In your favourite prime-time crime drama, Private Investigators (PIs) are portrayed as shady characters who operate outside the law, cutting corners and doing the things the police won’t do. They chain-smoke cheap cigarettes, and only work at night, much like vampires with notebooks and cameras.

In reality, Private Investigation is a legitimate, above-board business. Every Private Investigator in Canada must be licensed by the provincial government agency that regulates their work. The application process in Ontario is extensive and includes at least 50 hours of training, a clean criminal record, and the support of a guarantor. PI licenses expire every two years, so investigators must ensure that their standing always is up to date.  Further, all Private Investigators in Ontario must also operate out of a fully licensed agency, which gives the customer another level of assurance about their professionalism and reliability.

If this isn’t enough to convince you of the legitimacy of the world of Private Investigation, read on to learn more about how Private Investigators can help you within the realm of the law, and how to find the best-fit team for your needs:

How a Private Investigator Can (Legally) Help You

Contrary to popular conceptions, a Private Investigator does not have to climb over a brick wall and sneak into mansions to photograph documents in a filing cabinet with a tiny camera. In fact, that would be illegal, and all investigators are of course bound by the Trespass to Property Act.

However, there is a remarkable range of ways that a Private Investigator can secure the information that you’re after, including:

  • Background Searches

Private Investigators are highly skilled at performing deep dives into a person’s history, uncovering information that can help paint a clear picture of who they are and what they are capable of. This may include internet searches of public records, databases, and social media accounts. Private Investigators may also contact confidential informants or will question those who may have knowledge of the people, events, or places that play a role in your case. These searches can uncover hidden assets, business registrations, and alternate addresses, as well as an individual’s habits, hangouts, and frequent companions.

  • Surveillance

A reputable Private Investigators will always operate within the bounds of the law by only conducting surveillance in public settings. Nevertheless, a good agent will have access to state-of-the-art equipment that allows them to capture clear (4K) photography and video from a fair distance. Their skill and experience mean that they can do this undetected by the target, whether on the move as part of a mobile surveillance operation, or stationed in a fixed location.

  • Vehicle Tracking

This is conducted using a professional-grade GPS device attached to the target’s vehicle. Using this technology, a Private Investigator can track where a person goes and how long they stay there. This investigative technique is legal if you are the owner of the vehicle in question, or if it is a fleet vehicle being used for your business. Your Private Investigator can advise you as to whether tracking a particular vehicle is legal, and can offer alternative solutions for monitoring the whereabouts of an individual in question.

  • Skip Tracing (Person Locates)

You may need to find someone who owes you money, or you may be concerned about a missing loved one. A Private Investigator can employ a combination of the techniques above to locate that person for you without breaking the law.

What a Private Investigator Can’t Do

Arresting people, while technically legal in Canada, is not something a Private Investigator would normally do. Arresting someone comes with its own risks and potential liability, so if there is time for the police to intervene, they are the appropriate people to carry this out. A Private Investigator can, however, legally collect any evidence you need to support your accusations of wrongdoing in a police investigation or court case.

As licensed professionals, Private Investigators are bound to work within the realm of the law over the course of an investigation. The penalties for doing otherwise include the loss of their license, a possible fine, and possible criminal prosecution.

Further, a trusted Private Investigator is committed to working in your best interest, collecting professional evidence that will strengthen your case rather than discredit it. There can be damaging repercussions for presenting illegally obtained evidence within a court of law, or any other government body.

Finding the Right Private Investigation Agency For You

If you’re looking for a Private Investigator, you’re probably already navigating some pretty murky waters, and are under a great deal of stress. You’ll want to choose a Private Investigator that will get you the answers and clarity you need in a way that doesn’t add additional strain. Here are some guidelines for how to select a credible Private Investigation Firm that aligns with your needs and budget:

  • Check with Service Ontario to make sure the agency you’re considering is a legitimate one. Despite the regulatory requirements, there are always bad actors out there, so you need to be diligent and proactive in doing your research before committing to a service provider. In addition to maintaining their licensed status, these agencies are regulated by the Private Security and Investigative Services Act (2005), must be fully insured, and their agents need to be compliant with all federal, provincial, and municipal laws.
  • Look for an agency with a good reputation rather than going with one that touts the lowest price. Reputable agencies have a long track record of success, which allows them to invest in the best equipment and technology, attract top-notch agents, and ensure their staff is consistently trained and monitored. While lower fees may seem attractive initially, you might wind up having to employ them for a longer period of time because they aren’t as efficient or effective. In Private Investigations, time is of the essence, and if you’re wasting time securing answers, this is at the cost of the client!

Look for a business that’s been around for a while, has multiple offices, has solid customer testimonials, and most importantly, puts you at ease during your consultation.

How Star Quality Private Investigations® Can Help

Star Quality Private Investigations® has over two decades of experience in the industry and a long-standing reputation within the communities we serve. Our team of seasoned investigative experts – most of whom are former law enforcement officers – embodies the trust, integrity, and confidentially that is at the core of our business. As Toronto’s #1 Private Investigation agency, we have built long-term relationships with many of our clients who rely on us to provide the answers they need to deal with their personal and professional challenges, and put them back on the path to success.

To learn more about the legalities of Private Investigation within Canada, or to inquire about our services, reach out to our team today.

 

 

Sources:

Making a Citizen’s Arrest:  https://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/rp-pr/other-autre/wyntk.html

Private Security and Investigative Services Act:  https://www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/05p34