FAQs

FAQs_

To play, press and hold the enter key. To stop, release the enter key.

Q: What is a private investigator?

A: A private investigator, a private detective, or an inquiry agent is a person who can be hired by individuals or groups to undertake investigatory law services. Many often work with attorneys in civil and criminal cases. Our investigators work both civil and criminal for various individuals (citizens, retail businesses, insurance companies, attorneys, probation/parole officers, bail agents, and law enforcement). They also work alongside crisis managers, chaplains, and community leaders.

Q: Do private investigators work for the FBI?

A: No, it's important to realize that even though private investigators do work with the police, they're not part of any local, state, county, federal, private/company, or tribal law enforcement agency. Our investigators are open to working with any professional law enforcement agency.

Q: Can private investigators carry firearms?

A: Yes, many private investigators work armed to protect themselves and others they work with; even though a private investigator may carry constitutionally in their state, possess a concealed carry weapons permit (CCW); they must also complete and pass a training course approved by the state board to obtain an exposed firearm permit in order to carry while on duty. All of our investigators work armed.

Q: Can private investigators carry a badge?

A: Yes, private investigators can and do carry a badge as a form of identification. Any credential or property (ID, badge, ballistic vest, jacket, etc.) they use must be properly marked with their agency's name or with their title to differentiate themselves from law enforcement as would a security company. Our investigators carry folio credentials, an internal security ID, a badge, and any ID issued to them by the state they operate in.

Q: Can private investigators make arrests?

A: Yes, private investigators can make citizen (crimes in progress) and bail arrests under specific legal conditions, but they're not law enforcement officers and don't have the authority to make color-of-law arrests such as traffic stops or make arrests for crimes not witnessed. Our investigators’ primary duty is to investigate cases, but, when necessary, they're ordered to prevent crimes in progress according to law.

Q: Do private investigators need a warrant when making a bail arrest?

A: Yes, private investigators working bail investigations or assisting bail agents need a warrant to arrest anyone who has "jumped" bail. Their authority comes from a judge, such as a judge who may issue a warrant for someone who failed to appear in court. Our investigators mostly assist bail agents with their investigation but will assist in apprehensions when authorized.

Q: Do all your private investigators work in one field/area?

A: No, we have specialized investigators who only work on cases in their specialty, such as financial crimes, while others are general investigators who work on a wide range of cases. We have investigators posted through the United States and abroad, like the United Kingdom, Luxembourg, Vietnam, Philippines, and New Zealand.

Q: What if a case turns criminal, then what happens?

A: Private investigators work on both civil and criminal cases, but once all the evidence is properly collected, that is when our investigators will hand over the case to the appropriate and competent law enforcement agency.

Q: Do private investigators work internationally?

A: Yes, private investigators can work internationally; it is their responsibility to know the laws and requirements and obtain authorization (permits or licenses) in order to operate. However, some nations don't require licensing; regardless, a professional will have credentials and insurance.

Q: Are there criminal investigators in the private sector?

A: Yes, criminal investigators typically work for city, county, state, and federal law enforcement agencies but some do work for private firms that specialize in investigations for individuals and businesses.

If you have other questions that you would like to be answered, you may email our office at general@bicaservices.net