FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Can a Private Investigator obtain cellphone records?

Yes. Only with the owner’s consent. However, it is generally illegal for a Private Investigator to obtain an individual’s cellphone records in Canada without the account owner’s consent. Those who can obtain these records without consent, must fall under law enforcement and have already obtained a warrant or subpoena from a court. All Private Investigators must comply with the privacy laws within their respective province. As such, Private Investigators can utilize other legal means to obtain other relevant information which would pertain to an investigation.

Can a Private Investigator track my partner’s cellphone?

No. It is illegal in Canada. While technology exists which would facilitate an individual to track another person’s cellphone, it is illegal to track someone’s cellphone activity or to monitor the GPS location of the phone. Tracking can only be legally conducted with the expressed consent of the person who you would like to be tracked. The only entities who can track cellphones without consent are law enforcement agents, who have been granted wiretapping privileges and/or a warrant.

Can any Private Investigator help me?

No. In Canada, only a licensed Private Investigator can assist you with an investigative request, and only if the request is handled by or through a licensed Private Investigative Agency. An individual Private Investigator cannot assist with an investigative request if they act alone for personal gain and/or in the absence of an agency. Generally, Private Investigators assist with matters including Child Custody, Missing Persons, Surveillance, Undercover Investigations, GPS Tracking, Skip Tracing, Social Media Searches, Background Checks, Strike Monitoring, and much more.

If I hire a Private Investigator, is my personal information safe?

Yes. All licensed Canadian Private Investigators must adhere to the Personal Information Protection Electronic Documents Acts (PIPEDA). Personal information can only be used for the purposes for which it was collected. As such, a Private Investigative Agency will not disclose the personal information of its clients. Furthermore, all collected personal information from a client must be protected by appropriate safeguards, such as physical security and electronic security measures.

What are Private Investigators legally allowed to do?

Canadian Private Investigators provide a wide variety of services. These may include: WSIB investigations, insurance, and disability claims, asset protection, corporate security, information verification, locating missing persons, fraud investigations, social media searches, background searches, skip tracing, child custody information gathering and family welfare investigations, infidelity investigations, served documents, criminal investigations and much more.

Unlike what is portrayed in Hollywood, Private Investigators do not break into private buildings and/or residences, trespass, assault, intimidate or harass individuals. And unlike law enforcement, private investigators are not permitted to use badges as a form of identification. However, private investigators must display their government issued ID upon request.

Are Private Investigators governed by any government agencies?

All Private Investigators must retain a valid license issued by the respective Canadian province in which they operate. And to operate as an Investigator, an applicant must undergo rigorous training, testing, and a criminal background check. Once licensed, they must work through an investigative agency. In addition, companies offering investigative services must possess a valid agency license, and must fully understand their responsibilities under the Private Security And Investigative Services Act, 2005. By law, all investigative agencies must be bondable and must possess valid liability insurance. Furthermore, Private Investigative Agencies must maintain a sound understanding of the Trespass to Property Act and the Criminal Code.

Who can put a GPS tracker on a vehicle?

In Canada, if you are the owner of the vehicle you are tracking, it’s generally legal – whether the person driving knows about it or not. However, an individual cannot place a GPS tracker onto a vehicle if they do not own the vehicle, as it would infringe upon the person’s reasonable expectation of privacy. A Private Investigative Agency which provides GPS tracking can assist individuals, corporations, government, and non-profit entities; to monitor their assets in real-time. To purchase a GPS tracker or to obtain tracking services, please visit our ONLINE STORE.

How can I become a Private Investigator in Ontario?

To become a Private Investigator in Ontario, you will need to complete a Ministry-approved course either in person or online. Upon successful completion of the course, you will receive a confirmation number which will be used to verify your completion of the course and to then apply to take a written exam. Once you achieve the minimum passing grade on your exam, you can then apply for a Private Investigator license. A criminal and background check will be performed prior to any issue of license. And after that, it’s just a matter of getting hired by a licensed agency. To start the process now CLICK HERE. Alternatively, post-secondary institutions such as Sheridan College offer a 2-year Private Investigation program, which provides in-depth preparation for your career.

I want the financial or criminal history of someone. Can I get it?

Yes. Only with the consent of the individual. Personal financial information, as well as criminal history, are all protected under Canada’s Privacy Act. It is illegal to obtain this information without consent. Law enforcement personnel can legally access this information without consent, providing that there is a justification and reason for accessing it. Also note, if you are an employer, landlord or individual, it is required by law that you first obtain the consent of the individual you wish to investigate. If you have the consent of an individual and wish to conduct a background check for criminal, education, credit or social media history, please visit our ONLINE STORE.

What are the costs associated with an investigation?

So you have, or are considering hiring the professionals here at Present Truth Investigations Inc? Awesome! If you have not done so already, CLICK HERE to contact us about your matter. Otherwise, here’s a basic run-down of how we operate, and what to expect before and after your service request.

After we have sent you an estimate and you have completed our INTAKE FORM, we will then send you an invoice. The invoice will highlight the cost of the specific search and/or a retainer amount for the surveillance or in-field investigation requested. The retainer amount is often a portion of the overall cost and it is held in trust by our agency. During and after a surveillance or in-field investigation, you may be invoiced for the remainder of the retainer and for additional miscellaneous expenses.

Other possible miscellaneous expenses may include, the kilometers incurred by the investigator(s), the travel time of the investigator(s) to/from the investigation location and report and video editing time. Beyond this, other expenses would be agreed upon prior to, or during the active investigation. All associated expenses will be highlighted on your estimate and invoice. Should you have further questions or wish to discuss your matter, please do not hesitate to contact us at info@presenttruthinvestigations.com or by calling 1-844-610-1832.

What evidence do I get after an investigation?

For most searches and investigative efforts, we provide detailed written reports as well as any video captured during each file. While it is not as common for images and pictures to be taken, we can include images upon request, or as required within a report. All images and video are date and time-stamped for evidentiary reasons. All electronic evidence is kept on file for a period of no less than 5 years. And depending on the type of investigation, our typical turnaround for electronic evidence is between 1-5 business days.

Additionally, physical evidence can also be couriered or delivered to clients, if collected during the course of our efforts. All physical evidence is logged with a documented chain of custody. Lastly, all evidence obtained by Present Truth Investigations Inc., can be used for legal proceedings and/or as evidence for law enforcement. Feel free to contact us should you have questions, or to request a copy of obtained electronic evidence by emailing info@presenttruthinvestigations.com.

Do Private Investigators work with the Police?

Yes and no. Canadian Private Investigators are not directly employed or commissioned by law enforcement entities. As such, investigative agencies generally are not granted access to Police files. Nor are they provided with information that would pertain to any active investigation. That said, the legal evidence obtained by a private investigator can be an invaluable resource to law enforcement. In such events where evidence is shared, private investigators may collaborate with law enforcement in joint operations. And, in the right circumstances, a Police service may directly hire an investigative agency as a third-party resource. However, such incidences are rare.