Myths and Misconceptions About Private Investigators

Several myths and misconceptions surround private investigators (PI) and their course of work. Television shows and movies paint private investigators as geniuses who can solve any case seamlessly and within a short time. However, this is not often the case. Unlike what is perpetuated by movies, private investigators are just regular people, and they, too, face numerous challenges in their field of work. Whether you are planning to hire Sydney private investigators or PIs from other parts of the world, here are some truths to clear any myths and misconceptions you may have about private investigators.

1. Private Investigators Have Special Powers and Privileges

Just like regular citizens, PIs don’t have any special powers given by the government. Unlike what is portrayed in movies, private investigators are not mandated to issue warrants and make arrests. They gather information and support it with evidence.

2. PIs Mostly Work on Infidelity Cases

While it’s true that PIs sometimes work on infidelity cases, their job description is broad and involves many other different cases. It’s interesting to note that many private investigators mostly do routine checks. Infidelity cases only make up for 1% of the cases handled by private investigators.

3. PIs Are Always Armed and Involved in Physical Confrontations

Sometimes PIs may get assigned high-profile cases. Nevertheless, they don’t carry weapons like firearms unless authorized by the law (in the UK this is not at all). Also, private investigators engage in confrontation only as a means of self-defence. Their job description entails surveillance, gathering information, and evidence.

4. PIs Can Solve Any Case Seamlessly

Most investigative cases require thoroughness and a lot of work. Additionally, gathering information and analyzing information is a tedious and time-consuming process. Also, the time taken for each case depends on its complexity and the available resources to conduct the investigation.

5. Private Investigators Always Work Independently

Only a few private investigators work as sole practitioners. Most investigators are part of a large team employed by an agency. Also, private investigators sometimes collaborate with other professionals like lawyers, forensic experts, and research experts, especially on complex or high-profile cases.

6. They Can Tap Phone Calls

Private investigators can’t tap in on private phone calls and conversations. Also, listening to other people’s phone calls is an unacceptable breach of privacy in the UK. Instead, private investigators interview people and follow people to gain information.

7. Private Investigators Can Arrest People

Private investigators don’t have the power to arrest people even if incriminating evidence exists. They only submit the information they have gathered. Only the police can arrest people who they believe are guilty of committing an offence.

Conclusion

Private investigators have a variety of roles, including surveillance, conducting research and gathering information. If you are looking for a private investigator, don’t be deterred by myths about private investigators. First, private investigators don’t have special powers or authority to arrest people even if they have incriminating evidence against them. 

Furthermore, PIs can’t tap phone calls, and they aren’t legalized to use weapons like firearms unless it’s self-defense. Private investigators also have complex cases that may require the help of other professionals like research specialists and forensic lawyers. So the next time you decide to hire one, remember to keep these facts in mind.