• Police departments do not investigate civil matters (minor internal theft, personal relationships).
• Many police departments do not always have the staff or resources to fully investigate incidents classified as non serious crime.
• Private investigators perform their work with the client's interests in mind.
• Private investigators have access to restricted personal information.
• Using a private investigator can be a quick and economical way to solve problems.

2. What should I look for when hiring a private investigator?

When you are looking to hire a private investigator you need to keep several things in mind.

• Make sure the investigator is fully government licensed, insured and bonded.
• Ask the investigator about their experience, qualifications and references.
• Know the rates you will be charged for the work before the work begins. Make sure you ask the investigator to contact you when the amount owing reaches your agreed budget limit.
• Be sure that you will be provided a full written report detailing the results of the investigation in a timely manner.

3. How do I become a private investigator?

To become a private investigator you must meet the government criteria set out for the area where you are planning to work. Each province in Canada and state in the United States have different rules, regulations and qualification requirements. In British Columbia, the Justice Institute has a program specifically designed to train private investigators. As this field of work is expanding, new institutions are opening to provide training courses for future private investigators.


4. Can private investigators investigate criminal matters?

Private investigators are legally allowed to investigate criminal matters. In doing so, they must not interfere with any current police investigation.
Private investigators are often hired when people disagree with the results of a police investigation or feel that their interests were not fully addressed (often because of limited police staffing and resources).


5. Is General Investigation Services restricted to working only in British Columbia?

General Investigation Services is not restricted to working on cases in British Columbia. Using the latest communication technology we are able to perform many of our services for people all over the world. In situations where an investigator is required to be physically present, we use our contacts and fellow investigators throughout Canada, the United States and the rest of the world to solve cases.


6. How much does it cost to hire a private investigator?

The rates General Investigation Services charge vary depending on the service provided and the complexity of the case. Before we begin working on a new case, we discuss the costs with the client and usually set limits to how much the client is willing to spend.

Our rates are very competitive. Please contact us for our hourly rates and the costs of the services we provide. We accept cash and personal cheques as means of payment.


7. Can you legally video tape someone without them knowing?

It is legal to conduct covert (hidden) video surveillance on a person in public view. We do not infringe on people in a private environment.


8. Is the information you find kept confidential?

The nature of our work often requires us to ask personal questions and access personal information of our clients and suspects. We guarantee that this information is only released to those who are legally entitled to posses it. All documents and personal information is securely held at the office of General Investigation Services. These documents are destroyed after they are no longer required.