When you think of private investigators, the first thing you might imagine is undercover surveillance, stakeouts and secretive meetings. But life as a PI can differ greatly from how TV and film portray it.
So, what do they actually do? Whether you’re a business owner, legal professional or individual, hiring an investigator can get you the answers you need quickly.
In this article, we’ll uncover seven surprising facts about private investigators that might just change the way you see this intriguing profession.
1. Private investigators operate within the law
Despite the Hollywood image of rogue detectives bending the rules to get answers, private investigators in the UK must operate legally. They cannot hack emails, tap phones or trespass on private property. Instead, they use legal methods such as open-source intelligence, surveillance and background checks to gather information.
2. They are often hired for corporate investigations
While PIs can be used to investigate unfaithful spouses, they are more commonly used in corporate investigations. Businesses hire investigators to uncover fraud, conduct background checks on potential employees and investigate intellectual property theft.
3. Surveillance is a key part of the job
One of the most common services provided by private investigators is surveillance. Whether tracking a suspected fraudulent insurance claim or monitoring a potentially cheating partner, private investigators use legal surveillance techniques to build a strong case. These typically include video recording and photographic evidence.
4. They work closely with solicitors
Private investigators are often hired by legal professionals to gather evidence for court cases. They assist with everything from tracing witnesses and serving legal documents to gathering proof in cases of fraud, infidelity or civil disputes. Their findings can play a key role in both criminal and civil cases.
5. They can help find missing people
PIs have been used in plenty of high-profile missing people cases, such as the disappearance of Madeleine McCann. Whether it’s unexplained disappearances, tracing a long-lost family member or locating someone who has gone off radar, PIs specialise in tracing individuals. In some circumstances, PIs can uncover and examine key evidence that police may have missed.
Common techniques include using databases, examining a person’s social media and looking into financial history to locate people quickly and efficiently.
6. Private investigators are skilled in digital forensics
These days, much of an investigation takes place online. Private investigators use digital forensics to uncover hidden data, track online activity and analyse electronic communications. This can be invaluable in fraud cases, cyberstalking investigations and corporate security breaches.
7. They must maintain discretion and confidentiality
A private investigator’s reputation hinges on their ability to handle sensitive matters with utmost discretion. Clients entrust them with deeply personal or critical business information, from uncovering infidelity to investigating corporate fraud.
A skilled investigator doesn’t just gather evidence – they safeguard it, making sure that every piece of information is handled securely and shared only with authorised parties. By maintaining strict confidentiality, they protect the privacy and trust of everyone involved, putting professionalism and integrity at the heart of their role.
M19 Solutions – professional private investigation services in Manchester you can trust
If you need professional investigative services, M19 Solutions provides professional, discreet and legally compliant investigations.
Whether you need surveillance, background checks or corporate investigative services, our team of experienced private investigators can help you find the truth.
If you’re considering hiring a PI but want to avoid the risks, M19 Solutions is the name you can trust. Contact us today for a confidential consultation and let’s discuss how we can help you get the answers you need – safely and discreetly.
📞 Call us at 0161 706 0057 or 📩 email info@m19solutions.co.uk to speak with our experts. Your privacy is our priority.
