VOLUME 1 / ISSUE 1 WINTER 2024
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
BY CHELSEA HARRISON SPOTLIGHT ON: PRIVATE INVESTIGATORS
You’ve seen private investigators (PIs) on Law & Order and similar shows…but what is it really like to be or hire a PI? These savvy sleuths are more accessible than you might think to help you solve those burning mysteries about your own family history or love life. We talked to Jill* of Eyes on Investigations, based in Maryland, to understand what this career is all about…
What kinds of cases do you get hired for typically?
A lot of cases we get are suspected cheating spouses or partners, because the client feels like something is wrong. We also get child custody cases. The client may think the other parent isn’t doing what they’re supposed to or is violating a court order, and they need that documentation for court. Also, I’ve helped people find their biological parents, located estranged spouses, and performed background checks. Not knowing things can drive you crazy and your mind can go all over the place, so once you know for sure what's happening you can decide how you want to handle it.
It’s important to note: we are licensed through the Maryland State Police with fingerprints and background checks every few years, so that’s why we are allowed to do what we do.
What are the pros and cons of the job?
There are times when you sit on surveillance in a cold or hot car for hours, because you can’t leave your car running and it’s kind of crazy hours. It’s not like you see on TV.
We could be staked out in a beautiful resort one week and the next be in a drug area in a not so good part of town.
I’ve met a lot of interesting people from all walks of life. Some of them I still keep in contact with. It’s also nice to be able to help someone when they are going through a difficult time.
How often do people hire you and it’s a “false alarm”?
If you’re contacting us, the majority of the time there is something going on. Some of our clients already know, they just want that indisputable evidence because they know the other side will deny. Other clients have that inkling that something is happening, and then we have the job of breaking the news to them when we get the evidence. .
How would someone hire a Private Investigator?
We’ll consult with potential clients over the phone, and we do that for free. When they decide to hire us, we go out to meet with them and gather the information needed in order for us to start the case. And always everything is confidential.
*Due to the sensitive nature of this work, sources prefer not to divulge their full personal information. We thank them for their time and expertise in advising this column!
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