Top Three Reasons to Hire a Pro Investigator or Security Specialist vs. DIY

Posted by Pamela S. on Tuesday, September 25th, 2012

You’ve probably seen these articles: “How to be your own Private Investigator”. There are dozens of sites offering advice on everything from how to spy on your babysitter using a nanny cam, to searching for missing relatives. There are entire books

written on this topic; I found 15 on Amazon. When should you forget the DIY and hire an investigative or security professional? Doing it yourself can be dangerous, in any type of situation.

 

I just finished reading an article on peoplesmart.com, How To Become Your Own Private Investigator. You wouldn’t pull out your own tooth, you would go to a dentist. You could do it yourself, but it wouldn’t be pretty. This applies to any DIY project; some people can do a good job, but others end up paying even more when they have to call in a pro to repair their mistakes.

The proliferation of spy shops and “Be Your Own Private Investigator” books has led people to believe that they can do what we do, for free, or a fraction of the cost. Top private investigators and security specialists, like the team at Sheer Investigations, have years of advanced training and experience.

 

Do It Yourself Security Cameras vs. Professionally Installed and Monitored Systems

An article in Florida Today profiles Suzanne Brown, who set up her own security cameras after her someone broke into her vehicle. Brown purchased security cameras and installed them herself, with a view of her front door and driveway.

Most people are capable of setting up motion detection camera systems to monitor their home. You can even connect that system to your computer or your smart phone, so you can see what is going on at home when you are at work.

According to the article, “Law enforcement officers in Brevard say security systems deter crime, but they don’t have data on whether the DIY security systems are as effective as professionally installed, monitored systems.”

Cameras are effective for obtaining evidence, but they don’t actually protect you. Security experts recommend a monitored system. A professional security company will provide a complete security package with a monthly monitoring fee. It is worth the cost.

You can set up a dozen “do it yourself” cameras, but they aren’t going to respond when disaster strikes. If you aren’t constantly monitoring your own cameras, your house could be robbed and you won’t find out until it is too late. If your cameras work properly, you may have evidence for the police, but the thieves are gone.

Security companies that specialize in round the clock security monitoring will also be able to respond to fires, emergency health issues, and other critical situations, and call in emergency services.

 

Spying on your Cheating Spouse vs. a Discreet and Professional Investigation

Most people don’t consider snooping on their spouse to be a form of investigation. You can dig around, sneak a

peek at their phone or computer, you can even have your friends follow your spouse. But what if your spouse isn’t cheating? If he or she finds out you’ve been doing all this amateur sleuthing, they won’t trust you.

A professional investigator can conduct discreet investigations and no one but you has to know. If your spouse is cheating, you’ll have a professional quality report and video to hand the cheater.

 

 

Searching Public Records vs. Saving Time and Paying a Professional

Even something as simple as searching records is best left to the experts. There are all kinds of records that are available to the public. An article in the Herald Tribute recently reported that Florida has finally entered their public court records into a computer system. The court records may be digital, but they are not online.

I can’t tell you how many times friends have asked me how to search public records at a government office or court house. When I tell them that they will have to go to a government office in person, they almost always come up with an excuse, “I can’t get there during the day, I can’t take time off work.”

It isn’t difficult, and this is the kind of thing you really could do yourself, but do you know what you are looking for, where to go, and what documents to ask for?

Time is money. Take a day off work, travel to the courthouse, which is usually downtown, wait in line and then try to explain to a clerk what you want. Or, you can save yourself the aggravation and pay someone who knows what they are doing, and get the information faster.

You can spend money on a “how-to” book, you can use hours of your valuable time reading advice online, and you may be able to play P.I., but you are taking a risk. When that wall of information falls on you, because you don’t have the right foundation, we’ll pick up the pieces.

 

Former FBI Assistant Director Tom Sheer has recruited the best from the FBI, DEA, IRS and Secret Service to build a formidable team at Sheer Investigations. Our private investigators have the sensitivity and experience to handle the most delicate investigations.