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If you’re planning to hire a private investigator, it’s likely money won’t be your main concern. No, chances are you are going to be more concerned about your privacy than anything else. Perhaps you think that your spouse is cheating on you. Or maybe you are caught up in an extremely complicated custody case. But one thing you would definitely like to know is: how confidential will it be?
The simple answer is that yes, it will be. Confidentiality is one of the most important aspects of any good private investigator work.
Why Confidentiality Matters So Much
People rarely just give a call to a private investigator on a random basis. Most often, it is because something is gnawing at them. It could be an instinct about an unfaithful husband or wife. Or perhaps fears that an ex-partner might be posing any kind of danger to one’s children. Or perhaps suspicions about a co-worker who might be stealing from the office.
All of these are serious matters, and the last thing anybody would want would be for their personal issues to be talked about in the public square. This is exactly where a good PI agency comes into play. From your first call to the final written report, everything needs to be kept secret.
What Confidentiality Actually Looks Like
It is not simply an attractive term that is employed by agencies to look credible. Confidentiality entails secure processing of your data, discretion of investigators who do not speak about the cases they handle in any other company, and a strict code of conduct for all parties.
These measures are needed in each situation when you are interested in any information related to an infidelity investigator, a child custody investigator to provide proof in a family court issue, or background check services when entering a new relationship or starting a business venture. In all these cases, you have to entrust the investigator with very personal and often painful data, which requires confidence and care.
Even in such services as counter-surveillance services, which involve checking whether your privacy is violated, you entrust somebody with the ability to enter your house or office and investigate the presence of some tracking devices there.
Not All PIs Are Created Equal
Here’s the thing. Just because it is “supposed” to be the norm doesn’t mean every single investigation agency does that. There are differences in standards. Some smaller and less seasoned agencies may not have all the tools and discipline necessary to ensure complete confidentiality of your case.
This is one more reason why doing your due diligence before hiring any investigators is crucial. Try to find a licensed and reputable investigator agency with good communication and, of course, a reputation for complete confidentiality. Do the research, ask all your questions; a reputable investigator will be happy to answer them.
The Bottom Line
Yes, private investigations are confidential. However, it depends on whether you are hiring the right people. Confidentiality should be a priority of any investigation agency and be a part of their work, starting with initial communication up until you get your report.
If you are facing a private situation and need some confidential information, contact someone who values it.
Written by Rob Jones, Senior Investigator at Spouse Busters. Rob has worked on infidelity, surveillance and locate cases across Australia, and the Spouse Busters team has been helping people find the truth since 2005. Licensed under GORA Investigations Pty Ltd, NSW Master Licence 412080174.
