A private investigator can do a lot for your business or your case. They can help find missing persons, run background checks, gather evidence and even testify in court about the results of their investigations. However, there are a lot of myths floating around about being a PI that need to be put to rest. Here are just a few of those myths about being a PI:
Myth #1: PIs can listen in on and record phone calls illegally – This is one of those myths that just won’t go away. Most states have laws that prohibit recording calls without the knowledge of at least one of the participants. “Bugging” or “wire-tapping” phones or phone lines would be extremely difficult, even if it were legal, with the prevalence of cell phones and the decline of standard landlines.
Myth #2: PIs have access to confidential information the public doesn’t – In general, this is a myth. PIs can’t access confidential records on police investigations, FBI cases, CIA investigations or any other government or law enforcement agency. They are, however, very skilled at knowing where and how to find various documents and records that are public, but are not necessarily easy for the public to find if they don’t know where to look.
Myth #3: PIs get a “pass” on breaking the law – This is just another myth. Breaking the law comes with the same consequences for PIs as it does for everyone else. Doing so in the course of an investigation could even cost them their license in many states. However, what many PIs do have is a very strong knowledge of the laws and how far they can go without breaking the law, as many have backgrounds in law enforcement of some form. This intimate knowledge of the laws can make it appear they get a pass on breaking the law when truly, they’re staying just far enough inside the lines to get the job done without doing anything illegal.
Myth #4: PIs will do anything to make money and will bend the rules if the price is high enough – Myth! Because many PIs have prior background in law enforcement, they usually have very clear standards about what types of cases they’ll take. If a potential case is outside of those standards, no amount of money is going to change their professional and ethical standards. Additionally, many states require PIs to maintain a professional license to practice in that state. If they step outside the legal and ethical boundaries, the state can take away their license for misconduct at any time.
Myths like those above create a skewed vision of what PIs do or can do. Myths like these can harm the credibility of the entire profession and deter people who could truly benefit from investigative services from seeking out a PI for their case. When in need, call on Bulldog PI for professional private investigations.
