The mayor of Reno, Nevada is suing a local private investigator who she claims put a tracking device on her vehicle, which was able to track her car in real time.
She was unaware the device was on her vehicle until her mechanic discovered it two weeks before the election where she won a third term as mayor.
So, the mayor is taking the private investigator to court to find out who hired him to follow and track her. To this point, the investigator has refused to identify who hired him.
The mayor claims the private investigator trespassed onto her property to install the tracking device.
At first, the mayor took the device to the local police. They were able to figure out who purchased the device, which was the private investigator.
The lawsuit claims the tracking device has caused the mayor “fear and distress.”
When contacted by local media, the private investigator did not respond.
The mayor is seeking restitution for invasion of privacy, trespassing, negligence, and attorney’s costs.
The thing is, the private investigator business is growing. This year alone, the PI market is expected to be worth over $7 billion.
And PIs definitely have their uses…
Whether it’s getting information on a former spouse or employee, there could be a time when you need to hire a private investigator.
Hiring a private investigator can be somewhat confusing. So, here are a few things to keep in mind when deciding to hire a private investigator.
Consultation:
The first step is having a consultation with the investigator you are considering hiring.
Like lawyers, a quality private investigator will sit down with you and have a consultation on their services.
You might have to pay their hourly fee for this, but it’s worth it.
It’s also beneficial for the private investigator. They can determine if they have the skill set to help you achieve your goal.
At the end of the day, you need to be a good fit for each other.
If the private investigator doesn’t offer a consultation, then they may just be looking to make money.
Cost:
Hiring a private investigator is not cheap. You will spend thousands of dollars on a reputable investigator.
Like a lawyer, they will also likely require a retainer. The amount of the retainer will depend on the services needed.
But the retainer fee is likely just the beginning of what you will be spending. At the least, you will likely have to pay a $1,500 retainer.
Before making any payment, you should carefully read over the contract. This will break down the hourly fees and what you can expect from the investigation.
Confidentiality:
The most important thing when hiring a private investigator is confidentiality. The last thing you want is for the investigator to share any information about you or the case.
In the story of the Reno mayor, the investigator has refused to name his client. This is a good thing for the client.
You might have to share very personal details about your life with the investigator, and you don’t want them to share your personal matters with the police or court system.
When meeting with a potential investigator make sure you both sign some type of non-disclosure agreement.
Hiring a private investigator is a big decision. But when you need someone with particular skills it might be the best option.
Do your research before hiring anyone and take your time in the process. Ask the right questions and make sure you sign documents explaining the process.
