What is a private investigator (PI) in New Jersey?
A New Jersey Private Investigator is required to be licensed. A licensed NJ Private Investigator is hired to conduct investigations on behalf of persons, businesses, or legal entities. PI’s gather information, conduct background investigations, perform asset investigations, conduct surveillance in certain investigations as well as performing a myriad of other investigative services for their clients.
How do private investigators in New Jersey obtain a license to operate?
Private investigators in New Jersey are required to obtain a license through the New Jersey State Police. In order to qualify for a private investigator License PI must meet certain criteria: 1. Must have 5-years of law enforcement experience, or, 2. Operate under the supervision of a licensed private investigator for at least 5-years, and 3. Must pass a rigorous background investigation and must maintain required insurance.
How can I verify if a private investigator is licensed in New Jersey?
New Jersey private detective agencies are regulated by the New Jersey State Police Private Detective Unit. Before hiring an investigator, you can contact the unit directly to verify licensing information or ask questions about an agency’s status.
New Jersey State Police Private Detective Unit
609-341-3426 or 609-633-9352
What are some of the service’s private investigators may offer in New Jersey?
Private investigators in New Jersey offer a varied array of services, such as surveillance in certain circumstances, background investigations, asset investigations, cheating spouse or infidelity investigations, skip tracing, subpoena service, corporate investigations, as well as criminal defense work and civil ligation support, this is not an exclusive list.
How much do private investigators in New Jersey charge for their services?
The cost of retaining a private investigator in New Jersey can vary depending on the complexity of the case and the services required. Additional factors will include the background and competency of the investigator. You must remember, the are many above average PIs in New Jersey, however, there are just as many below average that you will want to avoid. It is important that a client does his/her homework. PI’s will typically charge an hourly rate, and require a retainer fee upfront before beginning an investigation.
Are New Jersey Private Investigators allowed to carry firearms?
Private investigators in New Jersey are able to carry firearms if they have acquired the necessary permits and meet the PI meets New Jersey requirements for firearm possession and use. This ordinarily involves additional training and licensing.
How long does it take to complete a private investigation in New Jersey?
The length of a private investigation in New Jersey can vary widely dependent on the nature of the investigation and the type and extent of the information sought. Some investigations will be completed within a few days, such as: Infidelity investigation, Asset Investigations, Background Investigations; while other investigations may require several weeks or even months, such as Child Custody Investigations or Alimony Cohabitation Investigations.
Is hiring a private investigator in New Jersey legal?
Yes, it is perfectly legal to hire a private to hire a licensed private investigator in New Jersey as long as the PI operates within the boundaries of the law, that is why it is of the utmost importance that you research the background of PI’s before hiring one.
Can a private investigator testify in court in New Jersey?
Yes. A private investigator may testify about relevant observations, investigative activities, or information they personally gathered, depending on the circumstances of the case. However, an investigator’s testimony does not automatically make every photograph, video, report, or other finding admissible in court. In New Jersey, the court ultimately determines whether evidence is admissible.
Can a private investigator guarantee that evidence will be admissible in court?
No. A private investigator can gather and document information carefully and lawfully, but no investigator should guarantee that a particular item will be admitted into evidence. Courts may consider factors such as relevance, authenticity, how the evidence was obtained, and other applicable evidentiary rules.
If your investigation may become part of a legal matter, it is a good idea to involve your attorney early so the investigative work can be coordinated with your case strategy.
Can photographs or video collected by a private investigator be used in court?
They may be, but admissibility is not automatic. New Jersey evidence rules include requirements involving relevance and, when applicable, authentication. The person offering the evidence generally must be able to establish that it is what they claim it is, and the court makes the final admissibility decision.
What should I look for when hiring a private investigator in New Jersey?
When comparing private investigators, look beyond marketing claims and focus on information you can verify. Confirm that the agency is properly licensed in New Jersey, ask about experience with the specific type of investigation you need, and understand who will actually be handling your case. You should also discuss fees, expected communication, investigative methods, reporting, and realistic outcomes before signing an agreement.
A reputable investigator should be comfortable answering questions about licensing, professional background, insurance, experience, and how the investigation will be documented. No investigator can guarantee a particular result, so be cautious of promises that sound absolute or cannot be supported.
Can I verify Cowan Investigations’ license independently?
Yes. Cowan Investigations identifies its New Jersey State Agency License as #9364. Rather than asking prospective clients to simply accept that statement, we encourage you to verify licensing information directly with the New Jersey State Police Private Detective Unit, the state authority responsible for regulating private detective agencies.
The Private Detective Unit can be reached at 609-341-3426 or 609-633-9352.
What questions should I ask before hiring a private investigator?
Before retaining an investigator, consider asking:
The investigator should be willing to discuss these questions before you make a hiring decision.
What can a private investigator reasonably promise?
A professional investigator should be able to explain the scope of the investigation, the methods that may be used, expected costs, how findings will be documented, and how communication will be handled.
What an investigator should not promise is a specific result. Investigations are fact-finding processes, and the outcome depends on what can actually be observed, documented, and lawfully obtained.
It is important to be aware that laws and regulations will change over time, so it’s important to be aware of the latest information and seek legal advice if you have specific concerns or questions related to private investigations in New Jersey.
Cowan Investigations, LLC. Is licensed, bonded and fully insured to operate in the State of New Jersey.
Cowan Investigations, LLC. New Jersey State Agency License # 9364
Cowan Investigations, LLC. Is able to provide Asset Search and Background Check services in the state of Pennsylvania.
Member of New Jersey Private
Investigators Association