Featured Articles

eInvestigator.com is an online research and education resource for professional private investigators, detectives, police officers, process servers, and security experts. Also, it’s a great resource for anyone interested in using investigative search tools, websites, OSINT, and databases to uncover data and information.

Surveillance equipment

Surveillance Equipment and Spy Gear for Investigations

3
Surveillance equipment includes any equipment, gadget, or device used to conduct various types of surveillance, counter-surveillance, and investigations. The equipment is most often used to perform...
Background check

Background Check Databases and Services for Investigators

6
This article overviews background checks, investigations, and the companies providing products and services. In addition, we'll cover the different types of checks that are...
How to search the white pages

How to Search the White Pages to Find People

5
Learn How to Search the White Pages and Find People This article explains how you can search the white pages for a phone number or...
BeenVerified background check

BeenVerified Background and Public Records Search

0
This article reviews BeenVerified, the online people search, background search, and public records research service. In this review, I'll provide a high-level overview of...
License plate

License Plates and Car Tags

1
So you want to search for a license plate? Before you start conducting a license plate search or set out to find vehicle registration...

Join the Private Investigator Directory and connect with potential clients who need investigative services all over the world. Use it to promote your business services and your firm’s investigative expertise, drive traffic to your website, and get more cases.

The Police and Law Enforcement section has a collection of helpful articles and blog posts related to law enforcement work. Here, you can learn what it takes to become a police officer and where to get the training and education you need. Plus, learn about the equipment, weapons, and vehicles officers use in the line of duty.

Police 10 Codes

List of Police 10 Codes

58
What are Police 10 Codes? Police 10 Codes are signals police officers, law enforcement officials, and government agencies use to talk in two-way radio communications....
How to get a police report

How to Get a Police Report

37
What is a Police Report? People file a police report with law enforcement for various reasons. For example, domestic disputes, traffic accidents, burglaries, home invasions, fraud,...
Police Body Cameras

Police Body Cameras: Do They Reduce Complaints of Officer Misconduct?

2
In today's technologically savvy age of the smartphone, almost anyone can record and share live video footage of events in real time. The question...

Private investigators, law enforcement officers, and intelligence agents use a variety of computer software, online services, OSINT tools, and mobile apps during the investigative process.

Private Investigator software

Private Investigator Software

14
Learn how to use Private Investigator Software, Apps, and Online Services Technology plays a key role in any investigation business. Detectives use a combination of...
Mobile phone spy software

Best Cell Phone Trackers and Mobile Phone Spy Software

4
What is Mobile Phone Spy Software? Mobile Phone Spy Software is a hybrid software and monitoring service that tracks caller activity on mobile devices, cell phones,...
Case management software

Case Management Software

3
This article provides an overview of legal case management and case management software. Case Management is the information management and workflow practices, procedures, and...

Detectives in all industries use software programs like case management software, databases, productivity tools and more to help their agency operate more efficiently. In addition, professional detectives and intelligence agents use online services to conduct research, run background checks, and search public records databases. Then, they pull reports and analyze data to find missing persons and uncover the truth about people. Also, private eyes use specialized applications (or apps) on their mobile devices to search for information on the go.

Some cases require the use of hi-tech surveillance equipment, sometimes referred to as spy gear. Sleuths and gumshoes who provide surveillance services need to be familiar with a wide range of electronic gadgets. For example, devices such as video cameras, binoculars and night vision goggles, audio listening devices, bugging and debugging equipment, drones, and many more.

Surveillance equipment

Surveillance Equipment and Spy Gear for Investigations

3
Surveillance equipment includes any equipment, gadget, or device used to conduct various types of surveillance, counter-surveillance, and investigations. The equipment is most often used to perform...
Audio Amplifiers

Audio Surveillance Equipment for Investigators

1
Overview of Audio Surveillance Tools Audio surveillance equipment is used by intelligence agencies, law enforcement, and private investigators to monitor and record subjects in various...
How to find Hidden Cameras

How to Find Hidden Cameras and Electronic Bugs

6
This article explains how to find hidden cameras and covert video and audio recording devices. Hidden cameras and video recording devices capture photos and...

Review the articles in our spy gear section to learn more about the types of surveillance tools and electronic equipment a private investigator might use to catch a cheating spouse, track down a missing person and gather information for a case.

If you’re a naturally curious snooper, you love information. Be sure to check out our extensive Lists of Lists category. You’ll find information such as a List of Social Networks (for social media checks), Lists of State Information, a List of the best Search Engines for private eyes, and more. The lists are for anyone interested in interesting facts and information, not just those employed in professions related to the investigative industry.

List of online calculators

List of Online Calculators

2
In the digital age, online calculators have emerged as indispensable tools that provide quick and accurate solutions to various mathematical, scientific, and financial calculations....

List of the Best Web Hosting Providers

0
As a private investigator, you may get cases related to investigating the ownership or use of particular websites. As such, detectives need to understand...
List of Signs of a Cheating Spouse

List of Signs of a Cheating Spouse

1
Cheating spouses often exhibit noticeable changes in behavior. Catching a cheating spouse may be difficult and even require the use of a private investigator....

Get a PI License

If you’re interested in becoming a private investigator, learn how to get a license with our state-by-state licensing guide. If you’re interested in pursuing an exciting career in the investigation industry, you’ll find everything you need to get started right here. Learn the state requirements, how to apply, how to join an association, where to get training, and how to find more information.

Use our private investigator books to build your library of reference and education materials about the industry. For example, our library includes extensive recommendations for how-to books, textbooks, reference manuals, audiobooks, true crime podcasts, and magazines. Leverage these helpful resources to learn new skills and techniques.

Private Investigator Books

3
This section provides lists and reviews on various private investigator books. The books are primarily for private investigators but are also recommended for anyone...

How to Disappear, Drop Off The Grid and Never be Found

0
Learn How to Disappear Do you want or need to disappear completely and never be found? Do you want to leave your current life behind...
FBI books

FBI Books and Reference Guides

0
The FBI is a federal criminal investigative intelligence agency and is the primary investigative arm of the United States Department of Justice (DOJ). This article...

Training and Education

View our list of training and education resources. Whether you’re an experienced professional or just getting started as an entry-level associate, you’ll find a variety of investigation schools, academies, training classes, home study courses, and distance learning programs. Learn the knowledge and skills you need to be a professional private investigator and earn your degree, diploma, or certificate. Plus, you’ll find educational resources, including recommended books, study guides, and exam preps.

A list of useful Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) tools and resources. Includes search tools to help you find public records, verify facts, search social media sites, reverse search images, uncover government data, and more.

The United States Government has a wide variety of resources that are useful for private eyes. See our List of Government Agencies and U.S. Federal Regulatory Agencies.

Learn how to avoid becoming a victim of the latest fraud, scams, and schemes. Learn what to look for, protect yourself, and report crimes to the proper authorities.

Search Public Records

Run an online public records people search and find out the real truth about anyone. Learn how to search online databases and OSINT websites to track down an old friend, reconnect with a lost love or find a missing person.

New and Updated Articles

List of the best email newsletters

List of the Best Email Newsletters

3
This article provides a list of the best email newsletters. I decided to compile this list when I started doing research for my own...
Open Source Intelligence OSINT

Open Source Intelligence Tools (OSINT)

3
What is Open Source Intelligence (OSINT)? Open Source Intelligence, often abbreviated as OSINT, is data and information collected legally from open and publicly available resources....
private investigator research tools

Private Investigator Research Tools

3
We compiled this list of private investigator research tools specifically for private investigators. However, the resources are helpful for police officers, crime scene investigators,...

We recommend that all private investigators join and participate in a local, state or nationwide investigation association for several reasons. First, associations are a great way to stay on top of what’s going on in the profession. Second, they often provide members with access to training and education opportunities. So you can continue to sharpen your skills. Also, they are a great way to network with others and create a referral network. View the list of investigation associations for each state.

Popular true crime TV series, police dramas and detective shows have inspired many people to pursue exciting careers as police officers and work as professional private detectives. Check out our List of the Top 50 Best Crime TV Series and Detective Shows. For example, we have overviews of classic shows like Simon & Simon, Columbo, Baretta, Hawaii 5-0, and many more. Honestly, Magnum has always been our favorite.

List of the best crime TV series and detective shows

List of the 50 Best Crime TV Series and Detective Shows

7
This is a list of the best crime TV series, and detective shows. Many people likely get their original inspiration to become a private...
Simon & Simon tv show

Simon & Simon TV Show Season Episodes on DVD

1
Series Overview Simon & Simon is an American private detective television series aired on the CBS television network. The popular series stars Gerald McRaney and...
Monk TV series

Monk TV Series

0
Overview of the Monk TV Series Monk is an American crime television series drama that ran on the USA television network. Andy Breckman created the...

Mobile Spy Software is software for covertly tracking the activity and location of a mobile phone or tablet. Most commonly, cell phone trackers are used by parents to keep an eye on their children. However, there is growing interest and use among employers and suspicious spouses. Please read our reviews of the best phone monitoring solutions. For instance, products like mSpy, FlexiSpy, Highster Mobile, etc.

Appmia

Appmia

0
Overview Appmia is a tracking software solution for mobile phones. Appmia has several popular features that allow you to monitor activity on a cell phone...
Highster Mobile screenshot

Highster Mobile Review

1
Overview Highster Mobile is a phone spy and tracking software that allows you to monitor your children and employees safely. The cell phone monitoring software...
AT&T Active Armor

AT&T Active Armor Mobile Security App

3
AT&T Active Armor Mobile Security App AT&T Active Armor Mobile Security is a mobile app that, according to AT&T, "helps block spam calls, secure your...

Police detectives and private investigators leverage crime scene investigation techniques and forensic science techniques, tools, and equipment to investigate crime scenes. In addition, these experts are knowledgeable in collecting, transporting, and preserving crime scene evidence, data, and information. Also, PIs leverage forensic labs to analyze fingerprints, examine DNA evidence and evaluate firearm ballistics data.

Learn how auditors, inspectors, and examiners conduct official inquiries into financial matters. For example, our Financial Investigation section includes articles on Asset Search and Recovery, Credit Reports, Banking Information, Stock Market Research tools, and cryptocurrency. Plus, we recommend relevant reference books and more. See our About Us and Contact Us pages for more information about us.