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 […]
background check
Preservation Letters
A version of Private Investigator Steven Mason’s article first appeared in Pursuit Magazine. Disclaimer: The author is not an attorney, and the information contained within this article should not be construed as legal advice. The goal of all private investigations is to locate and collect information and evidence. For private investigators who work on […]
Address Histories
Note: Private Investigator Steven Mason’s article originally appeared at PInow.com. One of the most important pieces of data for an investigator to know about someone who is the subject of inquiry is his or her address history. Franky, it’s difficult to imagine any investigation that can’t benefit from knowledge of the target’s address history. Asset […]
FBI Fingerprint Background Checks 101
In my line of work as a private investigator, I’m often asked to do “FBI nationwide background checks” for private clients, to assure them that their persons of interest do not have any skeletons in their closets. Sadly, this is when I explain that a nationwide background check does not exist, meaning that a […]
Private Investigators Are Vital to Attorneys – Part 2
“I think any case that has any real complexity is going to require a private investigator for something.” – Ellen Henak, Appellate Lawyer. This blog series covers the importance of using private investigators to garner positive outcomes in settlements and trials. To refresh your memory, in Part 1 I discussed in detail how private investigators […]
Private Investigators Are Vital to Attorneys – Part 1
“A good investigator is generally more valuable than a good lawyer” – F. Lee Bailey, Defense Attorney. A seasoned private investigator is adept at separating fact from fiction, and that skill can directly affect the outcome of a settlement or trial. That’s why a first-rate private investigator is a critical component of any attorney’s arsenal. […]
Should You Be Your Own Private Investigator?
“Why can’t I just carry out this investigation on my own?” As a private investigator, I have been asked this question more times that I can remember. And to be perfectly honest, people are likely asking this because good private investigators don’t come cheap. While there may be instances when a person […]