Wednesday, November 15, 2006

New York New York Private Investigator

The PInow.com team would like to welcome their newest member, Pinnacle Protective Services Inc, to the state of New York.

Pinnacle Protective Services reputation within the legal, manufacturing, insurance, and investigative communities is unparalleled. Pinnacle Protective Services, Inc., provides a full range of investigative specialties. From the cutting edge of Information Technology to Sam Spade tradecraft, our professional investigators will provide you with the knowledge and evidence you need, be it locally, nationally, or internationally.

We apply multiple disciplines to arrive at solutions for cases that may morph as the problems or issues change. In depth quality research, combined with the superior investigative methods produce facts and solutions that not only work for you, but give you the confidence that your investigations are in the right hands.

For more information please see the PInow.com profile page for:
Pinnacle Protective Services Inc

Gainesville Florida Investigator

The PInow.com team would like to welcome their newest member, Jack Smith Investigations, to the state of Florida.

Jack Smith is retired after having spent twenty five years in a local law enforcement
agency. He is well versed in all area's of the law and spent twenty years assigned to
the Forensic Unit where he was subjected to a variety of Crime Scenes ranging from
minor burglaries to major homicides.

Jack Smith has served as an expert witness in Circuit Court, Federal Court, Judicial
Hearings and Traffic Court in fingerprint analysis and crime scene processing and
evidence collecting procedures. Certified with AFIS through the Florida Department of
Law Enforcement, he has also received training with the FBI, and the International
Association of Identification.

For more information please see the PInow.com profile page for:
Jack Smith Investigations

Tallahassee FL Private Investigator

The PInow.com team would like to welcome their newest member, AKA Investigations & Information Specialists, to the state of Florida.

AKA is a full service investigations agency that provides a wide range of legal investigative services for attorneys, insurance agents, corporations, business owners, human resource officers, government entities, individuals and other private investigators. We are committed to client privacy and conduct all of our investigations and assignments with complete confidentiality and discretion. AKA is fully licensed (#A2500058) and insured. Our Tallahassee, Florida location provides direct and quick access to numerous government agencies and offices, enabling AKA to provide clients with accurate and timely services in the most cost effective manner. AKA also has access to numerous out-of-state resources, agencies and national databases throughout the United States allowing us to obtain similar information from other jurisdictions.

St Augustine Florida PI

The PInow.com team would like to welcome their newest member, Web Exploration Group LLC, to the state of Florida.

Former Special Forces Green Beret, Unorthodox Methods Used, 100% Success Rate. The Web Exploration Group provides investigation, process service and security consultancy throughout Florida. The foundation of our team’s expertise is rests on our founder’s 20 years of experience in the civilian and military fields.

Our private investigators, who are licensed in the states of New York and Florida, have access to the Web Group's state-of-the-art investigative and surveillance equipment. Given our diverse background, we understand that in order to get results, we may have to conduct business by unorthodox means. To be candid, we are not your run-of-the-mill investigative service. We do not operate using predictable or patterned methods.

For more information please see the PInow.com profile page for:
Web Exploration Group, LLC

Santa Ana CA Private Investigator

The PInow.com team would like to welcome their latest California investigator: 877Truth99.com.

877Truth99.com has been providing professional services to large and small businesses, law firms, insurance companies and private citizens for over 18 years.

Staffed by seasoned professional process services and investigators, we're trained to deal with all aspects of process serving, on-site document reproduction and investigations. We utilize sophisticated investigative techniques, and incorporate the latest technology. This coupled with our agency's tried-and-true, street-smart investigative experience, provides our clients with the best possible services. Our staff excels in solving problems involving complex issues. No matter what your need, you will find us knowledgeable, skilled and professional.

877 Truth99.com offers local, nationwide and international investigative and process services.

Ellisville MS Private Investigator

The PInow.com team would like to welcome their newest member, Keith Davis Investigations LLC, to the state of Mississippi.

Keith Davis Investigations provides investigative services to all of Jones County, MS and surrounding counties.

For more information please see the PInow.com profile page for:
Keith Davis Investigations LLC

Ft Collins Colorado Investigator

The PInow.com team would like to welcome their newest member, Front Range Surveillance, to Larimer County, CO.

The Front Range Surveillance investigative professionals will assist corporations, law firms, insurance companies and individuals in a number of areas of investigation. No matter what your investigative needs are, Front Range can help you in obtaining the information you are seeking.

Denver Colorado Private Investigator

The PInow.com team would like to welcome their newest member, Front Range Surveillance, to the state of Colorado.

The investigative professionals at Front Range Surveillance can assist corporations, law firms, insurance companies and individuals in a number of areas of investigation. Regardless of your investigative needs, Front Range Surveillance can assist you in obtaining the information you are seeking. Front Range Surveillance covers all of Colorado.

For more information please see the PInow.com profile page for:
Front Range Surveillance

Garland Texas Private Investigator

The PInow.com team would like to welcome their newest member, Investigative Solutions Group, Unlimited, to Texas.

With over 21 years of experience in investigations in both persona and corporate settings, Mrs. Rose is dedicated to supplying precise and accurate information by being involved in every case handled by this firm. Mrs. Rose utilizes her paralegal training in designing informative, but non-incriminating reports for the client's protection. ISGU strives to give the most professional and personal service in the industry.

Ready to meet the client's needs, ISGU offers custom designed reports, and uses the most up-to-date equipment (i.e., pin-hole cameras, low-light recording) at no additional cost to the client. ISGU achieves the most important goal: Securing accurate and relevant information in an expedient and cost effective manner. With the combined expertise of ISGU’s excellent staff, many of the nation’s top companies have come to rely on ISGU’s services PRIOR to making a decision and the relying on a Plan of Action recommended by ISGU.

For more information please see the PInow.com profile page for:
Investigative Solutions Group, Unlimited

Tampa Fl Private Investigator

The PInow.com team would like to welcome their newest member to Florida.

Robert W. Gietzen has 35 years of investigative Experience, 20 of those years spent as a law enforcement officer on county and state levels. 15 years were spent as a state attorney investigator where he specialized in sophisticated white collar crime cases.

Mr. Gietzen has a degree in police science and administration and is a Florida Certified Investigator. He is a Board Certified Criminal Defense Investigator and has testified as an expert in state and federal court in the area of investigations. He is also a past president of the Florida Association of Professional Process Servers. In following through with his part in the investigative community Mr. Gietzen was an adjunct professor and author of the syllabus for Hillsborough Community College's private investigator's course.

After retirement from law enforcement Mr. Gietzen founded Gietzen & Associates, Inc. to provide a high quality, full service investigative agency. As a result of his endeavor to provide the the best service and his eye for talented people, Mr. Gietzen employs only highly qualified staff members.

Gietzen & Associates, Inc. provides superior service of process to all clients (federal, state, county, civil and criminal) at reasonable rates while at all times maintaining the highest standards of professionalism.

For more information please see:
Gietzen & Associates, Inc

Tuesday, November 14, 2006

Investigation News - Nanny 911: Top Warning Signs You Need Another Nanny Check – And An Investigator - PInow.com Investigator Directory

Parents are increasingly worried about the caregivers who care for their children. While carefully pre-employment screening can help parents find qualified nannies and babysitters, parents need to remain vigilant even after hiring, as problems can occur at any time.

According to 2002 census studies, about 360,000 US children (or about 3.7%) were cared for by non-relatives in their own home. These child care workers included au pairs, babysitters, and nannies working in the child’s family home. Given that so many parents are allowing caregivers into their home – and trusting these individuals with the welfare of their children – it is not surprising that many parents worry about the care their children receive. High-profile cases of nannies and babysitters accused of abuse only heighten anxiety.

Before Hiring A Nanny

To get the best possible care for their children, parents need to be pro-active in hiring the best possible caregivers. Complex hiring laws mean that parents cannot always ask the questions they wish to ask in order to hire the best possible nanny or babysitter. Caregiver agencies may or may not have strict hiring guidelines in place, so an agency is not always a better option. To really find out whether a caregiver is safe, parents need to turn to an experienced, local investigator, who can conduct a completely legal but thorough pre-employment check on the caregiver.

Potential Signs of Trouble

Even when parents have chosen a babysitter, nanny, or caregiver wisely, child safety is not guaranteed. Parents need to remain alert, since changes in the nanny’s personal life may affect the caregiver’s behavior after the caregivers are hired. A nanny may not have a record of reckless driving or criminal behavior, but can develop serious problems at any time. Staying alert for signs of trouble include watching for the following signs:

  • Sudden lack of communication. Good caregivers spend time talking with parents and with children. This helps keep lines of communication open and helps put everyone at ease. If a nanny suddenly becomes withdrawn, there may be a personal problem or issue that needs to be resolved.
  • Changes in appearance, weight, or personal hygiene habits. Again, this can be a sign of a worry or problem. It can also signal a problem that can affect the caregiver’s ability to do their job. Parents should ask whether everything is alright and make an offer of help.
  • A new group of friends that seem to be a bad influence. Not every parent knows who their nanny or caregiver socializes with. However, if a parent suddenly notices their caregiver spending time with questionable persons, that may be a sign of trouble.
  • Sudden changes in behavior.
  • Sudden changes in children’s behavior. If children suddenly have an issue with the caregiver or seem to be having more accidents than normal, resulting in bruises, it is time for parents to get involved.
  • Others report signs of problems. Parents may be among the last to know that a caregiver is in trouble. All reports of potential problems must be taken seriously.

Any parent who notices signs of trouble after hiring a nanny should contact a qualified private investigator for help. An experienced private investigator can run a discreet and completely legal investigation to ensure that the children are safe and well cared for.

Are Nanny Cams The Answer?

Many parents worry even when there are no warning signs of trouble. After all, in some cases there are no signs of problems until disaster strikes. Some people are simply very good at hiding neglect, criminal behavior, or personal problems. As a result, some parents consider nanny cams as a possible solution. These hidden cameras monitor nannies and caregivers occasionally or around the clock, giving parents a “sneak peek” at what goes on when the caregiver is left alone with children.

Nanny cams can uncover and stop child abuse and neglect. They can also be an inexpensive way to get some peace of mind. However, these types of spy cameras can cause a number of legal hassles. In many cases, videotaping someone without their consent can lead to lawsuits. In California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, Oregon, Pennsylvania, and Washington it is illegal to tape someone without their consent. At the very least, videotaping a caregiver without getting their consent can lead to friction and to a termination of employment – not what most parents want when they find a qualified caregiver.

The solution is to ask for permission before installing a nanny cam. Parents who think there may be something amiss need to take additional steps – it is unlikely that caregivers will allow themselves to be caught on tape neglecting or abusing their charges. A better solution is a private investigator, who can set up a surveillance system in the home and legally gather evidence that will stand up in court. A qualified investigator will provide more thorough information than a nanny cam and will do a better job of protecting children from potential abuse and neglect.

Parents everywhere can use the PInow.com Worldwide Directory of Private Investigators to find local, qualified investigators who can help them get the truth about caregivers. For real results from professional investigators, the PInow.com Worldwide Directory of Private Investigators is the smart parent’s choice.

About PInow.com
PInow.com (http://www.pinow.com/) is a Worldwide Directory of Private Investigators that enables law firms, corporations and the general public to find investigators anywhere. PInow.com strives to be the most trusted resource on the web to locate qualified investigators. All investigators listed on PInow.com are pre-screened and must meet specific listing requirements.

PInow.com was developed by the team that brought you the ServeNow.com Process Servers Directory (http://www.serve-now.com/).

Visit PInow.com to find investigators who can help with all your investigation needs.

Similar Surveillance Articles here

Monday, November 13, 2006

Does the Internet Make Cheating Easier – Or Just Easier to Detect?

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Orange CA Private Investigator

The PInow.com team would like to welcome their newest member to California.

Mancini & Associates is a full service investigation firm specializing in litigation preparation (criminal & civil), insurance defense (property & casualty, liability, and workers’ compensation), subrogation and entertainment related matters. For a free consultation, please call (800) 719-1574.

David Mancini (President) has over 16 years of investigative experience both as a police officer and within the private sector. Brian Liddy (Vice President) has over 24 years of investigative experience both as a police officer and within the private sector.

For more information please see:
Mancini & Associates

Social Security agency warns of e-mail scam

The U.S. Social Security Administration is warning the public about a fraudulent e-mail purporting to be from the agency and designed to lure users into divulging personal information.

In a statement published on its Web site, the SSA said it has received several reports of an e-mail being circulated with the subject header of "Cost-of-Living for 2007 update." The e-mail is designed to appear as if it were from the agency and provides information about a 3.3% benefit increase for 2007. It then proceeds to ask the recipient for personal information warning that those who failed to provide it by Nov. 11 would have their accounts suspended indefinitely.

Social Security agency warns of e-mail scam

Wednesday, November 08, 2006

School Asking Parents For Criminal Background Check

Times are changing for kids in school and school policies are changing right along with them.

Starting this year, Lubbock Independent School District is making every school volunteer, including parents, fill out a criminal history background check. NewsChannel 11's Jennifer Vogel asks questions about how this new system will mean even more safety for students.

This policy comes one year after David Kennimer was found guilty of sneaking onto the Dupree Elementary campus, taking pictures of little girls and molesting one of them. During his October 3rd trial the principal said they did do a criminal background check on Kennimer, but the results didn't come back until too late. Now, LISD has a new policy and a new company that will get results faster.

Click here to read the full article

Mortgage Fraud: The Worst Crime You’ve Never Heard Of

Recently, a developer regaled me with a story about a house that seemed to be cursed.

Although he beautifully renovated it and priced it below market, the Oakland bungalow just wouldn’t sell. Deals fell through repeatedly for bizarre and unrelated reasons: Buyers got cold feet, or moved — one was even arrested. By the time the fourth deal collapsed, the developer was in an acute state of financial panic.

So, when one of the mortgage brokers who had helped a previous prospective buyer called with a new one who would close the deal for — get this — $100,000 over the asking price, he naturally jumped at the offer.

“The catch was that I had to give the $100K back to them after the close of escrow,” the guy told me, still looking shell-shocked. “I couldn’t understand why they would want to do that. The place was completely remodeled.” (Most buyers who get cash back after escrow pour that money into repairs. Typically, though, lenders like to keep this amount to no more than 3 percent of the purchase price.)

Read the rest of the article by click here

Background checks now can avert problems later

The hiring process is time-consuming and expensive enough without adding possible litigation to the list of employer concerns.

Unfortunately, recent statistics overwhelmingly demonstrate that many companies, ranging from family-owned businesses to major corporations, make mistakes that leave them open to unnecessary risk:

  • Research conducted by the Society for Human Resource Management shows that 50 percent of all resumes and applications contain fabrications.
  • The U.S. Department of Commerce estimates that employee theft causes 33 percent of all business failures.
  • According to Department of Justice statistics, workplace violence accounts for 18 percent of all violent crimes.
  • Overall, 66 percent of negligent hiring trial cases result in jury awards averaging $600,000 in damages, and the Workplace Violence Research Institute reports that the average jury award for civil suits on behalf of the injured is $3 million.

While most companies provide applicants with standard employment applications, review resumes and conduct interviews, in today’s society, additional steps are required to create a thorough and thoughtful hiring process, even when recruiters are involved.

Read the entire article by clicking here

Monday, November 06, 2006

Your Toolkit For A Successful Missing Persons Investigation

While no family wants to consider what may happen if a loved one goes missing, knowing what to do is a must. Being prepared greatly increases the chances that the missing person will be returned quickly and safely.

When a loved one goes missing, panic as well as worry sets in. Although no one wants to think about the possibility of having a loved one go missing, if the worst does happen, being prepared can drastically improve the chances of finding the missing person quickly. For parents, especially, having a toolkit is essential for peace of mind. Knowing what to do and where to turn when the worst happens is imperative. In cases where a loved one has Alzheimer’s or another condition that can mean they can get lost easily, being prepared only makes sense.

If A Loved One Goes Missing

If a loved one goes missing, contact the police. Many law enforcement agencies have policies about handling missing persons cases. Some agencies do not consider a person missing until a specific amount of time has passed. It can be extremely upsetting to hear that a loved one is not considered missing and that police can do nothing, but staying calm and making that initial phone call to the authorities is a must. It gets the process of filing a missing person’s report started. Calling the police also ensures that if the authorities do encounter any information about the missing person, they can use that information right away.


If a loved one goes missing, it is also important to gather as much information as possible. The last known location and the last person to speak to the missing person can be important clues for authorities. Information about what the person was last wearing can also be useful. Gathering together personal effects, phone numbers of friends, and recent photographs can all help trace a missing person.

Many families decide to hire a private investigator if a missing persons case is not resolved quickly. A professional investigator can use surveillance and other methods to locate people. An investigator may be able to devote more time to a specific case than the local law enforcement professionals and may be more willing to work closely with families to find missing persons.

What You Should Have In a Missing Persons Kit to Give To Authorities

Gathering or already having specific items can really help locate missing family members fast. Parents with children and families who have persons at risk should gather the following:

  • Basic information. Information about a person’s habits, height, weight, eye color and other physical characteristics are important for all people locate cases.
  • Recent videos and photographs. While videos are best, high-quality photos are also important in helping authorities identify missing persons. In the Elizabeth Smart case, it was pictures of the girl that led to her safe return home. Having photos and videos to offer to the media, especially, can be useful.
  • Personal history. Any past medical problems or similar situations should be shared with authorities.
  • Identifying characteristics. Any tattoos, body piercings, or medical alert bracelets should be described to authorities. If a loved one has a condition that may allow them to wander off, providing that family member with a medical alert bracelet can be important, as it can tell authorities that the person needs help – even before a missing persons report is filed.
  • Media contacts. Unfortunately, media coverage can determine the success of a missing persons case. The recent case of Michelle Gardner-Quinn in Vermont got extensive media coverage, meaning that many more people were aware of the crime. In the Elizabeth Smart case, national coverage eventually broke the case when the girl was spotted by someone who had seen the media reports on the girl’s abduction. That tip led to Smart’s return home.
  • Personal information. Information about where a person may turn can provide important leads. Having access to someone’s phone list, cell phone number (investigators can trace calls made to and from the phone) and planner can all tell authorities where a person is most likely to go.

Why Hiring A Private Investigator Makes Sense

While local law enforcement is the first place families should call, police enforcement agencies only look for missing persons in specific cases. In many cities, police agencies have very limited resources to spend on missing persons cases. Unfortunately, it often seems that police officers often look for missing persons who have the most media attention. For all these reasons, many families choose to hire a private investigator with person locate experience when a family member goes missing. An investigator is often willing to get involved in a case right away. A professional investigator also lets you remain involved in the case, and will keep looking until you say otherwise.

Finding a qualified, experienced investigator is as simple as consulting the PInow.com Worldwide Directory of Private Investigators. With the PInow.com Worldwide Directory of Private Investigators, anyone can find a professional investigator who can help.

Click here to read similar investigative articles:
PInow.com Investigation News

Your Civil Case May Require a Private Investigator

Anyone involved in a civil suit likely has an attorney to represent them legally. More and more plaintiffs, though, are finding that consulting with a civil investigator as well as an attorney can produce better legal results.

In October 2006, 3,000 pounds of seudoephedrine (a substance used to make the illicit and very addictive drug methamphetamine) were sized in a Kearny, New Jersey warehouse by federal Drug Enforcement Administration agents. The tip off that the drug was there came from civil investigators. In October 2006, as well, civil investigations into alleged price fixing by airlines led to the resignation of two high-level directors at airlines.

The truth is, civil investigators get results and often work closely with criminal investigators to uncover fraud, harassment, and other criminal activity. Attorneys often use civil investigators to gather information and evidence needed to win civil cases. However, and increasing number of plaintiffs are hiring civil investigators on their own. By hiring both an investigator and attorney, some plaintiffs are finding they can enjoy better results as well as more control over their cases. For example, plaintiffs involved in a drawn-out sexual harassment lawsuit against Thurston County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office were able to gather evidence of inappropriate language through civil investigation.


There are a number of civil cases that can be helped along with a civil investigation:

  • Child custody and recovery cases. In these cases, civil investigators can uncover evidence of child abuse or neglect that can prove whether one spouse should be entrusted with the children more. Asset searches in these cases can reveal whether one spouse has hidden assets that can be used to support the children.
  • Corporate cases. In these cases, civil investigators can use due diligence investigations, asset searches, surveillance, witness location, and computer investigations to uncover the sometimes complicated details of company management. These investigations can be a big help for companies facing due diligence, fraud, or other lawsuit cases. Businesses affected by theft of trade secrets or trademark infringement can also benefit from civil investigators, who can find the evidence needed to start a lawsuit that can mean compensation for businesses.
  • Marital infidelity cases. Civil investigators can gather evidence of infidelity that can help in civil suits and lawsuits in court.
  • Missing person’s cases. Civil investigators can use skip tracing and missing persons investigations to locate people who are lost. In cases where foul play is suspected, investigators can gather the evidence that may be needed in a criminal investigation.
  • Personal injury cases. For anyone injured by a defective product or accident, civil investigators can be a big help. They can uncover evidence of neglect or recklessness, and this can help victims get compensation for their medical bills and other costs associated with the personal injury.
  • Workers compensation cases. Civil investigators can use surveillance and other methods to gather evidence of workers compensation fraud for companies who may be unwittingly paying benefits to workers who are, in fact, fit to work. For individual workers, civil investigators can gather evidence of incomplete compensation pay or other problems.

Anyone involved in a civil suit should speak to their attorney to find out what steps are being taken to gather evidence for the case. Plaintiffs may want to spend extra time talking to an investigator on their own if they need additional evidence or worry about the quality of evidence gathered by the attorney’s own investigative team.

Finding a civil investigator to help in these cases is not difficult. Anyone can find a qualified investigator in their area through the PInow.com Worldwide Directory of Private Investigators. The PInow.com Worldwide Directory of Private Investigators offers the facts and listings that can help anyone find an experienced investigator fast.

For more articles similar to this, click below:
PInow.com Investigation News

New York NY Private Investigator

The PInow.com team would like to welcome their newest member to New York.

Sherlock Investigations, Inc. provides investigative services to all of New York City. Whatever your problem, Sherlock's private investigators are here to help you. We're old-fashioned private investigators with modern tools, not data brokers or information brokers. Your privacy and confidentiality is assured. Based in New York City, Sherlock Investigations' clients come from all 50 states and 75 countries. As a result, Sherlock's private investigators are among the best known in the world. Sherlock's clients include politicians, law enforcement, entertainers, attorneys, accountants, manufacturers, publishers, the fashion world, and private citizens.
Sherlock's full staff of private investigators welcome the challenge of unusual cases.

For more information please see:
Sherlock Investigations, Inc.

Investigator in Mason Ohio

The PInow.com team would like to welcome their newest member to Ohio.

Innovative Investigative Services provides investigative services to Warren County, OH. Robert A. Jack, Owner & Chief Investigator, brings nearly 40 years of investigative experience to Innovative. After serving six years in the USAF Criminal Investigative Section and a member of the OSI critical incident team, Robert joined the Mason Ohio Police Department where he served as a departmental supervisor for 23 of his 26 year career. While with the Mason Police Department Robert supervised the departments Field Training Program as well as the NCIC/LEADS criminal database. Robert was also a Traffic Crash Investigator, Police Canine/Bloodhound Trainer, and served on the Warren County Arson and Vehicle Theft Task Force.

For more information please see:
Innovative Investigative Services

Centennial Colorado Private Investigator

The PInow.com team would like to welcome their newest member to Colorado.

Alliance Background Investigation of Colorado, LLC provides investigative services to Douglas, Arapahoe, Jefferson, and Denver County, CO. Alliance Background Investigation offers a comprehensive variety of investigative and consumer services in research, people locates, and general investigations specializing in prevention of business fraud, background investigations, asset tracing and educational and reference verification.

For more information please see:
Alliance Background Investigation of Colorado, LLC

Thursday, November 02, 2006

How well do you know your Nanny or Babysitter?

Babysitter and nanny checks can help you find the right caregiver for your child.

If you are hiring a nanny, au pair, babysitter, tutor, or child caregiver of any kind, you need to check carefully. The news is full of stories of children who have been abused, hurt, and even killed through the recklessness or instability of the adult who was entrusted to care for them. Sadly, behind each of these headlines is a real-life tragedy. You do not want this to happen to you, so if you rely on anyone to care for your child - whether for weeks or just a few hours, you should consider running a thorough nanny check or babysitter check.

Experts recommend that at the very least you check:

1) References. This means more than glancing at the names a caregiver has printed on their resume. Call each reference and ask very specific questions: How long have you known this person? How did you find this caregiver? Can you give some specific examples of what the caregiver did right? Can you give an example of something you were unpleased with? How long did this person care for your child or children? Would you hire this person again? Why do you no longer hire this person (if this is the case)? Remember: caregivers can ask friends and acquaintances to act as references and some people will give positive references simply because they do not know someone well. Make sure that you are dealing with someone who knows the applicant well enough to judge and can provide you with specific reasons to hire this person.

2) Driving records. Having a private investigator run a nanny background check or babysitter public records search may seem extreme, but it is actually a surprisingly affordable way to make sure your trust is not badly misplaced. Making sure that your babysitter or nanny does not have DUI convictions, reckless driving incidents, or a string of accidents is crucial if your child’s caregiver will be driving your children anywhere.

3) Credit Checks. A big part of many babysitter checks and nanny checks includes credit checks. This is simply because credit is a good measure of overall responsibility. If someone is responsible with their financial responsibilities, they are more likely to be mature and responsible with their jobs.

4) Criminal Records. Almost all babysitter and nanny checks include criminal records checks. If your caregiver has a history of sexual assault or a criminal record, you will certainly want to know that before you hire them.

5) Experience. Again, when you call references, confirm how long your potential nanny or au pair has worked in the field. While experience is not everything, it is more likely to create a caregiver who can cope with most situations, which is crucial if you will be entrusting that person with your children.

6) Skills. Find out what specific skills (and related experience) a babysitter or nanny has. If they have acted as a tutor or have worked with special needs children, for example, these skills may translate to a higher level of care for your children.

7) Child Reaction. A crucial nanny check and babysitter check that many parents overlook is the child reaction. Does you child actually like their nanny or babysitter? If not, there could be something going on that you do not know about. Be especially careful about checking the reactions of children who are too young to talk. While it is normal for children to not want you to leave them with a stranger, any child who is not comfortable with their caregiver is not going to be on their best behavior. For both your child’s sake and the good of the caregiver, find a new babysitter or nanny.

8) Education. While the education requirements for au pairs and nannies do not have to be great, someone who has an emergency course, babysitting course, or child care course from a reputable source will at least be able to deal with common problems and emergencies – something that can keep your children safe and can offer you some peace of mind.

It may be unfair to expect the perfect child caregiver, nanny, or babysitter, but you owe it to your family to find the best person to take care of your children while you are away. That means running a careful nanny or babysitter check – or leaving that check to professional investigators – so that you can make an informed hiring decision.

This is not something you should ever cut corners on. If you do not have the time to check out applicants for yourself, look to the PInow.com Investigator Directory to find a local, qualified investigator who can run a nanny investigation or babysitter investigation for you. It could be the most important choice you make.

NOTE: When hiring a company to do any type of pre-employment screen you should make sure that they are a licensed Consumer Reporting Agency and provide their services in accordance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

For articles similar to the one above, please click the link below:
PInow.com Investigation News

What Exactly Are Criminal Records - And How Are They Used?

A recent arrest in Colorado shows how fallible criminal records searches can be – and why hiring a professional investigator to run a criminal records search is the best option.

When running a criminal background check, if you are searching records only in your state, you may not be getting the whole story.

In July 2006, convicted sex offender Jermaine Vaden was arrested in Aurora, Colorado for assaulting a minor. Vaden was working as a city worker at the time of the incident and had a previous conviction for sex offenses against minors in Oklahoma. The state laws did not require a criminal check to be run on Vaden because his job did not put him into direct contact with money or children, but he met his victim while working for the city, prompting many to request changes in the way background checks are run.

Click here to view the rest of PInow.com article

Domestic Investigations - When There is Trouble in the Home

Domestic investigations are one of the most common reasons private investigators are hired, and they can give you the results you need to get real peace of mind.

According to statistics, private investigators spend the majority of their time working on domestic investigations. Despite this fact, investigators report that clients coming to them for help with domestic matters often are reluctant or are embarrassed to share personal problems. The truth is that there is no reason to be shy about seeking out a domestic investigator. Not only are many investigators very experienced in this type of case, but the results from domestic investigations can dramatically improve your life. Consider the types of investigations that can help you:

Infidelity and Divorce
Divorce investigations and infidelity investigations can help you determine whether your spouse or partner is unfaithful. With more than 85% of women, and 80% of men correct in their suspicions about their partner’s unfaithfulness, the truth is that if you have a sneaking suspicion, you may be right, and an investigator can tell you for sure. Rest assured that private investigators are very discreet about trailing unfaithful spouses. They can even provide you with visual or audio evidence if that is what you need to put your

mind at ease. Private investigators deal with hundreds of these cases each year and can help you find out what you need to know.

Child Custody Investigations
Child custody and child support investigations help to keep your child safe and well-cared for. Investigators can run asset searches and missing persons searches in order to obtain the child support you have been awarded by a court. With the Department of Health and Human Services reporting that more than 46% of non-custodial mothers and more than 26% of non-custodial fathers totally default on support, these services are very common across the country today. Child custody investigations also can help ensure that the non-custodial parent does not neglect or abuse the child while they are in their care. This is a critical when you consider that since between 1976 and 1997, 11,000 children were murdered and thousands more were injured by parents or caregivers, according to the Present Federal Interagency Forum on Child and Family Statistics.

Background Checks and Criminal Investigations
Background and criminal investigations allow you to research those you trust in your home. According to statistics, 14% of child abuse cases involve a baby-sitter, nanny or other caregiver. With up to 10% of the American population having a criminal background, running criminal and background checks on anyone you trust inside your home just makes sense. Only an investigator can run these sorts of checks thoroughly, accurately, and with every concern for discretion.

Missing Persons Investigations
Missing persons investigations can help you find deadbeat parents, children, and other members of your family who have disappeared. Over 2300 Americans are reported missing each day under various circumstances, so that private investigators hear about many types of cases.

Surveillance and Home Security
Surveillance cameras and services can improve your home’s security, according to some case studies. You can work with private investigators to work out a good balance between your security and your privacy so that you can feel completely comfortable and safe.

Paternity Testing
Biological parent and child locator services help adoptive families find their biological roots. With more the National Adoption Information Clearinghouse reporting that more than one million children in the country live with two adoptive parents, finding biological parents or children is big business. It can also be a key investigation because it can provide adopted children with needed medical family histories.

Accident Investigation
Accident and abuse or incident investigation can help determine exactly what happens in a domestic incident. With 2/3 of homes affected by domestic violence and with domestic violence being the number one cause of emergency room visits by women, according to Woman’s Rural Advocacy Programs, these investigations are very common. These investigations can provide the evidence that women need to face their attackers in court.

Drug Abuse
Drug screening can help determine whether anyone in your family is abusing drugs. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 3.8% of minors aged 12 to 13 reported use of illegal drugs, and that percentage grows with age. An investigator can help run a thorough and discreet investigation that gets you answers about what is happening under your own roof.


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