Private investigator

A private investigator, or PI, is a person who undertakes

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investigations. They often work for attorneys in civil cases or on

Related Topics:
Attorney - Civil case

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behalf of a defense attorney. Many work for insurance companies to

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resolve claims. Before the advent of no-fault divorce, many private

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investigators were hired to search out evidence of adultery or other

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illegal conduct within marriage to establish grounds for a divorce.

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Despite the lack of legal necessity for such evidence any more,

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according to press reports collecting evidence of adultery or other

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"bad behaviour" by spouses and partners is still one of the most

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profitable activities investigators undertake.

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Many jurisdictions require PIs to be licensed, and they may or may not

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carry firearms depending on local laws. Some are ex-police officers.

Related Topics:
Firearm - Police officer

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They are expected to keep detailed notes and to be prepared

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to testify in court regarding any of their observations on behalf of

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their clients. Taking great care to remain within the law (e.g., being

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forbidden to trespass on private property or break into homes) is also

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required, on pain of losing their licences as well as facing criminal

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charges. Irregular hours may also be required when performing

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surveillance work (e.g., outside someone's house during the early hours

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of the morning).

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