When you need answers, whether it’s about a missing person, fraud, or a legal dispute, you might wonder whether to contact the police or hire a private investigator. While both play investigative roles, their powers and responsibilities are very different.
The police handle criminal investigations, enforce the law, and have legal authority. Private investigators, on the other hand, work independently, gathering information within legal boundaries to assist individuals and businesses. But when is it better to hire a PI instead of relying on law enforcement? Let’s break it down.
When You Should Call the Police
A Crime Has Been Committed
If you have been a victim of a crime—such as theft, fraud, assault, or harassment—you should report it to the police. They have the legal power to investigate, arrest suspects, and bring charges.
Someone is in Immediate Danger
If a person has gone missing under suspicious circumstances, has been kidnapped, or is in immediate physical danger, you should call 999. The police have the resources and legal authority to act quickly.
You Need an Official Investigation or Legal Action
The police can provide official records, such as crime reports, witness statements, and forensic evidence, which may be necessary for legal proceedings. These types of investigations carry legal weight that private investigators cannot provide.
When to Hire a Private Investigator
Finding a Missing Person (Non-Criminal Cases)
If a person has disappeared but the case does not meet the police’s criteria for a missing person investigation, a private investigator can help. PIs are often hired to:
- Locate estranged family members.
- Find old friends or former partners.
- Track down debtors who have disappeared without paying what they owe.
Take a look at this link to learn about the legal limits for private investigators when it comes to cases like this.
Investigating Fraud or Suspicious Activity
PIs are commonly used in fraud investigations, especially when businesses suspect an employee or partner is committing financial misconduct. They can also look into personal fraud cases, such as online scams or identity theft, where police may not have the resources to investigate.
Gathering Evidence for Legal or Personal Matters
Private investigators can help individuals and businesses collect evidence in disputes that might not be considered criminal matters. This includes:
- Divorce and custody cases where proof of infidelity or neglect is needed.
- Employee background checks or business partner due diligence.
- Neighbour or tenant disputes that require documented evidence.
Corporate and Workplace Investigations
Businesses often hire private investigators to look into internal issues such as theft, data leaks, or employee misconduct. Since police won’t typically get involved in corporate disputes unless a crime is proven, a PI can discreetly gather information to determine the next steps.
Surveillance and Background Checks
If you need discreet monitoring or background research on someone, a private investigator is often the best choice. Whether it’s checking a potential business partner’s history, verifying a new employee’s credentials, or monitoring a suspicious person, a PI can provide insights that the police wouldn’t investigate unless a crime has already occurred.
Should You Feel Bad About Hiring a Private Investigator?
Are you undecided on whether you want to go ahead and hire a private investigator? At first, it can feel thrilling to find an expert and let them investigate what’s going on in your life. You can finally get the truth and feel like you’re making sense of things. But, the reality can strike and you feel like you’re being dishonest. In other words, you’re sneaking around and going behind that person’s back. Indeed, some people do start to feel bad about hiring a private investigator, thinking it’s some type of covert operation. So, is this feeling merited?
Know that you shouldn’t feel bad about hiring a private investigator. If you’re worrying so much about a situation, you deserve to gain closure and find out exactly what’s going on. Let’s take a closer look at why you should not feel guilty or punish yourself for this type of action.
Some People Lie
You have to remember that you can confront people about a situation or ask them questions, and they can lie. They will say anything to get themselves out of trouble. Hiring a private investigator avoids this step. You get straight to the truth, which can help you move on and know what to do next.
You Can Protect Your Family
Let’s not forget that it’s not always just you that’s being affected by a situation. There can be others involved, and this is why the truth matters. For example, you need to think about your children if you feel like your partner is cheating on you. You don’t want them to be around this or the atmosphere in the house having a bad influence on them. Therefore, hiring a private investigator means that you can take the necessary steps to protect your family and do what’s going to help everybody.
Choosing the Right Option
If a situation involves a serious crime, threats to safety, or requires legal prosecution, the police should be your first call. However, if you need discreet, independent research into a private matter, a private investigator can be the better option.
Always ensure that any PI you hire is operating legally and ethically. In the UK, private investigators must follow strict data protection laws and cannot access police records or hack into personal accounts. A reputable PI will work within legal limits to provide you with the information you need.
