Can circumvent the law

A prevalent misconception about private investigators is that they can circumvent the law. 

Fact: They don’t have the same authority as police officers and have to follow the law as civilians. PIs cannot trespass on private property or impersonate people. They can obtain information only by following the letter of the law. Otherwise, the collected evidence won’t be valid in court.

Have access to people’s private information

Fact: Private investigators cannot access confidential documents and don’t have access to police, CIA, or FBI intelligence. They use public information to their advantage and are trained to sift carefully through it.

Can tap phone calls

Many people assume PI's can tap and listen in on phone calls. 

Fact: Most states have laws prohibiting PI and others from listening to someone else’s phone calls. PIs don’t have the right to tap on private conversations, and they avoid doing so. Instead, they can interview resourceful people or follow the company or person in question to gather relevant information to help their client.

Have access to bank accounts

One task that is often given to private investigators is to locate assets. They are very skilled at finding hidden bank accounts and assets. 

Fact: PI’s cannot access bank accounts because, under the law, no one may access a person’s bank account without their permission. Therefore, PIs can help you locate bank accounts, but they cannot access them.

Can access credit information

Fact: Since the Fair Credit Reporting Act, you can no longer gain credit information about another person. PI’s can request permission to gain credit information but only if the person consents to the inquiry. Otherwise, the inquirer can face serious consequences.

Have the same rights as police officers

Most people assume that private investigators have the same rights as police officers. 

Fact: Private investigators and police officers aren’t alike in most aspects. PIs can’t make arrests, run license plates, and access police records. However, PIs and police officers both conduct investigations to catch the suspect.

Can record private conversations

Often, people picture private investigators recording their conversation with suspects as they reveal incriminating information, leading to an arrest. 

Fact: In most states, it is illegal to record a conversation without a person’s consent. Therefore, a PI cannot secretly record conversations with suspects as its illegal under the law. However, PI’s can take detailed notes and extract meaningful information.

Have action-packed days

PIs are often in dangerous situations, chasing suspects in a car chase, or live an adventurous life. 

Fact: Contrary to this popular myth, PI’s are primarily in their office, collecting information, researching, reviewing notes, and joining the dots in their cases. When following suspects, PIs discreetly follow people or interview candidates. Their job is  similar to researchers.

About Browning Detective Agency

Don’t let the myths cloud your decision to hire a private investigator. Browning Detective Agency should be your one-stop destination for all your PI requirements. Our PIs are trained to carry out field research concerning criminal activity, individual whereabouts, background checks, infidelity, lost assets, and more. You can call us at (843) 818-8590 for a free consultation or more information.