In January 2023, Mason Investigative Solutions opened its 1000th case. Here are some lessons that Private Investigator Steven Mason learned along the way.
- Network – An investigator’s network is everything. One must exchange ideas daily with other investigators. Investigators who exist on their own desert island and never network, participate in associations, or are willing to have dialogue with other investigators for the sake of sharing techniques, are not operating at their full potential.
- Training – The investigative landscape is changing by the hour. New techniques and resources are being born as you read this. Methods and information learned last year may be outdated or no longer the industry standard. Training frequently is essential.
- Ways of Doing Things – There are numerous ways to conduct an investigation. While there is not necessarily a right or wrong way of doing certain things, some ways are definitely better than others.
- Reliability of Information – All open-source information should be verified to the extent possible. Never rely on just one source.
- Tools – World-class tools and data sources aren’t cheap. If you seek to hire the cheapest investigator, there is a good possibility that the cheapest investigator is not investing in tools and training. (Yes, we hire investigators too!)
- Professionals Only – Investigation is an art and not a science. Locating information is more than an internet connection, a Google search, or someone who is “good with computers.” There are industry standards, specific tools, and a level of knowledge that is required to obtain information hidden below the surface.
Here’s to 1000 more cases!