We at Private I HQ do not pretend to have all the answers, but we feel we can point you in the right direction, and for free!  This is one of those times that one of our colleague companies has some important information that we feel is an important piece of information that our users would benefit from. Visit  http://www.pinow.com/articles/1181/10-ways-for-private-investigators-to-get-involved-in-their-communities
for an article on getting involved with your community.

If you are interested in becoming a private investigator or you are a new private investigator there are few basic skills that will help separate you from the rest. 

1. Powers of observation - no matter the type of investigation you are working remind yourself to be observant. When interviewing be observant of hand, eye and body movements. Take notice of jewelry, clothing condition and styles. Being observant will help you develop a well-rounded idea of the individual you are interviewing or observing.

Increasing or maintaining your private investigations client base is a must to be successful. Whether you are just starting your private investigations firm or you have been in the Private Investigations business for a while, your current and past clients are your best sales people. To ensure that you get the most out of your client-customer relationships, follow this simple rules: 

1. Treat all clients with respect and courtesy. Whether you are working with a corporate client or an individual client make a special effort to get to know them. 

2. Follow-ups - set calendar reminders to follow-up with your clients after the successful conclusion of a case. Set a reminder every few months to call and inquire about how they are doing. Even if you get an voice mail system leave a message like "John with Acme Private Investigations. Just wanted to talk a minute to see how you are doing. Would like to hear from you if you have the time but understand if you are busy." These messages and calls make people feel important. Also, you further develop a bond that will increase your chances of being called again when they need private investigative services. 

2. Electronic Newsletters - Consider developing a company newsletter that you send once or twice a year to your current and former clients(No spam emails that you send weekly or monthly as this could have the reverse impact). Newsletters must be professional looking in appearance, include information that is helpful to them individually and/or their company. Include one or two announcements of new services or successes that you can share. Before you add a client to your list, get permission!. Ask if you can include them on your mailing list when you make your follow-up client calls. Always, always, include an opt-option on your electronic newsletters. Consider outsourcing or getting assistance in setting up your mailing lists and opt-options. Holmes-tech can help. 

3. Treat all clients with respect and courtesy. Wait! Did we already mention that? Yes it is important enough to mention twice. Ensure that all of your employees are customer service oriented in their interactions with clients. Good customer service will have them coming back again and again. 

Reasonable expectation of privacy (REP) has been a difficult term to pin down. REP determines when and where you can set-up surveillance equipment in the workplace, home and other areas. Depending upon your employment and the specifics of the case you are working on, REP is a critical factor in setting up your surveillance. EVEN IN THE WORKPLACE!

The Supreme Court, Katz v. United States, established a two part test for determining if a reasonable expectation of privacy exists. 

1. Does the individual exhibit an expectation of privacy? 
and,
2. Is society prepared to recognize as reasonable?

If you answer "no" to either question then a reasonable expectation of privacy does not exist.

You are probably thinking that the Fourth Amendment only applies to government agents? Yes, you would be correct. Consider that if you are working for an employer to identify and gather evidence for potential criminal prosecution then you might be considered acting as an agent for the government? Depends on your case, your circuit court and the behaviors you are examining.