When people think of private investigators (PIs), they often imagine shadowy figures working in secrecy, separate from law enforcement. Private investigators and police officers sometimes collaborate, combining their skills and resources to handle complex cases. But how does this partnership function, and how could it impact your situation?
Private investigators in Los Angeles track leads, gather evidence, and support law enforcement efforts. Explore how they assist police investigations and how hiring one might help uncover crucial legal, personal, or business details.
Understanding the Role of Private Investigators
Private investigators collect information that isn’t always accessible through police investigations or standard legal procedures. Hired by individuals, businesses, and legal teams, they conduct surveillance investigations, verify claims, and track down critical details for cases involving fraud, missing persons, or legal disputes.
Unlike police officers, they do not have the authority to make arrests or issue warrants. Instead, they obtain records, analyze documents, conduct interviews, and perform background checks to piece together facts that can support legal cases or personal concerns. Their work often fills in the gaps where official investigations may be limited.
Key Differences Between Police and Private Investigators
While private investigators and police officers sometimes collaborate, their roles are not the same. Differences between PIs and police’s scope of work include:
| Aspect | Police and Detectives | Private Investigators |
| Authority | Can make arrests, conduct searches with warrants, and enforce laws. | Cannot arrest or detain individuals but can compile records for legal cases. |
| Access to Information | Have access to confidential records, national crime databases, and forensic labs. | Rely on public records, surveillance, and legally obtained documents. |
| Clients | Serve the public and investigate crimes on behalf of the government. | Work for private clients, including businesses, attorneys, and individuals seeking information. |
| Scope of Work | Investigate crimes, make arrests, and build criminal cases. | Conduct background checks, locate people, and secure intelligence for legal or personal matters. |
Despite these differences, many police departments work with licensed private investigators to retrieve additional evidence, hunt down leads, and provide information that supports ongoing cases.
How Private Investigators and Police Collaborate
Although private investigators and police work separately, their efforts sometimes overlap when solving complex cases. Private investigators can assist law enforcement in the following ways:
- Locating missing persons. Some people hire a private investigator to find someone, for example, a kidnapped victim in a custody dispute or a witness who has gone into hiding. Their efforts can provide new leads, updated locations, or critical details that help law enforcement move the case forward.
- Surveillance support. Private investigators monitor persons of interest, tracking movements and interactions. Police can use reports, photos, or video footage collected by PIs to support an investigation.
- Fraud and financial crimes. They analyze financial records, trace suspicious transactions, and document fraud schemes. This work helps law enforcement establish patterns, identify suspects, or strengthen a case.
- Witness interviews. Some witnesses hesitate to talk to police but may speak with a private investigator. Their statements can provide new leads or clarify conflicting accounts.
- Background checks. Investigators research individuals tied to a case, reviewing criminal history, financial dealings, and associations. This can help police identify suspects, locate witnesses, or reveal hidden connections.
- Civil case evidence used in criminal investigations. Private investigators collect evidence for civil cases, such as fraud or corporate theft. If criminal activity is discovered, police may use the information to pursue charges.
Private investigators work with law enforcement but also take on cases the police won’t or can’t pursue. Whether a case is under investigation or not, working with a private investigator can provide valuable answers.
Why Hire a Private Investigator?
Hiring a PI can be helpful when law enforcement isn’t able or willing to assist. Worldwide Intelligence Network provides professional private investigation services for a variety of legal, corporate, and personal matters, including:
- Background checks. Verify employment history, business affiliations, or personal relationships.
- Corporate investigations. Investigate fraud, embezzlement, or intellectual property theft.
- Surveillance investigations. Monitor a suspect’s actions for proof of infidelity, insurance fraud, or legal disputes.
- Missing person investigations. Locate a witness, estranged relative, or other individuals.
At Worldwide Intelligence Network (WIN), we prioritize discretion and professionalism. Many of our investigators are former federal agents, veterans, and law enforcement officers who understand legal and ethical boundaries. Every case stays confidential, keeping sensitive matters private while delivering clear, reliable results.
Trust Worldwide Intelligence Network for Your Investigative Needs
Private investigators and law enforcement often work together, but some require independent expertise. Whether you need additional evidence for an ongoing case or information law enforcement isn’t handling, our team can help.
We conduct surveillance, verify records, and document findings with professionalism and discretion. Our licensed investigators know how to handle complex investigations while protecting client confidentiality.
Need answers? Our experienced private investigators are ready to help. Contact us now for a confidential consultation.