Full-Time vs. Part-Time Private Investigators: My Perspective

This may not be popular, but here’s my take. Over the years, I’ve watched the private investigation industry evolve, especially in the wake of COVID. More investigators are working part-time, running their businesses out of their homes, or supplementing their pensions with occasional investigative work. On the surface, that may seem harmless, and in some cases it is. But from my perspective, attorneys need to understand how this shift can affect the quality, responsiveness, and reliability of investigations.

When I talk about part-time investigators, I’m not questioning their skill or integrity. Some are highly knowledgeable professionals who bring a specific expertise, whether from law enforcement, accounting, or IT security. Others are retired law enforcement officers living off a government pension, taking on cases as a supplemental activity. The problem arises when investigations are treated as a side job rather than a career. Availability can be limited, timelines may slip, and resources, databases, surveillance equipment, and professional support are often constrained. For attorneys handling complex litigation, criminal defense, or family law matters, these limitations can create serious challenges.

I remember one of my attorney clients telling me that he needed urgent surveillance the next day for a civil matter a few years back. The investigator they initially hired was juggling other personal activities and couldn’t respond for several days. By the time they were able to follow up with another investigator, key opportunities to observe the subject had been missed, and evidence that could have strengthened the case was lost. That experience cemented for me just how crucial it is to have someone fully committed to the investigative work.

Full-time investigators operate differently. They treat investigations as their profession, not a hobby or side income. This dedication shows in every aspect of the work from how quickly they respond to requests, to the thoroughness of their research, to the credibility of their findings in court. Full-time investigators have invested in the tools, databases, and training necessary to gather actionable intelligence. They’ve built the stamina and workflow needed to manage multiple cases simultaneously without sacrificing quality. In my experience, attorneys notice the difference immediately: timelines are met, evidence is complete, and reporting is precise and defensible.

Another critical factor that is sometimes overlooked is whether an investigator works from a professional office or out of their home. Since COVID, it’s become common for businesses to go remote, and investigators have followed that trend. Operating from home can reduce overhead and offer flexibility, but it doesn’t always convey professionalism or provide the same security for sensitive information. Some database providers require a commercial office with locked file drawers during the vetting process. I’ve seen instances where case materials were left unsecured, or client meetings were conducted in informal settings, which can undermine confidence in the process. A dedicated office space sends a clear message: this is a professional operation with stable systems in place to manage and protect confidential information.

Part-time investigators can have value, particularly for smaller or highly specialized projects. However, for high-stakes cases where timing, thoroughness, and courtroom credibility matter, the difference between a full-time professional and a part-time operator can be the difference between success and compromise. Attorneys rely on investigators not just to gather information, but to do so reliably, efficiently, and with discretion. That level of trust is built over time, and it comes from investigators who live and breathe their work.

I've seen first-hand the difference that a full-time, professional approach makes. Our team is composed of retired law enforcement professionals and seasoned investigators who bring decades of experience to every case. We maintain a professional office, invest in the tools necessary to conduct comprehensive investigations, and commit fully to each assignment. The result is work that attorneys can trust to be complete, accurate, and defensible in court.

I’ve also observed another subtle but important factor: part-time investigators who rely on pensions or other income may not feel the same pressure to deliver quickly or thoroughly. A full-time investigator, whose livelihood depends on the quality and reputation of their work, brings an added level of accountability. When an attorney hires a full-time professional, they are hiring someone whose entire career depends on excellence, reliability, and integrity. That is not something a side-hustle investigator can always offer.

In the end, attorneys have a responsibility to their clients to gather the strongest possible evidence. That means choosing investigators who are available, experienced, and professionally equipped to handle the demands of modern legal cases. It may not be a popular opinion in today’s environment, where part-time and home-based businesses are common, but based on my experience, the difference is real and measurable. Full-time investigators with professional offices provide consistency, credibility, and results that attorneys and ultimately their clients can depend on.