Private Investigation Pricing in California

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A property owner suspects a tenant is running an unauthorized subleasing operation, in direct violation of their rental agreement. To gather definitive proof for civil action, the investigator conducts 5 hours of staggered, fixed surveillance at the property over a five-day period to document occupancy patterns and identify unauthorized residents. The investigation concludes by providing the property owner with the concrete evidence required to confidently initiate formal eviction proceedings.

Cost Breakdown:

1. $600 Fixed Surveillance (5 hours staggered over 5 days)
2. $300 Investigative Report Total: $900

The complete investigative report is provided to the client, featuring time-stamped images/video and background intelligence on the unauthorized occupants, packaged as a court-ready document.

The client, residing on the East Coast, requests assistance locating their 20-year-old daughter who is currently unhoused in the Santa Cruz area. Utilizing specialized local intelligence and established law enforcement liaisons, the investigator identifies known frequented locations and high-activity zones. Over the course of several days, the investigator conducts 10 hours of targeted field operations and foot surveillance, successfully locating the subject at a local motel. A careful welfare check is conducted, and the investigator establishes a communication bridge by providing the subject with a pre-paid cellular device, allowing direct contact with her family.

Cost Breakdown:

1. $1,200 Field Operations & Targeted Location Surveillance (10 hours)
2. $300 Intelligence Gathering & Law Enforcement Liaison (Administrative/Report Fee)
3. $100 Pre-paid cellular device Total: $1,600

Note: While a formal, court-ready report was not requested for this specific family matter, the administrative fee covers the extensive location intelligence and local agency coordination required to safely and effectively execute the locate.

The client is preparing to promote a regional manager to the Executive Team. However, internal rumors suggest the target is operating a competing side business on company time. The investigator conducts preliminary background findings and 10 hours of combined mobile and fixed surveillance. The investigation concludes when the client is provided with photographic evidence of the subject utilizing company vehicles and time for outside commercial interests, allowing the client to terminate employment safely rather than promoting a liability.

Cost Breakdown:

1. $750 Mobile surveillance (5 hours)
2. $600 Fixed surveillance (5 hours)
3. $300 Investigative report Total: $1,650 The complete investigative report is provided to the client, with images/video and background intelligence, as a legal-ready document.