A successful private investigator will own several investigative tools. These tools are based on the type of work or cases he or she will be working on.

Here is a list of the most commonly used tools and equipment used by private investigators:
Binoculars
Digital Audio Recording Devices
Digital Camcorders
Extension Lens
Digital Still Cameras
Hidden video cameras
Body worn Cameras
Digital Video Recorders
Covert Vehicle tracking equipment
Personal Protection devices
Night vision cameras
GPS tracking devices
Pocket DVR’s
Detection Devices
Covert Surveillance vehicles.

In the majority of cases, private investigators will charge an hourly rate. Hourly rates can vary based on the type of investigation needed as well as how many investigators will be needed. It is unlikely you will find an investigator willing to do just one or two hours of investigative work, minimum will be four hours of work and can be extended if wanted. Hourly rates varies from job to job.

Private investigators perform an extremely wide range of investigative services. While many people automatically think that a PI only investigates cheating spouses, they represent a very small segment of what private investigators actually do. The following is a brief list of the many categories that PI’s specialize in or areas they may conduct investigations:

• Background Checks

• Cheating Spouses

• Child Custody

• Civil Investigations

• Computer Forensics

• Corporate Investigations

• Covert Surveillance

• Cyber Investigations

• Divorce

• Domestic

• Electronic Data Discovery

• Financial

• Fraud

• General Investigations

• Identity Theft

• Insurance Investigations

• Missing Children

• Missing Persons

• Photo Surveillance

• Pre-Employment Background Searches

• Public Record Searches

• Skip Tracing

• Surveillance

• Video Surveillance

• Factual investigations

• Locate a witness/find a witness

Private Investigators have access to several information databases that are not available to the general public. This is an advantage when a client wants a background check on a person for employment or other purposes.

Surveillance is key to conducting efficient investigations of a person and to do this you need a professional and experienced investigator who is licensed by the NSW Police to conduct surveillance and investigations lawfully. If you are not a licensed investigator you could be charged for stalking and intimidation of a person.

Private investigators are also expert witnesses in court for a criminal or civil matter, with all the evidence gathered by the agent during an investigation could also be used in a court of law.