Integrity Investigations, LLC

Call for Free Consultation:
(216) 221-1000

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS for People Considering Hiring a Private Investigator

HIRING A P.I. FOR A PERSONAL INVESTIGATION
Where do I start?

Once you’ve made the determination that hiring a private investigator is something you want to do, probably the best place to start is by looking for a professional and reputable private investigator on the Internet. If you know a successful attorney or a judge who you’re willing to put your business out there with, it might also make sense to ask them. In either case, you are going to want to do as much as you possibly can to make sure that you’re getting the best possible person available. Just like with doctors, attorneys, surgeons and contractors, their is a wide range of competence and integrity in the private investigator world.

I provide a track to run on with a couple of checklists that I developed just for this purpose. Just click on one of the below hyper-links:

 

Should I hire a private investigator?

The first thing to do is to determine if you really even do need to hire a private investigator.  Many times, when people call and share their situation with us, it quickly becomes clear that what the caller suspects is obviously taking place.

Now, I have to remind myself that things are more clear to me for a number of reasons. First of all, I’ve been dealing with these exact types of situations for several years. We’ve come across most of the deceptions, schemes, rouses and lies that people use to pull off and cover-up their activities. At the same time, I have the added benefit of perspective. Having been in a situation, myself, where my wife was cheating on me, I realize that, being human, emotions insert themselves in tense situations and can cloud our judgment. Hell, my wife had been having an affair for almost a year before I figured it out and accepted it for what it was…and I was already a real police detective! Looking back, I’m astonished that I hadn’t put it together earlier, especially looking at some of the red flags that were, in hindsight, slapping me in the face.

The point is, I think a part of my brain didn’t want to find out or know the truth, so I ignored the red flags and heard what I wanted to hear in what she was saying, ignoring (or as psychologists call it, “deleting”) what I wasn’t ready to deal with.

So, back to my point, once you do accept that something nefarious is afoot, try to determine exactly what, if anything, is to be gained by getting proof at all. We often have to point out to people that call into the office that they already have all the proof they need. Private investigations can be very expensive and the best option might be to not hire one at all.

Can I just do the investigations myself?

In many cases, you very well be able to do the investigation yourself

office that they already have all the proof they need. Private investigations can be very expensive and the best option might be to not hire one at all.

What's the difference between a private investigator and a private detective?

In many cases, you very well be able to do the investigation yourself

office that they already have all the proof they need. Private investigations can be very expensive and the best option might be to not hire one at all.

Is it legal to hire a private investigator?

In most cases, it is legal to hire a private investigator…as long as you aren’t hiring him/her to do something clearly illegal. Of course there are all kinds of gray areas to consider, as well as thin lines that distinguish between legal and illegal. But generally speaking, it is legal to hire a private investigator to look into any matter where you suspect that you (or someone else) may be getting defrauded, lied to, cheated on, stolen from or victimized in some way.  You are also going to be on solid ground if you are hiring a P.I. to conduct an investigation, audit, or review in order to confirm facts or details of a matter under consideration,  or to protect yourself or someone from being victimized. 

In all cases, the investigator should be able to articulate a legally and ethically permissible purpose in order to conduct an investigation.

 

What is a "permissible purpose?"

wTo try to explaining the term, “permissible purpose, I think it’s best to start by breaking the term down to its individual parts:

Permissible: considered to be acceptable, permitted, legitimate because it does not break any laws or rules.

Purpose: the reason why something is done or used : the aim or intention of something. : the feeling of being determined to do or achieve something. : the aim or goal of a person : what a person is trying to do, become, etc.

Another way to explain the term would be by use of example. So, let’s say that a man calls into our office and asks us if we can run a license plate for him. Well, of course we have the ability to run license plates through databases that we subscribe to as a licensed private investigation firm. But, before we agree to get the information for our caller, we would first need to know why he wants or needs that license plate information. We would need to know his purpose. Acceptable purposes (or reasons) might be that he suspects that the person defrauded him in some way. Maybe he bought something from the guy off of Craig’s List and it turned out not to be what he thought he was buying, or it was non-functional. Our caller then tried to reach the seller, but the phone number is now disconnected or non-functional. So, the guy first goes to the police and they tell him that this is a civil matter. This is when the guy calls us and this is the explanation (or purpose) he gives us. If his explanation sounds plausible, we will verify his information and identity and then provide the information to him.

However, if the same guy calls us and requests the same information, but his “purpose” is that he saw this attractive girl walk out of Starbucks this morning (We’ll call her our “mystery girl”) and get into a car with this license plate. He goes on to explain that he failed to work up the courage to ask her for her phone number, but he now has the courage and would like to know who she is so that he can contact her…This would not be what we would consider a permissible (legitimate or acceptable) purpose to provide information.

We obviously don’t know what is really going on in our caller’s head. Is he a stalker? Just a creep? We don’t know, so we would not provide that kind of information to that kind of caller.

On the other hand, in this situation, we might consider contacting the mystery girl ourselves, on behalf of the caller and asking her if she was okay with us providing her information to him or, providing his information to her so that she could contact him if she wanted to. This way, there would be no breach of privacy or confidentiality.

As private investigators, we need a permissible purpose to conduct almost any type of investigation. Below are some of the types of investigations for which a private investigator needs a permissible purpose:

  • Background Investigations
  • Skip Tracing/Locating a Person
  • Surveillance/GPS Tracking
  • Cell Phone/Computer Forensics

 

 

What can I expect when I call your office?

When most people call our offices, it is their first time ever dealing with a private investigator, so they really don’t know what to expect. I think a lot of people expect to hear a recording (usually a tool of 1-man shows) and others expect someone to answer by identifying ourselves as “Integrity Investigations.” To be fair, in our evolution as a company, we’ve used both of the above processes to handle incoming calls, but here’s what you can expect if you call our offices these days:

When you call, you will most likely get a live person answering (many people seem surprised when we answer the phone). Now, since we are often up late into the night, we don’t take calls until after 11am.  Otherwise, you can usually expect to be speaking with either myself or one of our investigators.  The only exception would be when we are tied up on all of our lines with other callers, or when it is after 9pm.

We usually answer, “Hello, this is ____. ” This generic greeting is for a reason. We have had situations where our targets found our number in our client’s phone log and then called it to see who answered. How do we know this? Because the caller then, in a less than friendly tone, says, “Who is this?” We remind the caller that they called us and ask them who they were trying to reach and every now and then we will hear something like, “This number was in my husband’s call log. I demand to know who you are.” Well, the fact is, if they’ve made it this far, the cat is usually out of the bag as far as the target knowing that something is awry, but at least we now know that they know, so we can adjust our approach appropriately (and let our client know).

If you call during business hours, your call will be answered by someone in our office. They will ask you how they can help you and if they determine that you are looking for an investigator, they’ll ask what kind of situation it is and direct you to an investigator (usually a supervisor). They will also ask you for your name (You can just give them your first name, or even make up a name). You will then be directed to someone you can discuss your case with.

If you call our offices during non-business hours (after 5pm or on a weekend/holiday), your call will most-likely be forwarded directly to a supervisory investigator. Know that if you call during non-business hours, the person you are speaking with might be taking your call on their cell phone, so they might be in a grocery store, or you might hear their dog bark if someone knocks at their door.

A few other things to understand before you call:

Anything discussed on the call is confidential. The fact is, we could/would/should lose our license if we violated your confidentiality. You don’t even have to give your real name when calling. We understand that you have probably recently been lied to, ripped off, cheated on or screwed over in some manner and that you aren’t very trusting of anyone right now. Your confidentiality is important and there is no reason for you to share any personal information before you make the decision to hire an investigator. However, we will need your real information if we both decide to move forward with an investigation.

In most cases, we can have a 5-10 minute conversation on the phone. You will most likely have some questions for us and we will probably have some questions for you to help us both better understand the issues. If it makes sense at that point to move forward, we can make an appointment to meet in our office to discuss the issue further, face to face. (In some circumstances, if we both feel comfortable, we can move forward with the process on the telephone)

Understand, we don’t take every case. First of all, we only handle a certain number of cases at any given time. Experience has taught us that when we exceed that number, the quality of our services drops, and that is unacceptable. If we can’t handle the case at that time, we will let you know and either fit you in when we have an opening, or else refer you to another reputable and competent investigation company. Additionally, we do not handle cases for criminal defendants. That means if you are under indictment or are in prison, we will not handle your case. We also will not take your case if we suspect that you are involved in criminal activity, or if we suspect you are being untruthful with us. We have been in business for over fifteen years and we are fortunate enough to be in a position where we can be more selective of the investigations we handle. We also will not conduct investigations for persons who have any kind of court-ordered protection or restraining order filed against them.

What forms of payment do you accept?

We accept several different methods of payment, including Credit Cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express) personal checks, money orders and cash. We also accept PayPal, Venmo and Zelle payments.
Be wary of businesses that only take cash.

Also, although PayPal can be an effective way of making payments under the radar (this is another form of payment we accept), be wary of companies that use this as a primary way of accepting credit cards. It’s expensive and usually a sign that the vendor doesn’t have good enough credit to qualify for a regular credit card processing merchant account.

Can you get started on my investigation right away (tonight)?

In most situations, this is determined by our current caseload.  In order to maintain a certain level of excellence in our investigations, we only handle so many cases at any given time.  If the circumstances are that we do have an open slot for an investigation, we can usually get started that very day.

How many investigators are needed for a personal investigation?

In most cases, only one field investigator is needed for a personal investigation (infidelity, cohabitation, child custody, etc.). There are situations where we recommend two investigators, especially if the investigation will be taking place in New York City (or another urban environment where people are likely to be using public transportation or a taxi/Uber/Lyft) and in certain situations where the personal safety of the investigator may be a concern. This will all be discussed in advance before the investigation is initiated.

Can I just drop into your office to discuss hiring you?

In most cases, no. An appointment is necessary to discuss your case in person. Although our offices are staffed with administrative personnel, our investigators work out of several different offices and we don’t know which office we may be in on any given day. I personally try to stay out of our offices unless I am meeting with a client. At this point, I’ve found that I’ve become a distraction to my employees more than anything else, so I just try to stay out of their way.

How will the charges appear on my bill if I pay you with a credit card?
If you pay with a credit card, the charges will appear as billed by “Integrity Investigations.” We’ve tried circumventing this, but the credit card companies are very strict about it, for obvious reasons. As an alternative, some people will buy a pre-paid card at WalMart and others will have a friend or relative make the payment.
Do you give free consultations?
We will take 15 minutes to discuss your case on the phone for free.  However, for those who feel that they need to sit down and have a face-to-face meeting with us in order to feel a certain level of confidence, we can meet you at our offices to discuss your case.  We do charge a $350 fee for a 1-hour, in-person consultation, however this fee is waived if we both agree to move forward with the investigation.
What is the benefit to having a private investigator prove that my spouse is cheating on me?
In some cases, it doesn’t make sense to pay for an investigation.  In other cases, clients just want concrete proof so that they can gain some peace of mind.  Additionally, being able to move forward in a tenuous situation, basing your decisions on facts, rather than “feelings or emotions,” can make decisions easier to make.

Many of our clients have told us that the evidence we’ve uncovered in the course of our investigations has given them a lot of “leverage” in their divorce proceedings.

In other cases, concrete proof was the only thing that could force the unfaithful spouse to finally come to terms with the situation and admit the truth so that the healing process could begin to move forward.

I think my spouse is cheating; are there certain warning signs that I should look out for?
Although there are common warning signs exhibited by many cheaters, it is not full proof.  Some cheaters will exhibit no warning signs while some may exhibit many; Generally speaking the more warning signs your spouse exhibits, the more likely that he/she is cheating.  The best indicator, however, is your instinct.
Will you provide me with copies of the video and photos?
Yes.  You will be provided with copies of any video as well as photographs, and if requested, a detailed report.
Will you follow my spouse inside places and film with a camera? How do you do that?

Once again, this depends on the circumstances of the investigation.  We do have and utilize state-of-the art covert cameras for getting video of persons in restaurants, bars, etc.  We do not enter hotel rooms or residences to get video (unless we are invited in), but we oftentimes are able to follow behind people as they get on elevators, walk down halls and enter their hotel rooms together.  We don’t follow them into the room, but we do get video of the whole matter using a covert camera of one kind or another. 

How quickly can you start an investigation?
In many cases, it is determined by our current caseload.  In order to maintain a high level of quality in our investigations, we only handle a limited number of cases at any given time.  With that being said, if you decide that we are the right private investigator for your situation and we accept the case, we can sometimes start as quickly as we receive the retainer deposit.
Are my communications with you kept discreet and confidential?
Every case is kept strictly confidential.  All calls, including the initial consultation, are confidential even if you decide not to retain us.  Every case is handled in a very discreet and professional manner.
Do you handle cases of child custody?
Yes.  We handle all different aspects of child custody disputes; from proving that someone is actually working (or has an income), to proving that a parent is exposing a child to a potentially harmful or dangerous situation.  This could include situations where alcohol, drugs or physical, mental and/or emotional abuse are involved or even a young child being left unattended.
I’m thinking of doing the surveillance myself. Is that legal?
If it is your spouse you are following, it is probably legal.  However, if it is an ex-spouse or ex-boy/girlfriend, you are probably criminally stalking that person.  The other issues to keep in mind when considering this option, even if you are on solid legal ground, the person you’re trying to surveil probably knows you and/or your vehicle and they might recognize, or become aware of you.  And at the point that they discover you, the gig is up…hopefully after you got the concrete proof you were after, but you will have shown your hand.  It is usually better to keep your cards close to the chest until the right time (or, at least until emotions have cooled down).

Even though I’ve performed countless surveillances, I’d think hard before trying to do surveillance on someone who knew me.  In most cases, you are too close to the action to think objectively, rather than emotionally.  I guess it all depends on what the stakes are in the situation.

I don’t know where to turn. What is my next step to take?
The very first thing you can do, if you are comfortable with it, is to anonymously and confidentially give one of our offices a call.  The main office number is 216-221-1000, but you can call any of the office numbers and be connected to an experienced investigator who can take a few minutes to get an understanding of your situation and see if we can’t maybe help out.  Additionally, any time you see the blue “Help” tab/button on the right side of our web page, you can click on that and have an anonymous “Live Chat” with someone in our offices.
Can I use the evidence in court?
Our services are legally admissible in court; in other words our reports can be used in court as evidence to help prove your case.  We also offer courtroom testimony.
GPS TRACKING SERVICES
Is it legal to put a GPS tracking device on someone’s vehicle?
The short answer is “It depends.” It depends on several factors…whose vehicle you’re putting it on, whose putting it on the vehicle, where on the vehicle it’s being installed, where the vehicle is when it is being installed and a host of other dynamics regarding the case. In many situations, it may be illegal for you to install the GPS, but legal for a private investigator to do it
In what situations do you employ GPS trackers?
In cases where the subject of the investigation typically drives a vehicle, if at all possible, we usually suggest starting out the investigation by putting a GPS on the vehicle to get a good feel for what their habits and patterns are before we go out and conduct surveillance. This is a more cost-effective and safer way of gaining intelligence. Furthermore, when it comes to the actual surveillance aspect of the investigation, it minimizes the risk of either losing the subject in traffic or worse, getting burned by the target.
Why not just buy my own GPS tracker?
That’s certainly an option. Be advised though, if you’ve done any research on the topic, you will see that there are dozens of different types and brands of GPS tracking devices available. A few of them are good, but most of them are not. We’ve tested most of the different types and narrowed it down to the most accurate and dependable devices available. Furthermore, we continue to test newer models as they become available.

Other issues to consider, are those dealing with how immediate your need is and how tech-savvy you are. After you research which unit to buy, order it, have it shipped, receive it, put it together, charge the batteries, set up an account and then figure out how to mount it to the car and then how to access and monitor it through your computer (without screwing any of these steps up), you’re then probably ready to try it out.

Just as important as what kind of GPS unit you use is where and how you place it on/in a vehicle. Believe it or not, a matter of six inches or a difference in 45 degrees angle of placement can make the difference between whether you’re going to get a strong enough signal or not. Different makes and models of cars have different “best spots” for placement for reasons ranging from issues of electrical interference, to what the car is made of…and if you don’t have a signal, you may as well not even have the unit.

Additionally, there are many situations where it may or may not be legal for you to utilize a tracking device. Law enforcement and licensed private investigators have been granted special rights when it comes to issues, such as conducting surveillance and tracking people. As mentioned above, if you don’t have a PI license or aren’t a police officer, you very may well be guilty of criminal stalking, trespassing, invasion of privacy or even criminal mischief.

In regard to the above, we have the best available GPS units ready to go. We know how to install them quickly, how to use them, how to monitor them and most importantly what the law is when it comes to using them. In most cases, we can have a unit installed on a vehicle within hours of receiving your call. It usually takes less than one minute to install the unit. We won’t need access to the inside of the vehicle, meaning we can put it on while the vehicle is parked in the driveway overnight, while parked in a lot at work, or even when the subject leaves the vehicle in the parking lot of the grocery store to go shopping. We have other methods, too, but would probably be better left off of this web page.

One final advantage to having a professional install and monitor the device is that once we see and know where the problem is, you will have a professional and experienced investigator, armed with professional cameras suited for the situation, whether it be night vision, long-range or covert cameras ready to pounce once the opportunity arises. Our investigators have computers in the vehicles and can zero right in on situations to obtain the concrete proof and evidence that will give you the peace of mind you deserve.

What it comes down to is how important it is to find out what you’re after and how serious you are about getting to the bottom of the issue without taking unnecessary risks.

How does the GPS work?
The GPS unit sends either a cellular and/or satellite signal to satellites orbiting around the earth and the information is returned back to our servers here on earth…all in the blink of an eye.

Our trackers will show you real-time views of where the vehicle is at any given time or they will show historical re-plays of exactly what path a vehicle followed, with exact times and locations all recorded.

Can I get access to view the GPS tracker on my own computer?
We grant computer access to clients on a case-by-case basis. For obvious reasons, we can’t give access all of our clients.

For those situations, our clients are given a link to our IntegrityGPS website along with a unique username and password to use for access. We also have a mobile website portal so that clients can get real-time access on their iPhone and Android devices.

How will you get the device on the vehicle?
Every situation is different. We can sometimes do it while the vehicle is parked in the driveway, at work or in the street. In other situations, we will wait until the driver leaves their home or work and parks in a public place. When they leave the vehicle, we will quickly install the device.
What should I do if he/she finds out?
This is a very common concern. When we first started using the GPS trackers, we would lay awake at night worrying about these devices being found. Experience has taught us to relax. Of the thousands of tracker investigations we’ve handled over the years, our GPS devices have only been discovered a small number of times. In those cases, it was usually because our client tipped the target off by either telling a friend who told someone else (or who was actually the one the target was messing around with) or when a client let the target know of too many things that they could not have known otherwise; the car was taken into a garage with the specific purpose of looking for a tracking device.

In any case, we will give you specific, carefully thought-out responses to have ready in case your spouse confronts you about a GPS tracker.

I think someone is tracking my vehicle...how do I find out?
Being as experienced as we are at installing GPS trackers on vehicles, we also know where to find and recover them. We also have a GPS detector that is used specifically for “sweeping” vehicles for GPS devices. We have a flat fee we charge for searching a vehicle for GPS trackers.
BACKGROUND INVESTIGATIONS
Can you do a social media search?
Yes. Our office investigators have specialized training and much experience in conducting social media research. We cannot, however, recover deleted posts from social media outlets. This information is sometimes recoverable by an attorney who knows what he’s doing with a subpoena.
Can you do a background investigation on someone without them knowing about it?
Yes. This is usually how we handle our background investigations.
What does a background investigation include?
A background investigation can include everything from just finding out where someone presently lives (what we call “a locate”) to a full-blown background which can include everything including asset research, where someone is banking (“a bank account search”), criminal and civil court records, public records checks, going through someone’s garbage (a very dirty job, but often very productive and informative), GPS tracking and even manned surveillance.
Do you conduct pre-employment background investigations?
In most cases, the answer is “no.” We are not geared to do background “checks” where we would be restricted by the regulations and rules of the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). There are a few exceptions, however. One would be, where the Pre-employment background investigation is for a position where the candidate is going for a job where the annual income will be greater than $75,000. In this case, the FCRA makes an exception. We can also conduct background investigations in connection with “due diligence” of potential business partners, vendors, etc.

We use Corporate Screening to conduct all of our pre-employment background investigations. They have been around for over 25 years and their client list is nothing short of impressive.

Can you take my fingerprints for a job application and send them to the F.B.I. and/or B.C.I. (a web check)?
We no longer provide this service. Our friend, Teddy Perez, at Precision Security Agency is able to provide this service. His offices are located at 13705 Madison Avenue in Lakewood, OH 44107 and his office can be reached at 216-441-0492.
COMPUTER & CELL PHONE FORENSICS
What kind of information can you retrieve from a smartphone/computer?
In most cases, we need to have our hands on the actual device, whether it is the computer or the cell phone. In those cases, we can usually recover most, if not all, data that was ever on the device, including deleted materials. All situations are different though, and there are times where our technicians are unable to recover information from a device.
Can you retrieve text messages?
Yes. See above.
Do you need the device to retrieve information?
Yes. In certain circumstances, your attorney should be able to use his subpoena power to get text messages from wireless carriers through the court.
I think someone is listening in on my phone calls. Is this possible? Can you see if it is bugged?
Yes. It is possible that someone could have your phone “bugged” or “tapped,” however, it is very unlikely. If it is bugged or tapped, it is probably either by a federal law enforcement agency with a Title III Wiretap warrant. Which would mean that you are being looked at criminally, or possibly by the CIA or NSA, in either of these cases, we can’t or won’t help you.

I have tried out some of the services and devices that are advertised on-line to “listen in” on phone conversations, to see if they actually work, and so that I could help my clients defend themselves from these types of intrusions, but I haven’t come across anything legitimate yet.

I think that my house is bugged. Can you do a bug sweep to find it?
Yes. We do conduct bug sweeps both for corporations and for individuals. Be forewarned, though…it is expensive. Our technician has over $25,000 worth of electronic equipment and 25 years of professional experience to deal with these types of matters. You should also know if and when we do find a listening device, we are compelled to report it to a law enforcement authority.
Do you handle Criminal Defense cases?
No. We do not work for criminals, criminal suspects, or the lawyers who represent them. I am currently a police officer and to do any type of criminal defense work would be in direct conflict with not only my professional obligations, but also with my personal principles.

This is not to be confused with the fact that we can and will investigate criminal matters from the prosecutor’s side of the table. If you take a look at our “Integrity In the News” webpage, you will see that we have actively investigated, prosecuted and sent to prison, numerous criminal offenders through the private investigation role.

COSTS & FEES
How much does a private investigator cost?

There are several variables involved with this answer. At our company, we charge $175/hour for most field work, including surveillance. Other services such as background investigations, computer/cell phone forensics exams and GPS tracking are charged on project-based fees. You can download our Price List by going to our Price List page or call our offices for further details or questions.

How much can I expect to pay for a cheating spouse investigation?

Each case is different and there is no way of determining how much it will cost without finding out more details regarding the situation. The more upfront and reliable information you can provide us ahead of time, the more directed and efficient we can start out. We provide the best investigative services and there simply is no other agency that will give you the results that we will without getting caught. You will get what you pay for and if the investigator is caught, you probably will not get a second chance. We do not provide the cheapest service, however we guarantee to provide the best service available when it comes to surveillance-types of investigations.

You can download our Price List by going to our Price List page or call our offices for further details or questions.

How much is the retainer?

In most cases, we do require a retainer deposit, which ranges from $3,000-$10,000 ($1,500 for GPS tracking only). Investigative services are then billed against the retainer. At any point during the investigation (and at the completion of the case) we will inform you of the balance.

You can download our Price List by going to our Price List page or call our offices for further details or questions.

How much do you charge per hour?

How much we charge per hour depends on several factors. Ranging on what kind of investigative work we are doing, to how many hours you are paying for upfront, in your retainer. In most cases, you can expect to pay $175/hour for field investigation work.

Some services, such as asset research, GPS tracking and computer or cell phone forensics are handled as flat fees, whereas any time we have to put a person in the field, an hourly rate will usually apply.

You can download our Price List by going to our Price List page or call our offices for further details or questions.

Do you accept credit cards?

Yes. We do accept MasterCard, Visa and American Express.  We also accept payment via Zelle, Venmo and PayPal.

What other forms of payment do you accept?

We accept check, personal check, business check, money order and cash. We also accept Zelle, Venmo and Paypal.

Do I pay for your services before the work is done, or after?
Payment is made in the form of a retainer, which is made up-front.
What is a Retainer Fee?
A retainer fee is the traditional way of paying for services in legal-related fields. It is a sum of money paid in advance and is deducted from as professional services are rendered. Our retainer fees are based on our experience in handling similar cases and what we expect to provide in services. They can range from $1,000 up to $10,000, or anywhere in between, depending on the circumstances.
How much does a background investigation cost?
Our background investigations can range anywhere from $500 up to $2200, depending on what we’re looking for, how much needs to be verified and how much fieldwork is called for (GPS Tracking, Field Interviews, Trash Pulls, Surveillance, etc). Our background investigations are not to be confused with the “instant, on-line, Internet background checks” that can be purchased on-line. Check out our special consumer report which spells out the difference between a database report and a true background investigation.
How much does GPS Tracking cost?
We charge for our GPS tracking on a weekly basis, with a 2-week minimum of $1,500 for 2 weeks. Bundled/Package rates can be obtained with investigations that extend longer than a month and with some bundled investigative packages.
How much does a bug sweep cost?

Our Bug Sweeps, sometimes called TSCM (Technical Surveillance Counter-Measures) sweeps start at $750 for a cell phone or a vehicle sweep (for listening devices and GPS trackers) and start at $1,500 for homes and corporate environments. Other factors also figure in involving the size of the area to be swept and the number of phone lines. Once again, we’ve bundled some services together with other services with improved price points.

Why do you cost so much more than other private investigators?
We’ve determined our prices on the supply and demand of what we provide. Integrity Investigations is different than most other P.I. businesses in several ways. First of all, most P.I. businesses are unable to remain in business for longer than 5 years, for the obvious reasons of sub-standard service and inability to run a business. This doesn’t mean that the other guys were poor

investigators, but the best investigators aren’t usually the best at effective communication with clients or organized enough to run a business well. I would never have been able to stay in business since 2004 had I not been lucky enough to surround myself with a competent support staff and investigative team. I most certainly would’ve burned out a long time ago. We are more selective when accepting cases and clients, because we can be…when other P.I.’s have to take every case that comes along. Employing a top-notch support staff, keeping the best investigators on the payroll and having the best equipment means that investigations are consistently handled in a professional manner. It also means that our rates are higher than other P.I.’s, especially the ones that are so desperate that they have to lower themselves to offering their services at a discounted rate. We are not for everyone or every situation. Our clients are usually not the same people that look for the cheapest doctor for their open-heart surgery, the cheapest attorney for their divorce or drive the cheapest cars (even though the cheapest can usually still get the job done). I absolutely detest incompetence and tardiness. At the same time, I have no tolerance for people that don’t take my calls or at least return them in a timely manner. I have the same expectations for my staff and I think that that is one of the reasons people recommend us, refer us and return to us for business. You will rarely be greeted by a recording when calling our offices, and on the rare occasions that this does occur, a timely return call can be expected.

Do your services cost more if I need the work done quickly?
In most cases, the answer is yes, especially if we have to shift investigators’ schedules around and/or put other clients’ cases on hold.
What is IntegritySelect?
IntegritySelect is not currently open to new members. IntegritySelect is a select and limited number of clients with premium access to our services. It includes special pricing on routinely provided services such as home and office bug sweeps for hidden listening devices and covert cameras and vehicle sweeps for GPS trackers. It also includes armed driver/bodyguard services and activity check services.
How much does IntegritySelect cost?
Our IntegritySelect membership is currently at capacity and has a waiting list to get in.
Are there any other costs besides the hourly fee?
In most cases, no. We don’t add extra for mileage or meals. However, we do pass the costs along for airfare and hotel stays when necessary and for reports and videos, as they are very time-consuming to compilate.
Is there any way I can get a discount on any of your prices?
Discounts are only available to IntegritySelect members, or through the pre-purchase of bundled services.
Why don't you accept every client or investigation?
Mostly because difficult clients are bad for business. Secondly, because we don’t have to. There was a time when I took any case from anyone who had cash, but thankfully, those desperate days are in the past. We have never handled an cases for criminal defendants, or the people who represent them because of the conflict of interest (with my current employment as a police officer). It would also be a conflict for who I am and what my company stands for.

GENERAL QUESTIONS

What's the difference between a private investigator and a private detective?

As far as I’ve been able to tell, the two terms are interchangeable. There is no a difference between a private detective and a private investigator.  I guess you could say that the words are synonyms.

Are private detectives the same as police detectives?

 No. In most cases, a private detective (AKA: private investigator) is not the same as a police detective (AKA: police investigator).  

Police detectives are considered law enforcement officers and are generally employees of the government, whether it be a municipal, county, state, federal or other local agency.  Under the authority of the government, most law enforcement officers have the power to to detain and arrest individuals.  Examples of law enforcement officers would be police officers, FBI agents, DEA agents, sheriffs.

Private detectives/investigators are not law enforcement officers. They do not have any more detention or arrest powers than any other citizen on the street (unless they are also law enforcement officers).

This is not to say someone can’t be both at the same time…For instance, as of this writing, I am a Cleveland Police Officer and I am also licensed in several states as a private investigator.  However, I would never use my law enforcement powers to achieve an objective of my P.I. business. For example, it would not be appropriate for me to identify myself as a police officer when conducting private investigation work, unless I clarified that I was not working in my capacity/role as a police officer, but as a private investigator.

That doesn’t mean that if I observe a crime occurring that I can’t take police action to stop it.  In some instance, I would even have a duty to take immediate police action if I observed a crime taking place.  

 

What's the difference between a private investigator and a private detective?

As far as I’ve been able to tell, the two terms are interchangeable. There is no a difference between a private detective and a private investigator.  I guess you could say that the words are synonyms.

What's the difference between a private investigator and a private detective?

As far as I’ve been able to tell, the two terms are interchangeable. There is no a difference between a private detective and a private investigator.  I guess you could say that the words are synonyms.

Dean DePiero
Dean DePiero
1707768219
Kristen is absolutely amazing and very professional at what she does. She takes her job seriously and the time the she helped me is an a “snap of fingers “. Absolutely remarkable help!!
Ana's Makeup
Ana's Makeup
1705617544
Kristen is absolutely amazing! I give her 5 stars!! She helped me with finding my dad, she’s so kind and patient! Thank you Kristen ❤️
Emma Thompson
Emma Thompson
1698167310
10 out 10 highly recommend
Regina Sanders
Regina Sanders
1696893415
Kristen is very knowledgeable and extremely good at what she does I highly recommend this company !
Kristen Hatina Is the best book her Now !!
Natalie George
Natalie George
1689101927
Kristen is great! She is a quick researcher and a very polite woman.
Integrity Investigations is a SUPERSTAR in their realm! Kristen Hatina went FAR beyond what we ever expected in her efforts, use of resources, concern for our matter. I will trust her and Integrity with future business without any reservations whatsoever. She deserves commendations for her professionalism, communication, attention to detail, resourcefulness, accountability, persistence, efficiency, and integrity to name a few. THANK YOU!!!
Jack Wagoneer
Jack Wagoneer
1688145284
Very good people an they do good job
I talked with Kristen and had a job for her. She was very professional, helpful, thorough and efficient. She got the task done in record time. I have used Integrity numerous times, and they are the best! I highly recommend their services.
Kathy Straky
Kathy Straky
1682084335
Extremely great service!! Very responsive and direct. Kristen was very professional, patient, and kind. She was quick and informative on what was needed from me. The process was easy. They offer lots of great services. Highly recommended!!!
Kelly Williams
Kelly Williams
1682001350
I called Integrity to get some information on their services and Kristen, who helped me out, was very knowledgably about what was needed for my case. In the end, I was very satisfied and would highly recommend the company for any P.I. work needed.
Robert Dean
Robert Dean
1676325872
Kristen is excellent at what she does. She helped me tremendously with my issue. I would recommend her to anyone who may need her help.
Nancy Settle
Nancy Settle
1669152077
Kristen was great to work with. Very responsive!
Matthew Cox
Matthew Cox
1668076360
Highly recommend!
Very helpful in every way possible. Kristen was very polite, helpful and quick with her responses and finding! I would highly recommend them for you needs
Jesse Luczyk
Jesse Luczyk
1656354530
My client needed to conduct surveillance on extremely short notice over a weekend. Integrity Investigations listened to our needs, acted very quickly and was able to secure the necessary personnel to conduct our mission. Our goal and mission was successful! The peace of mind working with Integrity Investigations was priceless. If we are ever in need of private investigator services in the future, my first call will go to Kristen and the team at Integrity. Thank you!
Chuck Fedewa
Chuck Fedewa
1656349217
Very quick and accurate information . She is very customer orientated .Will use her again when I need her help .
Andrew Dobay
Andrew Dobay
1655987569
I reached out to Kristen about locating information on some family relatives, she did an outstanding job with the little information I was able to provide her and on top of that she did it in a timely manner. Job Well done Kristen Thank You
Erica Marie
Erica Marie
1655855180
In my opinion Paul and Kristen went above and beyond to help me out they are very professional knowledgeable and upfront with you from the start about what they can do. They were extremely patient with me and my questions and more than helpful to top it off they were able to get the information I was looking for on short notice. Their pricing was beyond Fair their expertise and professionalism did not go unnoticed. I will recommend them to all, thank you to Paul and kristen , you guys did an amazing job keep up the strong work.
B P
B P
1654731145
Integrity gave their best efforts in trying to locate someone for me. They are continuing to try to help me and I trust will share any information found that will assist me and my family during this difficult time.Integrity is a fair and honest company that will try to help you get the answers you’re looking for.
Eric Hay
Eric Hay
1649429189
Can't say enough about Kristen @ Integrity Investigations ! Her professional demeanor and solid advise really helped my situation. Please don't hesitate to contact them for competent investigation guidance.
John Colton
John Colton
1649182798
I highly recommend Integrity Investigations, especially investigators Kristen Hatina and Andrew Walters. My office was repeatedly hitting dead-ends trying to locate an out-of-state witness. The pair took what very limited information we had and somehow found the individual almost immediately. They were both polite, professional, and they delivered.
Eric Norton
Eric Norton
1646462781
I was looking for any information on my birth father but because of technology Kristen couldn't find any information because we didn't have the internet back in the 1970-1980's.Kristen did just want she said she would do. She did the research but it came up short. My experience was great with her. I appreciated the afford she put in and willuse her if I need to again. Thank you.
Kimberly Head
Kimberly Head
1646093570
Kristen is a private investigator that I highly recommend for any situation they can get the job done. Her expertise is superb and her business integrity that she carries put your mind at ease from the very beginning. She is highly capable of getting the job done much sooner than you expect. No time to wait, no time to frazzle because she is about business. I had been hesitating hiring a private investigator for a month or so. I Google searched for the best private investigator in the business and Kristen Hatina was the first , the only one, and the right one that I called. Thank you Kristen because you made my problem disappear very easily and I know you will make others problems disappeared just as quickly. Kristen is the private investigator for any job and I most definitely will use her again in my time of need. Kristen has taught me not to procrastinate. Go for it and don't wait. Highly recommended!
Very responsive, thorough and prompt
George Poulos
George Poulos
1645744766
Dariusz Dolub
Dariusz Dolub
1645652453
Integrity Investigations has been great to work with. We recently had the pleasure to work with Kristen, we needed to locate an old owner for a car we sold years ago. Kristen went above and beyond to be professional, very knowledgeable, and quick with her responses. I would highly recommend their business!
Jay Pyrcz
Jay Pyrcz
1645550800
She was great she answered all my questions and very satisfied with the service .
ROB ROOTEN
ROB ROOTEN
1643221304
Talked to Kristen and had an immediate response as well as information regarding something I was looking into, very professional and response time was undeniably the quickest out of anyone I’ve dealt with, not to mention how nice she was!! Would recommend them 100% to anybody looking!!
james mccgary
james mccgary
1642020677
Geoff Porter
Geoff Porter
1641855409
I don’t leave reviews often, you really have to wow me. So when I worked with Kristen I was absolutely blow away at just how helpful and engaged she was to handle my concerns. She was very professional and timely with supporting what I needed. The service was top notch! I walked away with a peace a mind that I didn’t have before! Thank you Kristen for your help and support! Highly recommend and will be using your services in the future!
Ryan Smith
Ryan Smith
1639868445
Greg Pavkovich
Greg Pavkovich
1638762062
Kristen is wonderful, thoughtful and thorough. I can’t say enough good things. She really was able to give me key facts about the person I was looking for in under ten minutes with minimal information. Even after closing my case she remained interested in how things would turn out and you know what her genuine concern led to me reaching back out to give her updates as a testament to others. I would recommend to anyone in need of investigative work to contact Integrity investigations and ask for Kristen. Tell her I sent you and you can thank me later!!!
Laila Smith
Laila Smith
1638319233
Brian Davis
Brian Davis
1630733478
Kristen was very prompt and helpful. We would not hesitant to contact Kristen again for any further investigative services.
Mary Paliobeis
Mary Paliobeis
1622208071
Deb Harper
Deb Harper
1620306980
Kristen was very helpful in locating a delinquent customer for me. I felt that her prices were reasonable and would recommend her services.
Brian Kazdin
Brian Kazdin
1617950959
LET ME START WITH I TIRED TO FINE THE INFORMATION MYSELF. I WORKED ON IT FOR ABOUT FOR DAYS AND COULD NOT FIND IT. I CALLED INTEGRITY AND TALKED WITH KRISTEN SHE WAS SO VERY FRIENDLY. SHE TOOK MY INFO AND HAD WHAT WAS NEEDED THE NEXT DAY. THERE WORK IS FAST AND GREAT I WOULD USE THEM AGAIN AND RECOMMEND THEM TO ANYONE IN NEED OF HELP. THANKS AGAIN RICH
Fast and efficient. Would definitely recommend their services.
Kristen is always very helpful and provides reports very quickly!
April Yurglic
April Yurglic
1614976241
We had a fantastic experience using Integrity Investigations. They were quick with providing information and a very thorough report. I would highly recommend their services to anyone in need. Thank you for making a difficult situation a little easier.
Molly Berish
Molly Berish
1614721387
I had a personal issue that was keeping me up at night and decided to seek professional help to verify if what I was bothered by was accurate or not. I was greatly pleased when not only did integrity agree to help by also did so in the same day. Great customer service and detailed report. Thanks again!
Brad Stitt
Brad Stitt
1607536810
Keith Moyer
Keith Moyer
1605649349
Good communication and fast results.
Tom Collmar
Tom Collmar
1605564683
We hired Integrity Investigations to locate an individual for small claims court. This person could not be found by “normal” search methods. We worked with Kristen. She got us all the information in an incredibly short time frame. We were able to pursue our case in court and were very happy with the whole experience. Highly recommended!! Thank you!!
Robert Case
Robert Case
1599074104
Andy Walters
Andy Walters
1598801277
Hired Integrity Investigations to perform a very difficult assignment. They explained quickly but thoroughly the issues associated with our situation, then promptly, efficiently and professionally did everything they said they would do. We will definitely go back to them with any future needs and highly recommend them to anyone who needs a true pro.
Prompt, courteous and professional. They got the job done for me quickly and at a fair price. Communication was excellent. I would recommend them to friends and family without hesitation.
In less than an hour, Integrity Investigations was able to find a lead to locate an heir we had been looking to find for more than 18 months. They were incredibly responsive and cost effective. We'll definitely use them again!
Kimberly Walko
Kimberly Walko
1592394861
Outstanding, professional and timely service. Kept me well informed about progress. They went above and beyond in their efforts. And the cost was very reasonable. My highest recommendation.
Steven Okey
Steven Okey
1592366777
I called looking for some information on an asset I was looking to buy back. They found it within a 5 minute conversation. I would recommend this company to anyone that needs investigative services! Thank you again.
Evans Account
Evans Account
1591894369
I am delighted with the service I’ve received from Integrity Investigations. Their response to my case has been prompt, courteous, and handled with complete discretion. Any questions I’ve had have been answered quickly, and their pricing is more than fair. I had never dealt with this type of service before, and am grateful for the professional manner in which they have successfully Uncovered the information I was searching for. I highly recommend them.
Russ Anderson
Russ Anderson
1583883716
I was referred to Integrity Investigations through a friend. I hired themfor a 3 week investigation. I received all the material I needed. I was updated daily, my phone calls were always returned in a timely manner, all of my questions were answered completely. The individual I worked with was extremely easy to interact with. I was treated with respect and concern for the matter I was dealing with. If I ever needed this type of service again, I would return.
Kelly Donahue
Kelly Donahue
1582825823
I was referred to Integrity Investigations by a friend after explaining to him my frustration in getting the evidence I needed for my upcoming custody hearing. I contacted Paul and explained to him the very specific information I needed and the short time frame in which I had to get it. Long story short he got me the information I needed, and then some.Being a law enforcement Detective for many years, I assumed I would be able to gather the necessary evidence. Once I saw the unique techniques, tactics and specialized equipment they used I realized that private investigation and law enforcement investigations are two different animals. Paul possesses the skill sets needed in both arenas of investigation.Had I not been referred to Integrity Investigations I don't believe I would have ever gotten the evidence I needed and I directly credit Integrity Investigations for the court ruling in my favor and granting me full custody of my kids.
John Foster
John Foster
1582732242
My experience with Kristen Hatina was very positive. She understands the issues very quickly, takes action swiftly accordingly. She provides clear explanations, is easy to deal with, understanding and efficient. I recommend her and Integrity Investigations for anyone looking for a good service.
Pierre Maillet
Pierre Maillet
1582126487
I could not be happier with these guys. After trying two other PI's in the Cleveland area that would not even return a phone call, I finally found Integrity Investigations. It was a very professional and speedy process and they returned my phone calls every time. I highly recommend!
chris caster
chris caster
1581525067
I needed to locate two beneficiaries as executor of my aunt's will. They were able to locate them within a few days. Fast response to questions and processing the contract. Kristen was very nice. Highly recommend.
Fran Keesey
Fran Keesey
1581466210
Very professional, provided exactly what I asked for. All reports were very timely. If necessary I will use their services again.
Frank Meznarich
Frank Meznarich
1581351456
I have known Paul for many years both personally and professionally. Not only is he a dedicated officer , but his abilities as a private investigator are excellent . I had the occasion to utilize the services of Integrity Investigations numerous times to provided tracking and surveillance I requested and it was conducted in a very efficient manner. Their pricing is very competitive. As a law enforcement officer , I highly recommended Integrity when you need the services of a private investigator. You will not be disappointed.
Gene Ptacek
Gene Ptacek
1581349542
I have had an opportunity to use Integrity Investigations on several occasions. Their rapid response to my needs is commendable. The follow-up by the office staff was superior, accurate and timely. I highly recommend Integrity Investigation for all your investigative needs.
Brian Johnston
Brian Johnston
1581050004
"I have known Paul Baeppler for many years. I have recommended Integrity's services to others (both personal and business) multiple times, always with positive results." There is a reason that their company is named Integrity. That's how everyone in company conducts themselves !
brent collins
brent collins
1580571190
I would highly recommend Integrity Investigations to anyone seeking help in getting information that is important to their situation. They were very knowledgeable, polite, professional in everything I asked for and everything was handled in a quick, efficient and helpful manner.
Den R
Den R
1579041577
I was referred to Integrity investigations from a friend and I was more then pleased. I needed some family information related to family member who is Deceased and I lost his paperwork. The staff was outstanding, they listened to my problem and were very understanding. The staff was very professional and polite and within hours they were able to supply me with all the correct information I needed. I would recommend them to anyone and definitely will be using them again.
Don Kopchak
Don Kopchak
1562794467
Needed an investigator in Cleveland area. Looked at several, but selected Integrity Investigations LLC because their principal has actual law enforcement experience. Turned out to be a good choice. They handled our matter quickly, professionally, with a well written detailed report. Will definitely use them again when we have further need. Thank you!
WILLIAM HARRIS
WILLIAM HARRIS
1560485934
Extremely satisfied with the work performed by Integrity. Professional and efficient! Highly recommend.
Lisa K
Lisa K
1553296420
simon sez
simon sez
1552076632
Very responsive & professional. They stayed within budget, were super responsive to any requests & had great communication with the investigator. Will definitely use again!
Allison Josey
Allison Josey
1552065959
Integrity is AMAZING to say the least. The have assisted me in various PI work and have had amazing results. The turn around time is exceptional and is nowhere close to the others I've tried in the past. Thanks Integrity!
Aaron Magden
Aaron Magden
1551885100
Integrity Investigations quickly located the person I was trying to find. When I asked for updates, I always received a response within a few minutes. Would definitely use them again
David Sherman
David Sherman
1548264290
Paul and his staff are wonderful to work with. They take the time to really understand your client's objectives, work within a budget, and fully understand the need for prompt, accurate results. Their law enforcement backgrounds really show through when it comes to interviewing witnesses, gathering information, and writing reports. Be safe, not sorry. Hire Integrity.
Eric Moore
Eric Moore
1546447086
Service was prompt and very helpful at a reasonable price. Will use them again in the future.
I have used Integrity Investigations several times, for numerous situations. The office staff is very helpful in sorting the specific details, and the Investigators are spot on! Add to this, a complete report that goes above and beyond. I will continue to use Integrity, and refer them to anyone who may need their services.
john patton
john patton
1546273586
Integrity Investigations was instrumental in helping my husband gain full custody of his son.Through discrete and legal means, the private investigator uncovered critical information for my husband's case that he was unable to uncover on his own. Thank you Integrity Investigations!The staff at Integrity was professional and readily available via phone and/or email. We couldn't be happier with the work they did for us. I highly recommend this private investigator.
Giana Grossman
Giana Grossman
1546130530
I am so grateful for all the help from Integrity Investigations. They are professional, polite and found the information I needed quickly and efficiently. If you are looking for help I would recommend Integrity Investigations.
J Gound
J Gound
1545309537
Integrity Investigations folks were amazing. Very responsive, extremely knowledgeable, respectful and provided a very professional experience. They got the job done and I am super pleased with the results. I would use them again hands down! A+
Bob Peacock
Bob Peacock
1545254032
Integrity has been extremely helpful with sensitive work protecting our business in various marketplaces from competitors. They are valued partners and I would recommend their services to any business leader.
Scott Fox
Scott Fox
1545142886
Excellent service, very professional.
enzo maddalena
enzo maddalena
1545101618
Charlie Dodds
Charlie Dodds
1545091692
Excellent job in locating the information I needed in a timely manner.
Nancy Weber
Nancy Weber
1545080923
Integrity Investigations has always served me well. They are quick and thorough, and easy to work with. I highly recommend them.
mar kelleher
mar kelleher
1545078461
Integrity Investigations provided outstanding locate services. Shortly before the start of the locate effort, unbeknownst to us, the subject person moved from Ohio to Florida. Even though it is located in Ohio, Integrity Investigations was able to track down the person in Florida in a timely manner. If you are looking for private investigators who dig deep and don’t give up easily, this is your firm to use.
Julie F.
Julie F.
1544815192
I have been in the workers' compensation arena for more than 20 years and have used several different investigation companies/services. Integrity Investigations stands out most to me because they take every case personally and they go above and beyond to assist us with even our most difficult cases. I have had cases where we cannot find a person on social media, a good address etc...; we give it to Integrity and they will find the person and provide valuable information to assist with managing our claims. My supervisor has done workers' comp for over 30 years and I informed her of Integrity and now she uses them too all the time. They truly do an awesome job. Always giving 100% effort.
Corey Lambrecht
Corey Lambrecht
1544811119
Very helpful, very professional. Have used them many times.
Mary Siwierka
Mary Siwierka
1544795704
Integrity Investigations is the best. They work to understand your investigative objectives, are skilled at finding those who don’t want to be found, and know how to talk to witnesses.
Tom Merriman
Tom Merriman
1544745275
Matt Sheets
Matt Sheets
1544717798
Integrity Investigations is the best out there. They are incredibly efficient. You know the information you receive is the in-depth and up-to-date. I wouldn't choose another firm!
Pamela Vizdos
Pamela Vizdos
1544654827
This is a completely professional, trustworthy private investigator. Paul and his team are experienced and definitely have the right background for any type of investigation that's needed. This is a very competitive field, and it's nice to find investigators that are reliable, trustworthy, and totally professional. I highly recommend Integrity to anyone in need of private investigation services.
Donald Reagan
Donald Reagan
1510102276
Integrity Investigations responsiveness, thoroughness, and understanding of people make their investigative services shine. When I need a PI, I call Integrity... their name says it all. I've had nothing but excellent experience with Paul and Integrity. Thank you.
Outstanding Investigator, very happy with the service they provided me
Joshua Holmes
Joshua Holmes
1290609123
Paul and his team were awesome. Without going into the details of what our specific problem was, I will just say they were very quick, and the results were beyond what we expected. Thanks for the savings to my bottom line and more importantly, I've got my peace of mind back.
Dan Lutian
Dan Lutian
1276614089
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