Virginia is home to some of the most famous private investigators in the world. These investigators have worked on some of the most high-profile cases in the country, and they have a proven track record of success.

Allan Pinkerton

Allan Pinkerton was a Scottish-American detective and businessman who founded the Pinkerton National Detective Agency in 1850. The Pinkerton Agency was the first private detective agency in the United States, and it quickly became a leader in the industry. Pinkerton and his agents worked on a variety of cases, including corporate espionage, labor disputes, and criminal investigations.

Pinkerton was also a key figure in the American Civil War. He served as the head of the Union Intelligence Service, and he helped to track down Confederate spies and saboteurs. After the war, Pinkerton continued to operate his detective agency, and he worked on a number of high-profile cases, including the assassination of President James A. Garfield.

Thomas F. Byrnes

Thomas F. Byrnes was a New York City police detective who rose to prominence in the late 19th century. Byrnes was known for his innovative investigative techniques, and he was credited with solving some of the most notorious crimes of his time.

In 1896, Byrnes retired from the police force and opened his own private detective agency. He quickly became one of the most successful private investigators in the country, and he worked on a number of high-profile cases, including the kidnapping of the Lindbergh baby in 1932.

William J. Burns

William J. Burns was a former Secret Service agent who founded the Burns Detective Agency in 1909. The Burns Agency quickly became one of the largest and most respected private detective agencies in the United States. Burns and his agents worked on a variety of cases, including corporate espionage, labor disputes, and criminal investigations.

Burns was also a key figure in the Prohibition era. He served as the head of the Bureau of Investigation (BOI), which was responsible for enforcing Prohibition laws. After the repeal of Prohibition, Burns returned to his private detective agency.

Alvin Karpis

Alvin Karpis was a notorious gangster who became a private investigator after serving his prison sentence. Karpis was known for his honesty and integrity, and he made a name for himself as a skilled investigator.

Karpis worked on a variety of cases, including corporate espionage, labor disputes, and criminal investigations. He also worked as a consultant for the FBI and other law enforcement agencies. Karpis died in 1979 at the age of 70.

Frank Costello

Frank Costello was a powerful gangster who became a private investigator after retiring from the Mafia. Costello was known for his business acumen and his connections in the underworld.

Costello worked on a variety of cases, including corporate espionage, labor disputes, and criminal investigations. He also worked as a consultant for the FBI and other law enforcement agencies. Costello died in 1973 at the age of 82.

Conclusion

Virginia has a long history of producing some of the most famous private investigators in the world. These investigators have worked on some of the most high-profile cases in the country, and they have a proven track record of success.

If you are looking for a private investigator in Virginia, you can be confident that you will find one who is qualified and experienced. The private investigators in Virginia are some of the best in the world, and they are committed to providing their clients with the best possible service.

Private investigators play a vital role in society, helping people to find the truth and solve problems. But what does a typical day in the life of a private investigator look like?

Morning

The day usually starts early for a private investigator. They may need to meet with clients, conduct surveillance, or follow up on leads.

If a private investigator is meeting with a client, they will typically discuss the case and develop a plan of action. The private investigator will also need to gather information from the client, such as the names of any witnesses or suspects, and any other relevant details.

If a private investigator is conducting surveillance, they will need to be patient and observant. They may need to sit in a car for hours, watching a subject’s home or business. Or, they may need to follow a subject on foot, being careful not to be seen.

If a private investigator is following up on leads, they may need to interview witnesses, search public records, conduct research or visit crime scenes. They may also need to use technology, such as GPS tracking devices or social media monitoring tools, to gather information. In one case, we needed specific information about certain chainsaws used for tree removal services in Mesa. We had to interview 5 different tree service companies to see what the crews preference was, which tool was used for what, how frequently it was maintenanced, the tools and oil used for maintenance, etc. It seems weird, but we end up having to do a lot of research on very unusual things that will give us the clue we need to break our case.

Afternoon

In the afternoon, a private investigator may continue to conduct surveillance, follow up on leads, or interview witnesses. They may also need to spend time in their office, writing reports, reviewing evidence, and developing new leads. For example, in one case, an investigator had to follow a Mooresville septic tank cleaning crew for an entire week to verify routine time on a job. This was one of his less than pleasant tasks. It can be a lot of work doing “leg work” that in the shows take 5 minutes, but in reality can take weeks of drinking coffee and taking notes.

If a private investigator is working on a complex case, they may need to work long hours, including evenings and weekends. They may also need to travel to different locations to gather information or meet with witnesses.

Evening

At the end of the day, a private investigator will typically review their notes and reports. They may also need to prepare for the next day’s work, by gathering any necessary supplies or equipment.

Challenges of the Job

Being a private investigator is a challenging job, but it can also be very rewarding. Private investigators must be able to work independently, be resourceful, and be able to think on their feet. They must also be able to handle stress and be able to work long hours. On another case, one of our private investigators had a client who suspected her husband was cheating on her. He had to follow the general contractor in Louisville for 2 months to verify there was no validity to her claims. Sometimes the cases are valid and other times people just get overly concerned for no legitimate reason. Either way we get paid, but there can be ruffled feathers, like in this case, unfortnately.

Rewards of the Job

The rewards of being a private investigator include helping people to find the truth, solving problems, and making a difference in people’s lives. Private investigators also have the opportunity to work on a variety of different cases, which can make the job very interesting and challenging.

Case Studies

Here are a few examples of cases that a private investigator might work on:

• Infidelity investigation: A spouse hires a private investigator to investigate their spouse for infidelity. The private investigator may need to conduct surveillance on the spouse, follow them to see where they go, and collect evidence of their infidelity.
• Child custody investigation: A parent hires a private investigator to gather evidence for a child custody case. The private investigator may need to interview witnesses, search public records, and investigate the other parent’s background.
• Background check: A company hires a private investigator to conduct a background check on a potential employee. The private investigator may need to search public records, interview former employers, and investigate the employee’s criminal history.
• Asset search: A creditor hires a private investigator to locate the assets of a debtor. The private investigator may need to search public records, interview witnesses, and follow the debtor to see where they keep their assets.
• Missing person investigation: A family hires a private investigator to find a missing person. The private investigator may need to interview friends and family members, search public records, and follow up on any leads.

Conclusion

A day in the life of a private investigator can vary depending on the cases they are working on. However, most private investigators spend their days conducting surveillance, following up on leads, interviewing witnesses, and gathering evidence. Private investigators play a vital role in society, helping people to find the truth and solve problems.

Private investigators are often portrayed in movies and TV shows as glamorous figures who take on dangerous cases and solve them with ease. However, the reality of private investigation is quite different. Private investigators are highly skilled professionals who use a variety of methods to gather information and solve cases.

Despite the accurate portrayals of private investigators in some media, there are still many myths and misconceptions about the profession. Here are some of the most common myths about private investigators:

Myth 1: Private investigators can break the law.

Private investigators are not above the law. They are subject to the same laws as everyone else, and they must obey all applicable laws and regulations. Private investigators cannot break into people’s homes, trespass on private property, or engage in any other illegal activities.

Myth 2: Private investigators can access any information they want.

Private investigators do not have access to any special information. They can only obtain information that is publicly available or that they can legally obtain through other means. Private investigators cannot hack into computer systems or steal confidential information.

Myth 3: Private investigators are only hired to catch cheating spouses and find missing persons.

Private investigators are hired for a variety of reasons. They can be hired to investigate corporate fraud, insurance fraud, and other types of crimes. Private investigators can also be hired to conduct background checks, locate assets, and gather evidence for divorce cases.

Myth 4: Private investigators are expensive.

The cost of hiring a private investigator varies depending on the experience of the investigator, the complexity of the case, and the location of the investigation. However, private investigators are not as expensive as many people believe. Many private investigators offer free consultations, and they will work with you to develop a payment plan that fits your budget.

Myth 5: Private investigators are only effective if they are licensed.

Licensing requirements for private investigators vary from state to state. In some states, private investigators are required to be licensed, while in other states, there is no licensing requirement. However, even in states where licensing is not required, private investigators must still follow all applicable laws and regulations.

Reality of Private Investigation

Private investigators are highly skilled professionals who use a variety of methods to gather information and solve cases. Some of the most common methods used by private investigators include:

• Interviews: Private investigators interview witnesses, victims, and other people who may have information about a case.
• Surveillance: Private investigators may observe people or places to gather information.
• Background checks: Private investigators can conduct background checks on individuals and businesses to gather information about their past.
• Public records search: Private investigators can search public records, such as court records, property records, and criminal records, to gather information.
• Computer forensics: Private investigators can examine computers and other electronic devices to gather information.

How to Choose a Private Investigator

If you are considering hiring a private investigator, it is important to choose one who is qualified and experienced. Here are some tips for choosing a private investigator:

• Ask for recommendations from friends, family, or other professionals.
• Interview several private investigators before making a decision.
• Ask about the investigator’s experience, qualifications, and fees.
• Make sure the investigator is licensed and insured.
• Get everything in writing, including the investigator’s scope of work and fees.

Conclusion

Private investigators are highly skilled professionals who can help you solve a variety of problems. If you are considering hiring a private investigator, it is important to choose one who is qualified and experienced. By following the tips above, you can choose a private investigator who will help you get the results you need.

Hiring a private investigator can be a costly investment, but it can also be worth it if you need help with a sensitive or important matter. Private investigators can provide a variety of services, including background checks, surveillance, and asset searches. The cost of hiring a private investigator will vary depending on the type of services you need and the experience of the investigator.

Factors that Affect the Cost of Hiring a Private Investigator

The following factors can affect the cost of hiring a private investigator:

• The type of services you need: Some private investigation services, such as background checks, are relatively inexpensive. Other services, such as surveillance and asset searches, can be more expensive.
• The experience of the investigator: Experienced investigators typically charge more than less experienced investigators.
• The location of the investigation: Investigations conducted in major cities tend to be more expensive than investigations conducted in rural areas.
• The complexity of the case: Complex cases that require a lot of time and resources will be more expensive to investigate.

Average Cost of Hiring a Private Investigator in Virginia

The average cost of hiring a private investigator in Virginia is between $100 and $500 per hour. However, the actual cost can vary depending on the factors listed above.

Here are some examples of the cost of specific private investigation services in Virginia:

• Background check: $50-$200
• Surveillance: $100-$500 per hour
• Asset search: $200-$1,000
• Missing person investigation: $2,000-$10,000
• Infidelity investigation: $1,000-$5,000
• Corporate investigation: $5,000-$25,000

How to Find a Reputable Private Investigator

When choosing a private investigator, it is important to find one who is reputable and experienced. You should also make sure that the investigator is licensed and insured.

Here are some tips for finding a reputable private investigator:

• Ask for recommendations from friends, family, or business associates.
• Search online for private investigators in your area.
• Read reviews of private investigators online and in local publications.
• Contact the Virginia Private Investigators Association to get a list of licensed and insured private investigators in your area.

How to Prepare for Your Consultation with a Private Investigator

Before you meet with a private investigator, it is important to be prepared. You should have a clear understanding of what you need the investigator to do and what you hope to achieve by hiring them.

It is also helpful to gather any documentation that you have related to your case. This could include things like police reports, court records, and financial statements.

During your consultation, the investigator will ask you a variety of questions about your case. Be prepared to answer these questions honestly and thoroughly.

Conclusion

Hiring a private investigator can be a costly investment, but it can also be worth it if you need help with a sensitive or important matter. The cost of hiring a private investigator will vary depending on the type of services you need and the experience of the investigator.

When choosing a private investigator, it is important to find one who is reputable and experienced. You should also make sure that the investigator is licensed and insured.

Before you meet with a private investigator, it is important to be prepared. You should have a clear understanding of what you need the investigator to do and what you hope to achieve by hiring them.

If you are considering hiring a private investigator in Virginia, be sure to do your research and choose a qualified and experienced investigator who is licensed and insured.

If you are considering hiring a private investigator, it is important to be prepared for your consultation. This will help you to make the most of your time with the investigator and to get the best possible results.

Here are some tips on how to prepare for a consultation with a private investigator:

1. Gather information about your case. The more information you can provide to the investigator, the better. This includes things like the names of any people involved in the case, dates and times of any relevant events, and any other documents or evidence that you have.
2. Be honest and upfront with the investigator. The investigator needs to know all of the facts of the case in order to be effective. Don’t be afraid to share any information, even if it is sensitive.
3. Be prepared to discuss your budget. Private investigators charge a variety of fees, so it is important to be upfront about your budget. This will help the investigator to develop a plan that fits your needs and your budget.
4. Prepare questions for the investigator. During the consultation, you should have the opportunity to ask the investigator any questions that you have. This is your chance to learn more about the investigator’s experience, their approach to the case, and their fees.

Here are some specific questions that you may want to ask the investigator:

• How many years of experience do you have as a private investigator?
• What types of cases do you specialize in?
• What is your approach to my case?
• What are your fees?
• How long do you think the investigation will take?
• What are the chances of a successful outcome?

5. Trust your gut. It is important to feel comfortable with the private investigator that you hire. If you don’t have a good gut feeling about the investigator, then it is best to move on.

What to expect during your consultation

The private investigator will likely start by asking you some basic questions about your case. This will help them to get a better understanding of the situation. The investigator may also ask you to provide any documentation or evidence that you have.

Once the investigator has a good understanding of your case, they will discuss their approach to the investigation. They will also discuss their fees and how long they think the investigation will take.

At the end of the consultation, you should have a clear understanding of the investigator’s plan and their fees. You should also feel confident that the investigator is capable of handling your case.

Tips for choosing a private investigator

When choosing a private investigator, it is important to consider the following factors:

• Experience: How many years of experience does the investigator have? What types of cases have they worked on in the past?
• License and insurance: Is the investigator licensed and insured?
• Reputation: What do other people say about the investigator? Do they have a good reputation in the community?
• Fees: How much does the investigator charge for their services?

It is also important to feel comfortable with the investigator you choose. You should be able to trust them with your confidential information and feel confident that they will do everything they can to help you with your case.

Conclusion

Hiring a private investigator can be a daunting task. However, by following the tips above, you can prepare for your consultation and choose the right investigator for your needs.

Private investigators are hired for a variety of reasons, but some of the most common types of cases in Virginia include:

• Infidelity investigations: Infidelity is a common reason why people hire private investigators. Private investigators can gather evidence of infidelity, such as photos, videos, and text messages. They can also track a cheating spouse’s movements and activities.
• Child custody investigations: Child custody investigations are another common type of case for private investigators. Private investigators can gather evidence to support a client’s child custody claim, such as documentation of child neglect or abuse. They can also investigate a client’s ex-spouse to determine if they are fit to be a parent.
• Background checks: Background checks are often ordered by employers, landlords, and other businesses. Private investigators can conduct background checks on individuals to reveal their criminal history, employment history, and educational background.
• Asset searches: Asset searches are often ordered by lawyers in divorce cases or by creditors in debt collection cases. Private investigators can locate an individual’s assets, such as bank accounts, real estate, and vehicles.
• Missing person investigations: Missing person investigations can be very complex and challenging. Private investigators can use a variety of methods to locate a missing person, such as interviewing witnesses, reviewing social media activity, and tracking financial transactions.

Other common types of private investigation cases in Virginia include:

• Surveillance: Private investigators may be hired to conduct surveillance on a person or property. This may be done to gather evidence of infidelity, child neglect, or other wrongdoing.
• Corporate investigations: Private investigators may be hired by businesses to investigate employee theft, fraud, or other illegal activity.
• Personal injury investigations: Private investigators may be hired by personal injury lawyers to gather evidence to support their clients’ claims. This may include interviewing witnesses, photographing accident scenes, and obtaining medical records.
• Insurance fraud investigations: Private investigators may be hired by insurance companies to investigate suspected insurance fraud. This may include interviewing witnesses, reviewing documents, and conducting surveillance.

How to Choose a Private Investigator in Virginia

When choosing a private investigator in Virginia, it is important to consider the following factors:

• License and insurance: Make sure that the private investigator is licensed and insured. You can verify their license status with the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services.
• Experience: Ask the private investigator about their experience and the types of cases they have worked on.
• Reputation: Ask the private investigator for references and check their online reviews.
• Fees: Get a clear understanding of the private investigator’s fees before you hire them.

What to Expect During a Private Investigation

Once you have hired a private investigator, they will begin working on your case immediately. The investigator will gather information from a variety of sources, including public records, interviews with witnesses, and surveillance.

The investigator will keep you updated on their progress and will provide you with regular reports. The length of the investigation will vary depending on the complexity of the case.

Once the investigation is complete, the investigator will provide you with a final report. This report will detail the findings of the investigation and any recommendations that the investigator has.

Conclusion

Private investigators can be a valuable resource for people who need help with a variety of matters. If you are considering hiring a private investigator in Virginia, be sure to do your research and choose a qualified and experienced professional.

Hiring a private investigator can be a daunting task. There are many private investigators to choose from, and it can be difficult to know who to trust. If you are considering hiring a private investigator in Virginia, here are a few tips to help you make the best decision:

1. Do your research

The first step is to do your research and learn as much as you can about private investigators in Virginia. You can start by asking your friends, family, and colleagues for recommendations. You can also search for private investigators online and read reviews from other clients.

Once you have a list of potential private investigators, you can begin to narrow down your choices. Consider the following factors when making your decision:

• Experience: How many years of experience does the investigator have? What types of cases have they worked on in the past?
• License and insurance: Is the investigator licensed and insured?
• Reputation: What do other people say about the investigator? Do they have a good reputation in the community?
• Fees: How much does the investigator charge for their services?

2. Schedule a consultation

Once you have narrowed down your choices, it is important to schedule a consultation with each potential private investigator. This will give you a chance to learn more about the investigator and their approach to their work. It will also give you a chance to ask any questions you have.

During the consultation, be sure to ask the investigator the following questions:

• What is your experience with cases like mine?
• What is your approach to investigating cases?
• What are your fees?
• What is your timeline for completing the investigation?

You should also ask the investigator to provide you with references. This will give you a chance to speak with other clients who have used the investigator’s services.

3. Choose an investigator you trust

Once you have met with all of the potential private investigators, it is important to choose one that you trust. You should feel comfortable with the investigator and confident that they will do everything they can to help you with your case.

Here are some additional tips for choosing a private investigator in Virginia:

• Make sure the investigator is licensed and insured. You can check the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services website to verify the investigator’s license.
• Ask about the investigator’s experience and training. How many years of experience does the investigator have? What types of cases have they worked on in the past?
• Get a written contract before you hire the investigator. The contract should outline the investigator’s services, fees, and timeline for completing the investigation.
• Be prepared to provide the investigator with all of the relevant information about your case. The more information the investigator has, the better equipped they will be to help you.

Conclusion

Choosing a private investigator in Virginia is an important decision. By following the tips above, you can choose an investigator who is qualified, experienced, and trustworthy.

Here are some additional questions you may want to ask potential private investigators:

• What are your fees and how do you charge?
• Do you have any experience with cases like mine?
• What is your success rate?
• What are your methods of investigation?
• How will you keep me informed of your progress?
• What is your confidentiality policy?

It is also important to ask the investigator about their availability and turnaround time. If you need the investigation completed quickly, be sure to ask the investigator if they can accommodate your needs.

Once you have chosen a private investigator, be sure to provide them with all of the information you have about your case. This will help the investigator to get started on the investigation quickly and efficiently.

If you are looking for a private investigator in Virginia, you have come to the right place. This blog post will list the top 5 private investigators in Virginia, based on their experience, reputation, and success rate.

1. East Coast Investigations

East Coast Investigations is a full-service private investigation agency that has been in business for over 20 years. The agency is licensed and insured, and it has a team of experienced and qualified investigators. East Coast Investigations offers a wide range of services, including:

• Infidelity investigations
• Child custody investigations
• Background checks
• Asset searches
• Missing person investigations
• Surveillance
• Corporate investigations

East Coast Investigations has a proven track record of success, and it has helped hundreds of clients solve their problems. The agency is known for its professionalism, its discretion, and its commitment to its clients.

2. Stealth Investigative Agency

Stealth Investigative Agency is a private investigation agency that specializes in surveillance and corporate investigations. The agency is licensed and insured, and it has a team of experienced and qualified investigators. Stealth Investigative Agency offers a wide range of services, including:

• Physical surveillance
• Electronic surveillance
• Background checks
• Asset searches
• Due diligence investigations
• Fraud investigations
• Competitive intelligence investigations

Stealth Investigative Agency is known for its innovative investigative techniques and its ability to get results. The agency has a proven track record of success in solving complex cases.

3. Legal Investigations

Legal Investigations is a private investigation agency that specializes in civil and criminal investigations. The agency is licensed and insured, and it has a team of experienced and qualified investigators. Legal Investigations offers a wide range of services, including:

• Subpoena service
• Process service
• Witness interviews
• Evidence collection
• Case Preparation
• Trial support

Legal Investigations is known for its thorough and professional investigations. The agency has a proven track record of success in winning cases for its clients.

4. Blackfeather Investigations

Blackfeather Investigations is a private investigation agency that specializes in criminal investigations and corporate security. The agency is licensed and insured, and it has a team of experienced and qualified investigators. Blackfeather Investigations offers a wide range of services, including:

• Homicide investigations
• Assault investigations
• Robbery investigations
• Theft investigations
• Fraud investigations
• Corporate security assessments
• Executive protection

Blackfeather Investigations is known for its aggressive and effective investigative techniques. The agency has a proven track record of solving crimes and protecting its clients.

5. Eagle Security Solutions

Eagle Security Solutions is a private investigation agency that specializes in corporate security and risk management. The agency is licensed and insured, and it has a team of experienced and qualified investigators. Eagle Security Solutions offers a wide range of services, including:

• Security assessments
• Vulnerability assessments
• Threat analysis
• Crisis management
• Security training
• Executive protection

Eagle Security Solutions is known for its comprehensive and proactive approach to security. The agency has a proven track record of helping its clients protect their assets and their people.

How to choose a private investigator?

When choosing a private investigator, it is important to consider the following factors:

• Experience: How many years of experience does the investigator have? What types of cases have they worked on in the past?
• License and insurance: Is the investigator licensed and insured?
• Reputation: What do other people say about the investigator? Do they have a good reputation in the community?
• Fees: How much does the investigator charge for their services?

It is also important to feel comfortable with the investigator you choose. You should be able to trust them with your confidential information and feel confident that they will do everything they can to help you with your case.

Conclusion

These are just a few of the many qualified private investigators in Virginia. If you are looking for a private investigator, I encourage you to do your research and find one who is right for you.