Legal Research for Private Investigators: A List of Popular Resources
A collection of helpful legal resources for private investigators. Includes links to bar associations, attorney databases, and information on legal professionals.
Private Investigator and Police Officer Resources
The Private Investigator and Police Officer Resources category contains an extensive collection of research tools, how-to articles, and reference information. The content is geared specifically toward those who work in the investigation industry. Whether you’re a police detective, a private investigator, or a crime scene investigator, you’ll find something of interest.
In this section, we provide an overview of the online services and databases that investigators use to uncover data and information about people. The information is used to compile background checks and employment verification.
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Bounty Hunters and Fugitive Recovery Agents
What is a Bounty Hunter? A bounty hunter is an individual who captures fugitives from the law. Usually, the fugitive is someone who “skipped” bail. In other words, they escaped jail by posting bail money but didn’t appear in court as promised. Bail bondsmen employ most bounty hunters to track down … Read more
Elder Abuse Investigations
This article provides an overview of elder abuse and elder abuse investigations. What is Elder Abuse? Thousands of persons are abused, neglected, and exploited each year. Unfortunately, many victims are older, frail, and vulnerable people who cannot help or defend themselves and depend on others to meet their basic needs. … Read more
Catfish Investigations for Online Dating Scams: How to Protect Yourself
This article provides an overview of catfish investigations related to online dating fraud, scams, and schemes. Additionally, it provides guidance on identifying catfishing, investigating the perpetrators, and reporting the crime. Online Dating The internet and internet-connected devices are integral to the lives of most people. People constantly use the internet’s … Read more
Morse Code Signals
What is Morse Code? In an age dominated by instantaneous digital communication, it’s easy to forget the roots of the humble Morse code. This ingenious system has left an indelible mark on human history, developed in the early 1830s by Samuel Morse and Alfred Vail. With a combination of dots … Read more
Polygraph Tests and Lie Detectors: Things Investigators Should Know
What is a Polygraph Test? A polygraph test (commonly referred to as a lie detector test) is an instrument that measures and records several physiological responses, such as blood pressure, pulse, respiration, and skin conductivity. At the same time, the subject is asked and answers a series of questions because … Read more
How to Search the U.S. National Archives
The National Archives holds billions of records that can be vital to a private investigator’s case. From military service records to census data, these documents provide a wealth of information. Knowing how to navigate this massive collection of information is key to unlocking the secrets within.
How to Report a Crime to Law Enforcement
This article explains how to report a crime to law enforcement or government agencies. It covers everything from reporting a crime in your local neighborhood to informing the authorities of criminal behavior online. How to Report a Crime to the Police If you witness a crime or know it happened, … Read more
Police Vehicles
Police officers rely on various high-performance vehicles to ensure they can effectively respond to multiple situations appropriately and on time. These police vehicles are designed to provide officers with an effective means of patrolling city streets, transporting suspects, storing equipment and weaponry, responding to riots and hostage situations, and more. … Read more
Counterfeit Money and Products: A Private Investigator’s Role
What is Counterfeiting? A counterfeit is an imitation or fake item usually created to deceptively represent its content or origins and increase the perceived value or appeal of the original product due to its reputation. The word counterfeit most frequently describes forgeries of currency or documents. However, it can also describe … Read more