NYS DOS License #11000169770 Licensed • Bonded • Insured
New York Intelligence Agency Est. 1989 · NYC
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How It Works

How We Work, From First Call to Final Report

A free consultation, an honest plan, careful fieldwork, and evidence you can actually use.

Every case follows a clear path. No mystery, no pressure, and no money spent until you know exactly what we recommend and what it costs.

1. Free, confidential consultation

You reach David by phone, text, or in person at our Fifth Avenue office. We listen, ask the right questions, and learn what is realistic. This first conversation costs nothing and stays private.

2. An honest plan and a written estimate

Before any work begins, you get a straight read on your options and a clear estimate. We tell you when an investigation makes sense and when it does not. You decide with full information.

3. The investigation

If the case makes sense, we build the plan around it. Timing, locations, vehicle teams, photo and video, GPS tracking where the law allows, and any digital work the case needs. Experienced field investigators do the work under David's direct review.

4. Your report and evidence

You receive clear documentation written for the way you will use it, whether that is a personal decision, a divorce, or a courtroom. Surveillance logs match timestamps, the chain of custody is documented, and our investigators can testify if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How we work, and where we draw the line

Straight answers about our methods, the law, and the lines we will not cross. If your question is not here, call David for a free, confidential consultation.

Will you ever confront or approach the person being investigated?

No. We never make a confrontational visit and we never tip off the subject. Our work is quiet observation from a lawful distance. The moment a subject realizes they are being watched, the case is compromised, so staying invisible protects both your case and everyone involved.

Do you operate within the law?

Yes, without exception. Every method we use is legal under federal, New York State, and local law. We do not break the law to get a result, because evidence gathered illegally is worthless in court and can expose you to liability. If you want the longer version, read why hiring a licensed investigator matters.

Can you tap a phone, read someone's texts, or get into their accounts?

No. Intercepting live communications or accessing someone's phone, email, or accounts without authorization is a crime, and we will not do it, no matter who asks. A licensed investigator works with lawful tools only: surveillance in public, public records, and proper database access.

Do you trespass or enter private property to get evidence?

No. We do not trespass, pick locks, or enter private property we have no right to enter. Surveillance is conducted from public vantage points or with proper permission. Evidence taken from an illegal entry is not just unusable, it can sink the whole case.

Will you impersonate the police or a government official?

Never. Impersonating law enforcement or a government agency is illegal. We rely on legitimate investigative technique, not deception that crosses legal lines.

Do you put GPS trackers on someone's car?

Only where the law clearly allows it, such as a vehicle owned by our client. We do not place trackers on a subject's vehicle that we have no legal right to touch, and we do not tamper with anyone's property. The same care applies to every piece of technology we use.

Will the person know they are being watched?

No, not when the work is done correctly. Discretion is the entire point of surveillance. Our investigators know how to work without being detected, which is exactly why local experience matters so much.

Is the evidence you gather usable in court?

Yes, because it is gathered lawfully and documented properly. We build every case to survive cross examination: time stamped video, detailed logs, a clear chain of custody, and an investigator who can testify. This is especially important when we work alongside your attorney.

What can a licensed New York private investigator legally do?

A great deal. We can conduct surveillance in public, photograph and record what is in plain view, research public records, run lawful database searches, trace assets, locate people, and interview willing parties. The line is simple: lawful observation and research, never illegal intrusion.

What do you need from me to get started?

The basics about the situation and the subject: who they are, a recent photo, the addresses or area involved, a vehicle if you know it, and what you are hoping to learn. The more you can share up front, the faster and more efficient the work is.

How do you protect my confidentiality?

Client confidentiality is the foundation of the practice. We do not disclose the existence of an engagement, your identity, or any findings to anyone but you and the people you authorize. You can read the details on our confidentiality page.

Do you guarantee a particular outcome?

No honest investigator can. We guarantee diligent, lawful work and a truthful account of what we find. We never fabricate, exaggerate, or shape evidence to fit a result you are hoping for. Sometimes the truth is not what a client expected, and we tell it straight.

What if the investigation does not find what I expected?

You still receive a full, honest report of what was observed during the hours worked. Surveillance bills for time and effort, not for a guaranteed outcome, and we are clear about that from the first call.

Will you tell me what is realistic before I spend money?

Yes. The first consultation is free and confidential, and you get an honest read on what is possible plus a written estimate before any work begins. If we do not believe we can help, we will say so.

How is the final report delivered?

As clear written documentation suited to how you will use it, along with any time stamped photos and video, delivered securely. If your matter reaches a courtroom, the report and our testimony are built to hold up.

Can you work directly with my attorney?

Yes, regularly. We support matrimonial, civil, criminal defense, and corporate counsel with surveillance, locates, service of process, and evidence packages built to their litigation needs. See our page for attorneys and law firms.

Related reading: our confidentiality standards, why hire a licensed PI, and the full range of investigations we handle.

Free, Confidential Consultation

Ready to start with a free call? Reach David.

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