FAQs

Below you will find answers to the most commonly asked questions about investigations and background checks. If you can't the answer please email or call us. Thank You.

• How quickly can you start an investigation?

  24-hr notice is usually plenty of time. It's often possible to start a case immediately.  Weekends are the busiest times and may require additional advance notice.  We first need to gather all the facts and authorization forms before we can initialize the investigation.

   

• What information is required to start a surveillance assignment?

  Provide us a physical description and/or photo of the subject; addresses; vehicle information; time and place to start, plus the reason for the surveillance. DSS investigators will obtain courtroom quality video evidence of all pertinent activities and back it up with our experience and credibility.

   

• Why should I hire a PI?
  We are professional and experienced fact finders. When there is a question you need answered, we will help. Over 30 years of solving cases and finding facts is the main reason why. Honesty and "Top Notch" customer service are the other reasons.

• How much does it cost to hire an investigator?

  Surveillance is billed on an hourly basis plus a mileage charge. Rates are dependant on where the surveillance will take place. As a general rule, in remote areas, the rates are a bit higher. Before the case is started, a strategy is established depending on the circumstances and your needs. Once this plan is in place a budget can be established. Investigation services are payable in advance of the work being conducted. Payment can be made by credit card (over the phone if you wish), or by cash, check or money order. For our surveillance rates, click here to get our rates.

• Is my information keep secret?
  Yes, any information submitted to us verbally or via on-line is kept secret and confidential.

• How is the surveillance plan established?

  Planning is often more important than execution. The better job we do of designing the surveillance, the more likely it is to be productive and the more cost effective it will be. Because you know more about your spouses behavior than we ever will, we rely on you to assist us in develop the correct time and place to watch them. We need you to determine when they are most likely to be engaged in this behavior and where we should start the surveillance. If you are not able to discern when with any degree or accuracy, we recommend that you consider when they are not available and we can eliminate those times as a starting point. All these questions and more go into creating an effective surveillance strategy.

   

• Can I get a free price quote?
  Yes, you can either call us or go to our on-line Case Assignment form for a no obligation free price quote. We will be adding a price list to our website in the very near future.

• What if I am wrong?

  If there is no evidence the subject is cheating, you will have gained peace of mind about your relationship. Since our investigations are 100% confidential, you will not have risked sacrificing the relationship if you are wrong.

   

• Is it legal to follow or conduct surveillance upon another person?

  It is legal to conduct surveillance upon a person for legitimate purposes. You must hire a licensed investigator to carry out assignments.  It is illegal in all states to record the voice without at least one persons consent.  Many states require all parties to consent to an audio recording. Florida does not allow any type of audio recording.

   

• Will the suspected cheater find out that they are being watched?

  Our surveillance investigations are 100% confidential. We do everything necessary to insure the covert nature of the investigation. If we ever perceive that the security of the investigation is threatened, we back off and re-evaluate with your input. One important point: Never threaten to hire an investigator. This will make the suspected cheater even more difficult to watch. If you have done this, be sure to tell us ahead of time so we can prepare.

   

• How do you follow someone?

  The techniques of tailing someone are an acquired skill. When following someone we are constantly weighing two factors against each other. First we want to stay close enough to make sure we do not loose the subject at a traffic light or in heavy traffic. However we are constantly balancing this against staying so close that we run the risk of being observed by the subject. The art of balancing these two factors in a variety of situations can executed well only by having an experienced investigator working the case. In some cases a second investigator is preferable or required which allows us to keep safer distances while not minimizing the chance of loosing the subject.

   

• What do I do once the surveillance is set up?

  Once the surveillance plan is in place it is important that you do not do anything to alert the subject of the investigation. Do not change your habits and do not ask too many questions about their activities.

   

• Is your firm up-to-date with security devices?
  Yes, Carolina Detectives uses the latest and greatest technology devices to assist in solving our clients cases as quickly and accurately as possible. We use the most advanced GPS Tracking devices, Real-Time Video Monitoring devices as well as the latest software for Computer and Internet  Monitoring.

• What evidence will I receive at the conclusion?

  The evidence collected in domestic surveillance consists of the videotape of the activities and a surveillance report which details all the activity in writing. Both are submitted to you, or if you wish we can maintain them for you. Your video can be delivered via VHS tape, CD-ROM, or by logging in to our secure website.