Here is a list of some of the most frequently asked questions we get about our Los Angeles private detective agency.

How quickly can you start a private investigation?

It is often possible to start a new case immediately. Usually, a 24-hour notice is plenty of time. When you call LA INTELLIGENCE, you will go through a comprehensive FREE CASE EVALUATION with a private detective to gather all of the facts of your specific case. LA INTELLIGENCE prides itself on fast turnaround time and prompt responses to all individuals.

What information is required to start a surveillance assignment?

LA INTELLIGENCE investigators need very detailed information before starting a surveillance. It is best to gather all of the subject’s personal information (daily habits, photographs, physical description, vehicle description, work location, and home address). It is very important to our private investigators to have all this information to make a case profile of the subject and anticipate his or her moves. We will also need the best time a subject leaves for the gym, work, home, friend’s house etc.

LAI private detectives understand this may be the first time you are going through this experience, but rest assured we handle all cases professionally and discreetly. Surveillance is billed on an hourly basis plus a mileage charge. Rates depend on where the surveillance will take place. Before the case is started, LAI will establish a strategy depending on the circumstances and your needs. Once this plan is in place, a budget can be discussed. We will never go over the surveillance time allotted according to your budget, without obtaining your permission beforehand. Private investigative services are payable in advance of the work being conducted. Payment can be made by credit card, cash, check, or money order.

How many investigators are used on a domestic surveillance case?

The number of private detectives used on a given case depends on a number of factors. Basic surveillance on an individual being followed from home or an uncomplicated work situation can be conducted by one investigator. More complicated scenarios, such as following someone from a high-rise office building, airport, or hotel may require an additional private investigator.

Other factors in which we may recommend a second investigator include fast and aggressive drivers and extra alert drivers who always watch the rear-view mirror. An additional private detective increases the cost of surveillance, and this factor is also taken into consideration in arriving at your budget. For a proper frame of reference, consider the fact that no law enforcement agency would ever conduct surveillance with less than two cars and few do that. The more private detectives, the less likely the chance of detection.

Is my information kept secret?

Yes, and any information submitted to us verbally or online is kept secret and confidential.

How is the surveillance plan established?

Planning is often more important than execution. The better job LA INTELLIGENCE does of designing the surveillance, the investigation is more likely to be productive and cost effective.  Because you know more about your spouse’s behavior than we ever will, our private detectives will rely on you to assist us in developing the correct time and place to watch them. We need you to determine when they are most likely to be engaged in this behavior and where we should start surveillance. All these questions and more go into creating an effective surveillance strategy.

Can I get a free price quote?

Yes! Call LA INTELLIGENCE at (310) 894-5200 and we will set up a no-obligation FREE CASE EVALUATION.

What if I am wrong?

If our private detectives find there is no evidence that a subject for example “is cheating,” you will have gained peace of mind about your relationship. Since our investigations are 100% confidential, you will not have risked sacrificing the relationship if you are wrong.

Is it legal to follow or conduct surveillance on another person?

It is legal to conduct surveillance on a person for legitimate purposes. You must hire a licensed private investigator to carry out assignments. It is illegal in all states to record the voice without at least one person’s consent. Many states require all parties to consent to an audio recording.

Will the suspected cheater find out that they are being watched?

Our surveillance investigations are 100% confidential. LA INTELLIGENCE does everything necessary to ensure the covert nature of the investigation. If we ever perceive that the security of the investigation is threatened, we back off and re-evaluate with your input. One important point: never threaten to hire a private detective. This could make the suspected cheater more difficult to watch. If you have done this, be sure to tell us ahead of time so we can prepare.

How do you follow someone?

The techniques of tailing people are an acquired skill. When our private investigators are following someone, we are constantly weighing two factors against each other. First, we want to stay close enough to make sure we do not lose the subject at a traffic light or in heavy traffic. However, we are constantly balancing this against staying so close that we run the risk of being observed by the subject. The art of balancing these two factors in a variety of situations can be executed well only by having an experienced private investigator working the case. In some cases, a second investigator is preferable or required which allows us to keep safer distances while minimizing the chance of losing the subject.

What do I do once surveillance is set up?

Once you are aware that our private detectives have put the surveillance plan is in place, it is important that you do not do anything to alert the subject of the private investigation. Do not change your habits and do not ask too many questions about their activities.

Is your firm up to date with security devices?

Yes, we use the latest and greatest technology devices to assist in solving our client’s cases as quickly and accurately as possible. LA Intelligence’s private investigators use the most advanced GPS tracking devices and video cameras.

What evidence will I receive at the conclusion?

The evidence collected in all private investigation surveillance consists of the videotape of the activities, and the surveillance report, which details all of the activity in writing. Both are submitted to you, or if you wish we can maintain them for you.

How can I reach your office?

You can call our Los Angeles private investigators office at (310) 894-5200 or email us at info@laintelligence.com.  If you have an emergency after hours, please call 323-606-1600. and the “on call” private investigator will consult with you in the event it can’t wait until the next mornings. Any case that needs to be performed with less than 24 hours notice may incur a $200 short notice fee.  PLEASE>>>EMERGENCIES ONLY!