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These pros consistently receive high praise in customer reviews.These popular pros are highly sought after for their quality and expertise.These pros recognize that your time is important, and are the fastest to respond to requests.Pros who have the most reviews.These highly recommended pros are experts, ready to help with your project.

These pros consistently receive high praise in customer reviews.These popular pros are highly sought after for their quality and expertise.These pros recognize that your time is important, and are the fastest to respond to requests.Pros who have the most reviews.These highly recommended pros are experts, ready to help with your project.

Avatar for CIS and Associates
Avatar for CIS and Associates
5.
CIS and Associates
5.
CIS and Associates

5.0

(2)

5.0

(2)

  • Serves Concord, CA

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Why Choose Clandestine Investigation Services, Inc. (CIS and Associates)? Since 1986, Clandestine Investigation Services, Inc. has stood as one of New England’s most trusted and results-driven private investigation agencies. Founded by Joe and Joann Mangiacotti, CIS has grown from a family business into a respected second-generation investigative firm with a reputation for integrity, professionalism, and unmatched investigative skill. Today, CIS is led by Joe Mangiacotti Jr., Resident Manager and President. Joe’s investigative roots run deep—he began his career in high school working for a seasoned P.I. in Sherborn, MA, and later at Stop Loss Associates in Framingham. Following the passing of his father, Joe took the helm of CIS, carrying on the family legacy with the same dedication and drive that built the agency’s name nearly 40 years ago. Joe brings a unique blend of experience and expertise to every case: Academic Foundation – With degrees in Business and Psychology, Joe approaches investigations with both strategic precision and deep insight into human behavior. Media Expertise – With 40 years in broadcasting and media, Joe has mastered communication and critical analysis, enhancing his skills in interviews, interrogations, and fact-finding. CPCS Certified – Joe is qualified to handle Committee for Public Counsel Services (CPCS) cases, making him a trusted asset in defense investigations. Defense Specialist – Recognized as an exceptional defense investigator, Joe is highly regarded for his expertise in interviews, interrogation, and uncovering the truth where others cannot. Now based once again in the MetroWest area (Framingham, Natick, Marlboro, MA), CIS and Associates continues to provide the same discreet, thorough, and professional investigative services that have defined the agency for decades. At CIS, every client is more than a case file—they are a priority. Backed by decades of proven success and a family legacy of investigative excellence, CIS is the team you want on your side when results matter most.See more

FAQs

Answers to commonly asked questions from the experts on Thumbtack.

What does a private investigator do?

First and foremost, good private investigators follow laws. Unlike on TV, they don’t break in windows or hack into hospital computer systems to get you intel. When you hire a private investigator, you’re hiring a professional to gather facts and find information for you. Although they can’t obtain certain information (such as health records), they do have access to information that most civilians do not. Often private investigators are hired to perform surveillance or background checks or investigate cases such as adultery, child custody, missing persons, hidden assets, or debugging, and theft or other crimes.

Private investigators can be hired to interview people and provide that information to the client, perform photo or video surveillance, monitor activity at a location where you suspect criminal activities or questionable behavior, track a person’s movements, find missing people, do deep-dive background checks, and more. Private investigation can be helpful if you’re trying to get a court order but need evidence. Private investigators can also help find birth parents. Nationally, the average price range for private investigation is $70-$210 per hour.

What does a private investigator cost?

Private investigation isn’t just for blockbuster action movies. Hiring a private investigator can help in all kinds of situations ranging from finding a birth parent to improving personal security. Nationally, the average price range for private investigation is $70-$210, although pricing often hovers between $40 and $100 depending on the complexity of the services you need. Where you live in the country will affect your costs for private investigation; larger cities have higher business overhead and a higher cost of living, which in turn means higher service rates. The complexity of your case can also affect cost. A basic background check may have a flat rate, while hiring a private investigator to help with your child custody case may require more legwork and research, and therefore cost more. Some private investigators work on retainer. A retainer is essentially a nonrefundable deposit you pay to the professional — meaning you have retained their services — who then works against that amount. Here are some examples of average private investigation costs:

  • Hourly rate: $60-$70; costs can vary based on current fuel prices.
  • Flat rate: $100 for comprehensive background investigation services.
  • Retainer: $1,500 minimum retainer required by some pros before starting work.

Why do people hire private investigators?

Not sure if you should hire a private investigator (PI) for your situation? Here are some common reasons why people hire PIs:

  • To perform background checks
  • To conduct surveillance
  • To investigate and confirm infidelity 
  • To locate assets
  • To gather evidence for trials
  • And more

To find out if hiring a private investigator is the right route to take, contact a few local PIs. Ask them about the services they offer (and how much they charge).

How do you find a private investigator?

You can find a private investigator on Thumbtack. Use the filtering tool to identify a PI who offers the services you need (e.g., background checks, surveillance, etc.), and you’ll see a list of top-rated PIs in your area.

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