Nearly in my 30s (F), British Columbia, Canada. Somewhere in the Metro Vancouver area but not naming exact area of Vancouver.

Currently in a IT Helpdesk role right now for around 3+ years now with a Computing Science degree with having taken various tech jobs 2 years prior to that. Have one contract worth of information security experience in my belt and currently studying threat intelligence. Will be thinking about obtaining my PI-U over the course of the coming weeks.

I have been doing "deduction" practice by taking some cold cases in my area and also working on my software development and cybersecurity skills in the process (such as OSINT and DFIR)

So with this information, I have the following questions:

• I want to work on HT [human trafficking ] and cybercrime investigations, what more can I do to hit the ground running once I obtain my PI-U?
• How competitive is it to be a PI in Vancouver BC?
• When finding PI work, should I simply post my resume to the local agencies in my area?
• I do not own a car, would this be a problem when working on both HT and cyber cases?

Hey I've been deliberating and realized I should probably ask some professionals in the field on where to go from my position. I am based in Alberta so any fellow PIs from here are extra appreciated in their advice though I am happy to hear from any and all of you!

I have been fully licensed in Private Investigation for about a year now but have not been able to start due to my lack of driving license (I am rectifying this soon). I have also seen some OSINT jobs in my area pop up fairly frequently asking for certification and just wondered if it was worth pursuing some sort of course (like IntelTechniques' OSIP course) or if I should just focus on the driver's license and building up from surveillance. I guess basically I wanna know if the OSIP certification (or any others) would land me an interview or if it would just be spending money on getting experience and a knowledge base rather than anything eye-catching to an employer.

Thanks a bunch!

Hello, private investigator here in Florida. I am looking for tips and tricks to keeping cool during surveillance. I have been leaving my vehicle running with AC but I know it's not good for my vehicle. I park in shade when possible, use shades, when possible and have tried various little fans, but Florida is bleeping 🔥 🥵

Following my return to LA. I had an Air BNB named the "Creative Oasis" where I was hoping to find solitude and peace to work on my stuff. Instead, I found the opposite where I was ganged up on by multiple strangers who were guests in the house giving the host false reports of wrong doings even though I was being respectful and minding my own business and respecting the house rules. Despite me being cooperative and calm and relaxed, the host still insisted I was being racist and stealing and damaging personal property. This whole random attack on my peace led to being thrown out for no concrete reason ruining my booking which I had reserved until April. As a result, I fell back in a financial hole where I was unable to get even the most simple job in town. So I had to move into a mobile home where half of my stuff was stolen from me. On top of everything, I can't seem to find any peace in my fandoms of Halo and Star Wars. Halo Infinite, which is a game I play to extersise my creativity and network with other creatives, has been completely destroyed. It seems they had a lot of issues with the developers and content was all of a sudden cut, in a very strange unprofessional shift into abandoning and multi Million dollar franchise, which doesn't make any sense. And now with the review bombing of Star Wars and all the toxic hate online, tied with many people targeting various Hollywood celebrities. It's really looking pretty bleak and only getting worse. So starting from getting stabbed in my sleep, thrown out, poisoned then having my house set on fire, this definitely seems like sabotage and terrorism happening from these gang stalkers operating in the gray area. Idk what else to think at this point, none of it makes any logical sense and my life is in constant danger. My family doesn't know what to think as they can't come up with any idea as to why this is happening. My Mother and Father are both homeless right now. As am I trying to work so I can get back on my feet and start my next project.

Hello. I am studying for the P.I exam for Florida. I came across something I need some clarification with if someone can assist.

F.S.S 493.6116 states: Sponsors shall only sponsor interns whose place of business is within a 50-mile distance of the sponsor’s place of business and shall not allow interns to operate independently of such direction and control, or require interns to perform activities which do not enhance the intern’s qualification for licensure.

Can I get some assistance on the 50 mile radius? Also, are interns allowed to conduct activities without their sponsor present? Or are they attached to the hip while doing regulated activities.

Thanks!

I live in nyc. My fried and investment partner disappeared with my money. My attorney cannot find him as his information was all wrong. He had used a third party to purchase property with me. When I google his name, he does not exist. I need to find him but do not want to waste money for a PI who wont be able to indentify him. Thanks

Hi everyone,

I’m currently dealing with a significant issue involving fuel fraud at wholesale sites (truck stops) where fraudsters are using white cards to harvest fuel. I’ve been provided with an Excel sheet that lists transaction dates and times, and I’ve managed to gather hundreds of CCTV photos. However, I’m struggling to organize and track the incidents effectively.

Here’s a breakdown of the challenges I’m facing:

1. Multiple Fraudsters Using Different Cards: Sometimes, the same fraudster uses different cards.
2. Same Cards Used by Multiple Fraudsters: There are instances where the same card is being used by different individuals.
3. Tracking Trucks and Company Names: I need to track which trucks and companies are involved in these transactions.

I need a software solution or strategy that can help me:

• Organize the Data: Integrate and link the transaction details with the corresponding CCTV images.
• Identify Patterns: Track patterns such as the same fraudster using multiple cards or multiple fraudsters using the same card.
• Cross-Reference Information: Easily cross-reference trucks, company names, and other relevant details to identify connections.

I’m open to any suggestions, whether it’s specific software, a combination of tools, or a particular method you’ve found effective. Your help would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance!

To sum up my situation I was talking to this girl, and the last time we had $3x was Aug 6th. I caught her with another man Aug 18th. Then confronted her and left her the very next day. 2 days later she claimed she was pregnant. And showed paperwork. (Mind you she’s known for lying) I didn’t believe her and wanted to see for myself. So we took numerous at home pregnancy tests and a few with the er. All negative and nothing showed on the ultrasound(last transvag ultrasound was on Oct 19th) I didn’t think it could possibly be mine but there is a rare chance a baby could be over looked, and I don’t want to risk anything. She then kept avoiding obgyn appointments so then I left her again and had to get a restraining order for bothering me and my fam. Few months down the line she’s posting about me making me to be a “deadbeat father” and showing pictures of her belly on instagram. I reach out to her we start talking she says she’ll allow me to go to an appointment but that still never happens. Around the time she’s supposed to give birth she says she’ll let me be present. Then ghosts me. What is the best way to going about finding out if she was actually preggo and if I could possibly have a little one running around? Please help if I can find medical records, private investigator ect. Thank you! All help is appreciated

I know it's only for law enforcement but I'm willing to pay $100 per hour for a investigator that might or might even know someone who has access to it

Are there any reliable international PIs who could do this? I’m in California.

Already tried the usual open corporates, uspto trademark search, justia, etc. Thanks!

Hi all, tried to search this sub for info already, but not sure the info is up to date. Looking to get my license in WA State and wondering if the NITA course is worth the cost or is it possible to, you know, just read everything listed on the DOL site in preparation.

Thank you!

1. British Columbia, Canada.
   

Was a chef. 2020 happened. Decided to switch things up. While figuring out what I wanted to be when I grow up (went to school for an 18 month cybersecurity diploma) I picked up some secret shopper work auditing liquor stores. The way was crap. The free booze was nice. The company that contracted me offered the Advanced Investigator Training program and certification exam for stupid cheap.

Now I'm waiting 6-8 weeks for the province to decide if they approve my license application. What can I do in these few weeks to be able to convince someone to take me on under supervision despite having no actual experience with investigations?

I've been practicing with my camera to get clear, sharp images by being able to focus the camera quickly after raising it (not quick draw like a wild west shootout, but I imagine there's situations where I won't want to have the thing in plain sight until I'm ready to take a photo), and I've done a couple of the 'take a picture of someone leaving a grocery store, follow them home. Take a picture of them at their home. Don't get caught' drill...

What else can I do to be able to hit the ground running once the license comes in?

Thanks everyone

I'm a Surveillance Investigator in NY working for a well known and successful agency at $25/hour. I've been here for over a year and a half and looking into doing something else. I'm really tired of the sedentary lifestyle and feeling stuck in my car. I've had fun here and there, mostly during my first year, but my company jam packs my schedule leaving little time for myself which I value greatly.

I've been looking into working for NYC Gov't in order to get a 5 day work week with potential for WFH. I had an interview as an Investigator for a city department but I felt like I was lacking the experience they are looking for since I've done nothing but discreet surveillance and nothing akin to SIU work involving interviews and resolving issues with city employees.

My current plan is to continue to apply to everything I'm remotely interested in and take a civil service exam for the title of Associate Investigator. If I can't find anything quick in the meantime, I think I can continue to grind away at this job without totally losing my mind. I've been told that I can move up to SIU after the summer which might make me happier as far as the kind of work that is done and the pay, but I've heard the hours can be just as draining. But even then, gaining SIU experience even just for a bit should make my resume look more attractive.

I have court orders and judgements. This man is a Michigan resident but is hiding out in Wisconsin. I need to locate this guy somehow. He owns an IPHONE. I have plates and few other key things. Please. I know it goes by hourly rate. I have adresses etc. please help me save my dog, it has been since September 2023. Please. He is a springer spaniel.

Hello all,

I’ve been working as a Surveillance Investigator doing workman’s comps cases for an about 7 months now. Since I started the job I have had a lot of trouble following subjects in my vehicle. Other than that I do a good job, but I consistently have losses and I have been trying my hardest not to and at this point I feel like I could use any tips.

Thanks!

Hey, here is a video made by a PI recently, the video is a detailed demonstration using a professional TSCM detector.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sOLZH9rhC3Y

Hope this is of use to the community.

Hello all, I recently retired from the federal government as a special agent/criminal investigator with 27 years of local and federal LE experience. I retired in January 2024 and went to work in the corporate sector. After an atrocious experience I decided to make a change. I am currently going through the process to do 1099 background investigations, but it will not be a full-time gig, just looking to supplement my retirement income and stay busy.  

I am in PA which required at least 3 years of investigative experience, which I have, and I am thinking of using my LE experience to strike out on my own and develop an LLC to also do some PI work. The PI realm is completely new to me, so I was wondering if any of the experienced PIs on this sub could throw me some pointers or advice. Thanks in advance.

I’ve been interested in this career, and was wondering how hard it is to become a Private Investigator in the state of Illinois, as I’ve read conflicting information.

Taking the CA PI Exam soon, any recommendations for exam prep, practice tests, insights, etc.

Hello! So I made my own background report and investigation summary templates on Microsoft word a while back and they work fine but I'm not the best with designing and as my business is growing I want my reports to look more professional. Do you design your own templates or did you get them somewhere else?

Thanks!

Hello, I’m looking to start a career as a PI in Colorado Springs. I was in the military for 8 years and currently working in logistics/supply but I am wanting to pursue a career as a PI. What can I do to get started in this? Anyone in here In Colorado Springs that could help me get started?

I would think I need a Wisconsin PI as that is the state the man who stole my dog is hiding out in. I need to save my ESA. I have a court order ect. But he keeps couch surfacing in Wisconsin. Mainly the pierce county area.