Frequently asked questions posed to private investigators in
Pennsylvania underscore the interest and considerations clients have regarding
the investigative process. The ensuing FAQs address several of the primary
topics that prospective clients typically raise when pursuing professional
investigative services.
What is the timeframe for initiating
the investigation?
Once the client has agreed to the terms, conditions, and scope of the investigation, the private investigator can typically begin working on the case in as little as a few hours. While it is natural to feel eager to initiate the process, it is essential to ensure thorough preparation before starting. In the case of surveillance investigations, for instance, gathering pre-surveillance information is a crucial step to developing useful intelligence. This preparation supports the planning and operational phases of the investigation, where investigators often need to make quick decisions based on information collected prior to commencing surveillance.
How can I be sure surveillance is being conducted?
Investigators conducting surveillance take photo “time shots” throughout the surveillance to show the time and area they are at. This helps build trust with clients, so they feel comfortable about the money they invest in the surveillance. You will have a Pennsylvania licensed private investigator as one point of contact and status updates are provided during the investigation, so you won’t be left in the dark on how your case is progressing.
How long will it take to complete my investigation?
The timeline for each case is subject to individual circumstances. The process initiates by thoroughly understanding the client’s objectives. Information provided by the client is meticulously reviewed, and a comprehensive strategy is formulated. The duration required to complete an investigation depends on several considerations, including the scope and nature of the inquiry. For instance, while two cases involving infidelity or child custody may appear similar, each often yields unique leads and case-specific information necessitating further examination. At Brian Blackwell Investigations, we are committed to maintaining efficiency while ensuring the highest standards of investigative thoroughness.
Do you investigate exclusively for clients in Pennsylvania?
This is a commonly asked question among private investigators in Pennsylvania. Brian Blackwell Investigations provides comprehensive investigative and security services to clients in Pennsylvania, across the United States, and internationally.
Our clients include corporate executives, law firms, school districts and universities, community leaders, media organizations, and law enforcement administrators from various regions including the United States, Canada, England, Japan, India, the Philippines, Kuwait, and Bahrain, among others.
A comprehensive range of resources is accessible should assignments require information beyond standard areas of coverage. Brian Blackwell Investigations operates from a central location within the state, thereby enabling cost efficiencies for clients. When necessary, we engage only reputable affiliates to ensure quality and reliability.
Do I need to hire a lawyer before engaging your investigation services?
In the majority of cases, it is not necessary to retain legal counsel prior to utilizing our services. In exceptional circumstances, when deemed appropriate, we will work your case through an attorney. Given the sensitive and emotional nature of domestic investigations—including those related to suspected infidelity, child custody, and other familial concerns—it is required that you retain legal counsel prior to engaging our services for an investigation.
Are you licensed?
Brian Blackwell Investigations is a licensed private investigation firm operating within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Brian Blackwell has been a private investigator since 2000 and possesses a wealth of experience addressing a wide range of challenging and varied cases.
How much does it cost to hire a
private investigator?
Fees are determined by the complexity of each case. We provide both hourly billing and flat-fee options for services such as background checks. Typically, a retainer is requested, and a detailed estimate will be presented during the consultation process.
Do you offer free consultations?
Brian Blackwell Investigations provides an initial consultation at no cost to evaluate your requirements, review the case, and outline our potential assistance.
Is my investigation confidential?
Every element of your case is handled with the utmost confidentiality. Information will be disclosed solely to the client or their legal representative, except when authorized or required by law.
What types of investigations do you
handle?
Brian Blackwell Investigations offers comprehensive investigative services, encompassing the location of individuals and missing persons, criminal and fraud investigations, background checks, asset searches, digital forensics, forensic accounting, corporate security and threat assessments, TSCM (Technical Surveillance Countermeasures), and evaluation of questionable insurance claims.
Will the subject know they're being
followed?
Brian Blackwell investigators and affiliates are extensively trained professionals, committed to maintaining discretion at all times. We conduct operations lawfully and unobtrusively to gather information while ensuring the subject remains unaware.
Can
private investigators use GPS trackers?
Brian Blackwell conducts all operations in full compliance with legal requirements. GPS tracking is employed exclusively in accordance with applicable state regulations. Placing a tracker on a vehicle is permissible only if you are the sole registered owner of that vehicle. Moreover, we refrain from phone tapping or intercepting private conversations, as such practices violate privacy laws.
Can you enter private property?
Private investigators are prohibited from entering private premises without the explicit consent of the property owner, and trespassing onto property is strictly not permitted.
Will your findings be admissible in a
court of law?
Brian Blackwell Investigations delivers comprehensive, accurate, and legally compliant reports suitable for evidentiary purposes. Our investigators are prepared to provide testimony in court as required.
Can a private investigator make an
arrest?
Private investigators do not possess law enforcement powers and are not authorized to make arrests. Nevertheless, under certain circumstances, private investigators may execute citizen’s arrests as permitted by law.
Who will be handling my case?
A seasoned, licensed investigator will oversee your case from
beginning to end. We never assign unlicensed or inexperienced personnel to
interact with clients or conduct investigations.
At Brian Blackwell Investigations, our team consists of highly experienced professionals drawn from the investigation and intelligence community, law enforcement, corrections, as well as security and protection services. Each investigator and affiliate brings extensive expertise in their respective fields.
Brian Blackwell Investigations is dedicated to establishing
collaborative partnerships in order to gather information and reveal accurate
facts.
Brian Blackwell Investigations | Harrisburg, PA
Your Strategic Partner in Safety and Truth ®
