problems for your case. It’s also worth bearing in mind that, although their hourly rate may be higher, an experienced investigator can resolve a case – properly – in a fraction of the time it takes a “cheaper” investigator. So, the less expensive route may well end up costing you significantly more.

The duration of a private investigation depends entirely on the type of investigation and how complex it is. Some people-tracing cases where we simply need to track a person’s address using other details can be completed within a couple of days. On the other hand, cases looking into fraud, subletting or infidelity require monitoring on multiple occasions by nature. That means they could take weeks or even longer.

Rest assured, we’ll keep you in the know throughout the process with an estimated timeframe at the start of the investigation and clean updates throughout.  

At M19 Solutions, we have a highly skilled team of investigators. Every member of our team is fully trained with a background in either the military or police. As well as extensive experience in surveillance, security and covert operations, they have benefitted from specialist training, and have significant experience in private practice. All of our investigators are fully aware of the importance of discretion and confidentiality as well as the importance of efficient, covert, professional evidence gathering. Rest assured, we have the skills required to get the results you need.

We understand the importance of trust when it comes to private investigation. Like all reputable firms, M19 Solutions have taken the proper steps to protect your personal information. We are fully registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) for data protection, so you have complete peace of mind that your information is safe. The ICO strictly enforce the rules regarding handling of personal data, and there are significant fines for any breach. Their website has a fully searchable database of registered firms, so you can confirm we’re registered if necessary. We also have full Professional Indemnity Insurance, so there’s no risk to you of any financial loss, whatever private investigation services you require.

At M19 Solutions, we use the latest state-of-the-art equipment, allowing us to undertake comprehensive, discreet investigations and to ensure proper documentation of evidence. Obviously, the equipment used varies depending on the individual circumstances, and can range from the traditional telephoto lens to the latest automated lie detection equipment.

We use a variety of photographic and video equipment. From high definition still cameras with telephoto lenses and CCTV, to discreet concealed still and video cameras, our staff are experts in using this equipment, as well as installation and operation without detection. We can arrange covert cameras in everything from busy offices to remote rural areas.

In many cases, our evidence isn’t limited to the visual medium, so we use the latest listening devices offering crystal-clear sound. The variety of devices used work at either close or long range, and discretely record perfect audio.

For vehicle monitoring, we use a variety of techniques, including sophisticated Global Positioning System devices to track vehicles, allowing us to monitor their location from anywhere.

Background checks involve a number of databases, both public and private, all of which may be legally accessed.

M19 Solutions can also administer lie detector tests. We use both traditional polygraph tests, and a state-of-the-art ‘Eye Detect’ system. Using infrared pulses and a complex algorithm, the system detects micro-changes in eye movement, such as pupil dilation – involuntary responses that are a sure-fire giveaway.

How much an investigation costs varies depending on the type of investigation, the resources required and the duration or time involved.

At M19, we offer a free consultation appointment, where one of our trained investigators will listen to the details of your case and be able to provide you with a quote before you decide whether to proceed.

The quote will factor in the estimated time the case will take (based on our extensive previous experience), the number of investigators required, any mileage likely to be incurred, and any resources and equipment the case may require. A typical hourly rate is £50-£55, although this can vary depending on the individual case.

While the rate may seem high, and it may be tempting to consider a cheaper, less experienced investigator, it is worth bearing in mind that the more experienced the investigator, the less time they’ll take to complete the case. While a cheaper option may seem like a good cost-saving measure, it’s important to remember that they may well take longer, costing you more.

Of course, it is impossible to predict every eventuality, so we will discuss your budget for a case, and set a budget cap for the investigation. Should we get close to that limit, we’ll contact you to determine the best course of action before proceeding further.

As reputable private investigators, we believe that confidentiality is key. Your personal details will be securely stored at our offices and will not be shared or accessible to anyone outside our business. Within our business, your details will only be shared with those people who need to know them.

The chances of the subject being aware of our investigation are minimal. The techniques we use in our investigations allow us to remain covert. Our investigators are trained in surveillance techniques, and the use of technology such as concealed cameras and GPS trackers further minimises the risk of detection.

We will only contact you in pre-arranged ways and are able to suggest a number of methods to do this covertly.

The only way a subject will discover through ourselves that you initiated the investigation is with your express consent. For example, if you requested us to trace and make contact with a person on your behalf. The most common way for a subject to find out they’re being investigated is with the person who hired the investigators slipping up, either in conversation, or by leaving documentation relating to the case somewhere it can be discovered.