History of Private Investigation

Hollywood has had fun with private investigators. Even authors have used this trope to write bestsellers and lead readers on adventures and mysteries. There is more to private investigators, private detectives, and private eyes than long trench coats and snapping images of a cheating spouse under a streetlight at night. However, they do have a robust and rich history.

While investigations have gone as far back as ancient Sumerian times, the actual birth of the private investigation agency is more recent. Even in ancient times, people have needed an investigator. In 1833, a French soldier named Eugene Francois Vidocq founded the first private detective agency.

It was called Le Bureau des Renseignements, or The Office of Intelligence. It was made up of men of criminal or shady backgrounds within law enforcement. Most were ex-convicts. Because of this, many law enforcement agencies worked hard to get it shut down. Vidocq did more than start the first investigative agency. He also introduced criminology, record-keeping, and ballistics to the field. He was also a pioneer in the practice of plaster cast creation of show prints. An intelligent man, Vidocq also invented indelible ink and unalterable bond paper.

The Evolution of the Private Investigator

Private investigators came about as a need that traditional and official law enforcement was unable, unwilling, or ill-equipped to do. They were expected to work in place of the police in many ways. Usually, their services were used by the wealthy and often to handle labor disputes. The majority of an investigator’s job was to control workers, along with keeping the peace. Some acted as a form of private security, while others did mercenary work as well.

Private Investigators in the United States

Allan Pinkerton is known as a popular criminal detective. In 1840, he was appointed as the first detective in Chicago, Illinois. Shortly after that, he joined up with Edward Rucker, a Chicago lawyer. Together, they formed the Pinkerton National Detective Agency. Today, this agency continues under the name Pinkerton Consulting and Investigations.

Pinkerton headed up the Union Intelligence Service during the Civil War. This agency is now known as the United States Secret Service. Because of this, Pinkerton was able to stop an assassination plot that targeted Abraham Lincoln. Pinkerton and his men posed as Confederate army members to acquire military intelligence.

In current times, private investigators, private detectives, and private eyes are an integral part of today’s society. Their unique services and skills have made them an invaluable asset that covers crime investigations, missing persons, and computer forensics. As technology advances, private investigators are evolving and continually finding new ways to not only serve the public and private industries but also find new ways to deal with a growing array of investigative services to fill every niche.

While private investigators are a far cry from a book by Elmore Leonard or an episode of Veronica Mars, they do find themselves, at times, fulfilling a few stereotypes as part of their jobs. In most cases, what a private investigator does is far more complex.

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Our agency employs specialized teams consisting of highly skilled professionals who bring valuable expertise from military, law enforcement, and risk management backgrounds. With our extensive knowledge, training, and practical experience in private investigations, we are dedicated to delivering prompt and efficient results to our clients. Working closely with you, we will identify the most appropriate services for your specific case. Our team is equipped with a wide array of unique and innovative solutions to tackle even the most challenging circumstances our clients may face.

Our rates for private investigations are designed to align with the complexity and duration of each individual case. Unlike many other agencies, we have developed a distinct system that offers our clients a pre-established price for the entire investigation. This means you won’t encounter any unexpected fees, retainers, fuel costs, tolls, or hidden charges. Our aim is to provide a cost-effective solution for even the most challenging investigations. Additionally, we do not employ any form of “rounding up” in our rates to account for unforeseen expenses. Instead, the price of an inquiry will be determined based on your specific requirements, ensuring a tailored and transparent approach.

To initiate an investigation, the first step is to engage in either a phone call or an email conversation with one of our licensed private investigators and private detectives. During this initial interaction, we will ask you a series of questions in order to assess the optimal course of action for your case. Based on the information gathered, our team will meticulously construct an investigative plan that meets your satisfaction and aligns with the unique needs of your situation. Throughout the investigation process, you will be kept informed of any relevant updates or modifications. Upon the conclusion of the investigation, we will provide you with a comprehensive written report, accompanied by any pertinent photos or video evidence that was collected during the investigation.