Frequently Asked Questions

Do you provide a uniformed guard service?

Yes, but only in a limited, specialized capacity. We are not a 'big box' firm and we are not interested in competing with corporations that will put any warm body in a uniform at minimum wage. If you have a need for uniformed guard services, let us know and if we can't help, we will point you towards a reputable agency that we are familiar with to fulfill your uniformed guard service needs.

Can you run a plate for me?

No, due to Canada's privacy laws, private investigators in Canada (with the exception of Ontario) cannot pull information regarding the subject of investigations using a license plate number. We can search a variety of other open source databases and use a variety of other investigative techniques to locate and identify persons of interest.

Are private investigators and security service providers required to be insured?

Yes, under the Alberta Security Services and Investigators Act (SSIA), all private investigation and security service providers are required to carry at least $1,000,000.00 of general liability insurance to obtain their business license with the province.

Is it legal to record someone?

Generally, it is illegal to secretly record oral communications between two or more people unless you have the consent of at least one of the individuals involved (single party consent). For pure video recording with no sound, you may have greater freedom to secretly tape people.

Audio communication
There is a general prohibition against interception of private communications of others by use of electronic or other devices. The Criminal Code provides that everyone who, by any electro-magnetic, acoustic, mechanical, or other device, willfully intercepts a private communication, may be imprisoned for up-to five years. The Criminal Code also grants a punitive tort award of up to $5,000 if the aggrieved person has not commenced a separate civil proceeding.

Video surveillance
The prohibition against intercepting private communications does not apply to the use of video surveillance equipment where no sound is involved. There is no criminal sanction against photographing or filming people or property open to public view. The Criminal Code only applies to the use of video surveillance equipment if it is used to intercept private communications

Can you guarantee discretion during an investigation?

We will absolutely never share any personal details about your situation with anyone, to include the police, unless we are legally compelled to do so, which is rare. There is always a risk of getting 'burned' on any investigation, which is when the subject of an investigation discovers that they are under investigation. We are trained and experienced in the fieldcraft required to do our job covertly, however even the most seasoned surveillance operators are occasionally compromised in the field. In such rare cases, surveillance is discontinued and the client is advised immediately.

What are the main differences between police and private investigators?

Private investigators are not law enforcement agents and cannot present ourselves as such. We don't carry firearms, pepper spray or tasers, we don't have special driving privileges and we do not have the same access to information as police agencies. Private investigators, however, can be proactive instead of reactive. We do not need to wait for a crime to occur before beginning an investigation. We are not burdened by the same resource constraints that often force police to de-prioritize certain investigations. If we take your case, we are committed to you and will do everything in our power to help you.

What areas do you service?

We are Calgary, Alberta based, but can provide investigative and security services all over the province of Alberta. We are willing and able to travel to conduct investigations and offer security services. If the course of an investigation takes us out of province, our investigators are cross licensed for several other provinces as well. If you aren't sure if we can provide service in your area, simply ask.

I have never hired a PI before, what does the process look like?

Contact us to discuss your concerns confidentially during a free consultation. We will present viable solutions that we can offer. If you decide to retain us, we will ask you a series of questions to gather all the information required to start the investigation on your behalf, discuss your budget for the investigation and collect a retainer. We will advise when you can expect the investigation to begin and then we get to work, updating you as the investigation progresses. Once complete, we will present you with a detailed written report and any photo or video evidence that was gathered.

What about security related services?

Contact us to discuss your concerns confidentially during a free consultation. We will present viable solutions that we can offer. If you decide to retain us, we will discuss your budget, collect a retainer and discuss a mutually agreed upon date for the work to begin. Longer term solutions will continue to be billed weekly or monthly, dependent on the situation.