This section contains a glossary of investigation terms for private investigators, law enforcement, and security experts.
Understanding investigation and legal terms is crucial for private investigators to ensure compliance with laws and regulations. Clear knowledge of terms like probable cause, jurisdiction, and due diligence helps them operate within legal boundaries, avoiding liability or evidence dismissal in court.
Familiarity with these terms also improves communication with clients, lawyers, and law enforcement, ensuring clarity in reports and testimony. It allows PIs to interpret contracts, subpoenas, and warrants accurately, enabling effective case handling. Mastery of terminology ensures professionalism, credibility, and the integrity of the investigative process.
When you’re worried about your teen’s behavior, a private investigator can provide answers. A PI discreetly uncovers facts about who your child is with and what they’re doing. This isn’t about getting them in trouble; it’s about gathering objective information so you can intervene effectively and ensure their safety.
An Overview of Arrest Warrants and Search Warrants This article provides information on arrests, arrest warrants, and search warrants. An arrest is defined as depriving a person of his or her liberty, usually concerning investigating and preventing crime. Once the decision has been made that an arrest is warranted, a … Read more
This glossary of investigation terms is intended to help private investigators, police officers, and everyday citizens understand the meaning of various terms used in investigation work. During investigation work, private investigators have interactions with police officers to discuss the information contained in police reports. In addition, private eyes work directly with … Read more
The article explains the purpose and components of an affidavit, a written statement used as evidence in legal proceedings. It outlines how affidavits must be signed under oath, their types, and the importance of accuracy. The article also provides tips for drafting effective affidavits and highlights their legal significance.
Espionage involves secretly obtaining confidential information, often for political, military, or economic purposes. It differs from intelligence gathering and includes corporate espionage, targeting trade secrets or business strategies. Private investigators should recognize espionage threats, secure sensitive data, employ cybersecurity measures, and operate ethically to protect clients from unauthorized interference.
What is Racketeering? “Racket” refers to an illegal or fraudulent business or scheme. It typically involves organized crime activities designed to generate profit through illicit means, such as extortion, fraud, or bribery. Essentially, a “racket” is a criminal enterprise or operation. The Employers’ Association of Chicago initially coined the term … Read more
Overview This article provides an overview of the roles in a court of law. Some cases may require you to appear in court as a private investigator. You should have at least a basic understanding of the basic roles in a court of law. Following is a list of roles … Read more
The following is a list of acronyms used in investigations and terminology related to the investigation industry. Refer to this list of investigation acronyms and our Glossary of Investigation Terms to learn the vocabulary of the investigation industry. Also, refer to the list of Police Ten Codes for a list … Read more
Overview of Investigating Sex Crimes for Private Investigators This article provides an overview of sex crime investigations and how a private investigator can help. Sexual assault is an assault of a sexual nature on another person. Although these assaults are committed most frequently by a man on a woman, they … Read more
An Overview of Kidnapping In criminal law, kidnapping is the taking away of a person against the person’s will. The kidnapping usually involves the intention to hold the person in false imprisonment, defined as confinement without legal authority. Kidnapping is usually done by force, but criminals sometimes use fraud and … Read more