In private investigation, the subject of investigation is the individual, group, or entity that a licensed investigator has been retained to research, locate, observe, or gather information about. The subject may be a private person, a business, or an organization. Investigators operate within legal boundaries when collecting information related to any subject, regardless of the case type.
The subject of investigation is simply the person or entity your investigator is looking into on your behalf. This could be someone whose location you need confirmed, whose activities you need documented, or whose background you need verified. All information gathered about a subject must be collected through legal means and in compliance with applicable privacy laws.
A spouse who suspects infidelity may hire an investigator to document the activities and whereabouts of their partner, making that partner the subject of investigation. In a civil litigation case, an attorney may retain an investigator to verify the background or statements of a witness or opposing party. Employers conducting pre-hire screening may request an investigation into a job candidate, making that candidate the subject.
Licensed private investigators may conduct surveillance in public spaces, search publicly available records, and interview willing third parties to gather information about a subject. They cannot access sealed court records, protected financial account data, or restricted law enforcement databases. Permissible activities vary by state, and investigators are required to operate within the laws of the jurisdiction where the investigation takes place.
How long does it take to gather usable information about a subject of investigation?
Timelines vary depending on the complexity of the case, the amount of public information available, and whether surveillance is required. A straightforward background research case may take a few days, while an active surveillance assignment could run for several weeks depending on the subject's routines and the client's objectives. Your investigator should provide a realistic scope estimate before work begins.
How do investigators document what they find about a subject, and can that documentation be used in court?
Investigators typically compile their findings into a formal investigation report, which may include written observations, photographs, video footage, and copies of public records collected during the case. Whether that documentation is admissible in court depends on how the evidence was gathered, the chain of custody maintained, and the rules of the jurisdiction where the case is being heard. Clients who anticipate legal proceedings should inform their investigator upfront so proper documentation standards can be followed from the start.
