FAQ
WHAT IS A PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR?
A private investigator is someone with training and experience in conducting investigations in a variety of situations. Often, PI’s have law enforcement experience. PI’s work with private citizens, businesses and attorneys. Chris Hickman, the sole owner and operator of Lone Rock Investigations has 31 years of law enforcement experience and six years of experience as a PI.
WHAT QUESTIONS SHOULD I ASK A PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR?
Are you licensed? Are you insured? What is your PI license number? How long have you been a PI? What is your background? Do you guarantee confidentiality? What kind of investigations do you specialize in? Chris Hickman is licensed in both Montana and Arizona and is insured AND bonded. All consultations and investigations are confidential. Lone Rock Investigations will always advise a prospective client if there is any kind of conflict of interest. Lone Rock Investigations specializes in background checks, assisting criminal and civil attorney with investigations, conducting infidelity, fraud and missing persons investigations, witness interviews, skip searching and asset identification and rec” bug” sweeps.
WHAT TYPE OF PERSON HIRES A PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR?
Anyone who needs to locate someone, who needs pre-employment background checks, who suspects infidelity, who needs surveillance, who needs to locate and identify assets or who needs assistance in criminal and civil matters. Consultations with Lone Rock Investigations are free.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO HIRE A PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR?
PI’s normally charge an hourly rate plus expenses such as mileage, lodging, or services related to an investigation. Lone Rock Investigations bills at the industry standard rate. On a case by case basis, Lone Rock Investigations will consider reducing its rates.
DO PRIVATE INVESTIGATORS NEED TO BE LICENSED?
Alabama, Alaska, Colorado, Idaho, Mississippi, South Dakota and Wyoming do not require PI’s to be licensed. All other states require licenses that are obtained through an application process that usually requires a history of investigative experience or a training program under the tutelage of a licensed PI. Chris Hickman is licensed in Montana and Arizona.
WHAT RESTRICTIONS DO PRIVATE INVESTIGATORS HAVE?
PI’s are private citizens. They are required to adhere to the laws of the state where they are licensed. They have no special authority. In regards to audio recordings, PI’s must again follow the laws of the state where they are licensed and each state has their own laws pertaining to one party consent or two party consent recordings. Because of his law enforcement background, Chris Hickman is very familiar with criminal and civil laws which allows the client to know that rules and law are being strictly followed.
WHAT INFORMATION WILL I GET FROM A BACKGROUND CHECK?
Addresses, phone numbers, employers, vehicle ownership, property ownership, professional licenses, liens, judgments, foreclosures, evictions, neighbors and relatives. Lone Rock Investigations guarantees same day results for any background check requested.