FAQs
- What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
Yes, typically I charge 85.00 per hour, per investigator. Discovery Investigations is towards the higher end of the fee scale, however the experience of each and every investigator that works for Discovery Investigations can not be matched by the other PI firms.
- What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
I typically meet with the clients wherever he/ she feels most comfortable meeting. During my meeting with new clients, I become a good listener so that the client is able to discuss case specifics and information that will enable me and my team of investigators to be successful. In a surveillance case for example, I will ask for recent pictures of the subject we will be surveilling, the subject's vehicle information, employment information, friends, family and associates so that the surveillance team is extremely familiar with the locations where the subject may be traveling to. I will discuss the surveillance technology that we currently use and how it enables us to capture clear digital images. I will also take the opportunity to discuss what private investigators can do and what they cant do related to laws and good business practices. I work with the client in putting together a surveillance plan so that they feel comfortable that the time spent during the operation will most likely yield positive results. I have all of my clients sign a contract outlining our services, rates, report delivery dates to alleviate any misunderstandings. Once the investigation starts, I update my client as requested as to the activity observed of the subject coupled with digital images of the subject's activities. At the end of each surveillance day, the client and I will discuss surveillance strategies and make a determination if any changes need to be made.
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have a unique background in that I started my PI business half way through my law enforcement career. I recently retired after 28 years of police work and have worked assignments with a heavy emphasis on criminal investigations, interviewing and surveillance. Much of my investigative experience relates to crimes against persons, sexual assault investigations, crimes against children investigations and homicide investigations. I have been to numerous investigative POST certified schools which is the benchmark for police investigators. In addition to my law enforcement career, I have conducted numerous fidelity, embezzlement, missing person, due diligence, child custody investigations during my career as a private investigator. I have worked with large retail chain stores in the bay area and initiated loss prevention guides and security manuals to reduce shrinkage. I have created emergency response plans for corporate clients and developed incident command systems in response to critical emergencies. I believe that my unique extensive experience gives me a solid foundation in which to serve my clients.