A Private Investigation San Francisco CA, is someone who may be hired by people, companies or NGOs to undertake private investigative services. Private investigators can work for lawyers in criminal and civil matters. They can also work on a freelance basis for private parties, and for government agencies as well. There are many ways in which to find out if someone or a company is hiring investigators. Here are some of the most common:

Informal investigation service: Informal investigators provide general investigative services for private parties and organizations. They receive information and details through contacts in the field and through other sources. The main job of an informal investigator is to collect evidence and interview witnesses, collect information and findings from documents and sources and then use this information for legal or business purposes. For example, some investigators might use the details they gather to secure witness protection (i.e., they prevent the testimony of a witness in a criminal case against a defendant to prevent that person's arrest and prosecution). Informal investigators do not work with criminal justice agencies.

Background checks: Private investigations can also be conducted on individuals. In some countries background checks are used to help screen candidates for employment, housing and education opportunities. In the United States, background checks are usually done through private investigators or hired staff who perform these investigations. In some countries, background checks can also be conducted directly by the government.

Research: Private investigators and private detectives can also conduct research for their clients. They often research issues, policies and trends related to particular industries and geographic areas. The research undertaken by private detectives may be to understand customer perceptions about specific companies, to monitor and record consumer opinions and reviews, and to gather market intelligence. Private investigators can obtain a license to carry firearms if they need to conduct surveillance in private investigation cases.

Surveillance: Private investigation also employs a variety of surveillance tactics. For example, investigators may install hidden cameras to observe a suspect, install GPS tracking devices or follow a vehicle to follow it. Sometimes private investigators use computer intercepts and video recording devices to gather evidence against suspects. Often investigators rely on interviewing witnesses, checking records and gathering financial information to build a case against a suspect.

Surveillance tools vary widely between investigators and their clients. In some countries investigators have access to surveillance equipment such as GPS trackers and video cameras, whereas in other countries investigators may only have access to a telephone directory containing lists of businesses that sell and share surveillance equipment. In the United States surveillance tools include secret cameras and GPS trackers, while in many other countries surveillance tools are openly used. Private investigators may also work independently but are most often employed by law enforcement agencies or major corporations to assist them in large scale investigations.

Private Investigators specialize in a particular area of expertise or they may work as an investigator and investigative consultant. Specializing in a specific area is advantageous for investigators since they are better able to find a solution to a problem. However it is important to note that not all private investigation personnel possess knowledge or experience in a given area; therefore an investigator must be qualified to perform an investigation. While there are many investigators who have specialized in only one area, many investigators also perform investigations in multiple areas. Generally an investigator will focus their efforts on one type of investigation and then become an expert in that area.

In order to be properly trained in private investigations, it is necessary to complete a degree program or other training program. Most investigators hold at least a bachelor's degree in criminal justice or a related field. There are some states that require investigators to be licensed, in these states each state has its own set of private investigators' requirements for investigators to meet. The requirements for investigators to be licensed in some states require completion and certification of a national examination known as the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) examination, although many states do not require the examination of this nature.