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When people think of private investigators, they often picture trench coats, sunglasses, and shadowy alleys. But real private investigation—especially here in Austin, TX—is far more complex and valuable than Hollywood portrays.
At Special Investigations Group (SIG), we’re licensed professionals who uncover facts, gather evidence, and provide objective documentation for a wide range of personal, legal, and corporate matters. Whether you're dealing with a sensitive family issue, preparing for a legal case, or running a business, a private investigator can offer clarity and peace of mind when the truth matters most. Our investigators commonly conduct surveillance to document infidelity, child custody violations, insurance fraud, or employee misconduct. Using advanced equipment and proven methods, they observe and report activities discreetly—often capturing photo, video, and GPS data that can be used in court. For individuals, this might mean confirming a spouse's actions or documenting a co-parent’s behavior; for businesses, it could involve verifying injury claims or uncovering theft. Beyond surveillance, our PIs can perform background checks, locate missing persons, and verify identities. We have access to police grade databases and public records that go beyond a simple internet search, providing insight into someone’s criminal history, assets, litigation records, or known associates. In legal settings, our PIs often assist attorneys with witness interviews, evidence gathering, process serving, and expert testimony. Who Hires a Private Investigator in Austin? Our clients come from all walks of life, including:
If you live in Austin, Cedar Park, Round Rock, Georgetown, Lakeway, or anywhere in Central Texas, SIG is your trusted partner in uncovering the truth. Services Offered by Special Investigations Group Surveillance Services Whether it’s infidelity investigations, child custody documentation, or employee misconduct, we provide professional surveillance backed by HD video, time-stamped photos, and field reports. Our licensed PIs use state-of-the-art equipment to monitor, document, and present the facts—day or night. Background Checks & Identity Verification Need to know who you’re really dealing with? Our background investigations cover criminal records, civil cases, property ownership, social media activity, and more. This is ideal for employers, landlords, attorneys, or anyone needing verified information. GPS Tracking (Legal and Compliant) Under Texas law, licensed private investigators like SIG may deploy GPS trackers under specific conditions. We help clients monitor patterns of movement, confirm whereabouts, and assist in strategic surveillance operations—always within legal boundaries. Digital Forensics & Electronic Evidence We recover deleted texts, emails, images, search history, location data, and more from phones, computers, and tablets. This is especially useful in divorce, harassment, or fraud cases, where digital footprints matter. Legal Support & Expert Witness Testimony SIG supports civil and criminal cases by gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, serving subpoenas, and testifying in court. We’ve worked alongside attorneys in Austin, Travis County, and surrounding jurisdictions, providing rock-solid documentation and courtroom-ready reports. Why Choose SIG as Your Private Investigator in Austin? There are dozens of investigators in Texas—but here’s why clients continue to choose SIG:
Get Real Answers. Hire a Trusted Austin Private Investigator Today. When you’re facing a sensitive situation that requires the truth, don’t leave it to guesswork or Google searches. Contact Special Investigations Group today for a free, confidential consultation. We’re not just investigators—we’re your strategic partner in truth. Call us at (512) 844-7933 Visit www.siginvestigator.com
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When it comes to hiring a private investigator (PI) in Texas, ensuring that they are ethical, legally compliant, and trustworthy is critical. Whether you need help with a personal matter, a legal case, or corporate investigations, hiring an investigator who follows case law and adheres to legal standards can make all the difference. But how can you ensure that the investigator you hire is ethical, transparent, and professional? Here’s a guide to help you navigate the process. Understand the Importance of Legal Compliance Before you begin searching for an investigator, it's important to recognize the legal landscape that governs private investigations. Texas, like many states, has strict rules and regulations governing the work of private investigators. These regulations help ensure that investigators do not violate privacy laws, engage in unlawful surveillance, or use illegal means to gather evidence. Case Law and Legal Boundaries Investigators must adhere to relevant case law, which dictates the types of evidence that can be legally gathered and used in court. Whether it’s adhering to the Fourth Amendment (protection against unreasonable searches and seizures) or state-specific laws about wiretapping, surveillance, or trespassing, an ethical investigator knows the boundaries of what is permissible. Hiring an investigator who understands case law can prevent you from facing legal challenges in your own case, especially if the evidence gathered is inadmissible or was obtained illegally. 2. Look for Licensed and Experienced Investigators One of the first steps in finding an ethical investigator in Texas is to ensure that the investigator is licensed. In Texas, private investigators are required to hold a valid license issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). This ensures that the investigator has undergone the necessary background checks, education, and training required to perform investigations legally and competently. You can verify the investigator’s credentials by:
3. Ensure They Use Legal Means to Gather Evidence Ethical investigators should only use methods that comply with both state and federal law to collect evidence. Some illegal practices that unethical investigators may use include:
4. Look for a Contract Before Services Begin One of the best ways to ensure an ethical and professional relationship with your investigator is to insist on a formal contract. A reputable investigator should provide you with a written agreement outlining the terms and conditions of their services before starting any investigative work. The contract should include:
5. Check References and Reviews Before hiring an investigator, take the time to check their references and reviews. A trustworthy investigator will have no problem providing testimonials from previous clients or offering referrals. You can also search online for reviews, ratings, and professional memberships (e.g., Texas Association of Licensed Investigators or the National Association of Legal Investigators). Look for patterns in the feedback—are clients satisfied with the investigator's professionalism? Did they feel their privacy was respected? Were the results helpful in their case? These insights can help you gauge whether the investigator is a good fit for your needs. 6. Ask About Their Knowledge of Case Law When interviewing potential investigators, it’s important to ask them about their knowledge of current case law and their approach to handling sensitive evidence. A professional investigator should:
7. Trust Your Instincts Finally, trust your instincts when hiring an investigator. You want someone who is not only legally compliant but also someone you feel comfortable working with. Clear communication, transparency, and respect for your privacy are all signs of a professional investigator. Finding an ethical investigator in Texas involves ensuring that they are properly licensed, follow the law, use legal means to gather evidence, and provide a clear, written contract. By doing your due diligence and selecting a qualified professional, you can ensure that the investigation will be carried out with integrity and respect for legal boundaries. Remember, the investigator you hire can have a significant impact on the outcome of your case, so it's worth investing the time to choose one who is ethical, reliable, and legally sound. Infidelity can be one of the most emotionally painful experiences a person faces in a relationship. Suspicion alone can cause sleepless nights, growing anxiety, and a breakdown in trust—even if no hard evidence exists. If you suspect your partner may be cheating, you’re not alone. Many people struggle with knowing what to look for and when to act. At Special Investigations Group, we help clients in Austin, TX and beyond uncover the truth with discretion, professionalism, and compassion.
Here’s what you need to know about the signs of infidelity—and when it may be time to bring in a licensed private investigator. Common Signs of Infidelity While no single behavior confirms cheating, consistent patterns can be strong indicators. Here are some of the most reported signs: 1. Sudden Secrecy or Changed Communication If your partner becomes overly protective of their phone, deletes messages regularly, or changes passwords without explanation, it could be a red flag. Avoiding eye contact, vague responses, or defensiveness when asked simple questions are also common signs. 2. Unexplained Absences Frequent late nights at work, weekend “trips with friends,” or last-minute schedule changes that don’t quite add up can signal something’s wrong—especially if explanations are inconsistent or vague. 3. Changes in Appearance or Habits A noticeable change in grooming, wardrobe, or fitness routine may seem harmless, but if it coincides with emotional distance or secrecy, it could be part of an effort to impress someone new. 4. Loss of Intimacy A sudden decline in affection, interest in shared activities, or emotional engagement may indicate that your partner’s attention is focused elsewhere. 5. Financial Red Flags Unexplained credit card charges, hidden purchases, or secret bank accounts may point to infidelity—or at least financial deception. When to Call a Private Investigator If you're seeing several of these signs and your gut is telling you something isn’t right, it might be time to speak with a licensed private investigator in Austin, TX. Here’s when bringing in a professional can help:
The Truth Sets You Free Discovering infidelity is never easy—but living in uncertainty can be even harder. A professional private investigator can give you peace of mind, clarity, and the power to move forward—whatever that means for you. If you're in Austin, TX or Central Texas and need answers, Special Investigations Group is here to help with integrity and discretion. When children go online, they have direct and immediate access to friends, family, and complete strangers, which can put unsuspecting children at great risk. Children who meet and communicate with strangers online are easy prey for Internet predators. Predators have easy and anonymous access online where they can conceal their identity and roam without limit. Most of us have an image of sexual predators lurking around school playgrounds or hiding behind bushes scoping out their potential victims, but the reality is that today’s sexual predators search for victims while hiding behind a computer screen, taking advantage of the anonymity the Internet offers. They can be anywhere from social media to playing online video games.
Research indicates that about 1 in 4 girls, and 1 in 13 boys experience child sexual abuse at some point in childhood. 91% of child sexual abuse is perpetrated by someone the child or child’s family knows. (Center for Disease Control, accessed 2-18-21) In 1998 when the internet was still somewhat new, there were over 3000 reports of child sexual abuse imagery. By 2018, tech companies reported over 45 million online photos and videos of children being sexually abused — more than double what they found in 2017. In 2023, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) received 36.2 million reports of suspected child sexual exploitation online. Reports of online enticement increased by over 300% between 2021 and 2023. According to Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention 460,000 children go missing every year. Keeping teens and children safe online involves a mix of proactive strategies and open communication:
1. Shop on Trusted Websites
2. Be Wary of Too-Good-to-Be-True Deals
3. Avoid Public Wi-Fi
4. Use Secure Payment Methods
5. Monitor Your Bank Statements
6. Research Unknown Sellers
7. Watch Out for Phishing Scams
8. Check Return Policies
9. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
10. Stay Vigilant on Social Media
By staying alert and following these tips, you can enjoy a scam-free holiday shopping experience! Avoiding Costly Mistakes When Hiring an Investigator Near You
As a professional Austin TX private investigator, I get calls every week from people asking, “Why should I go with you when your rates are higher than Company X?” Or even, “I found a private investigator who will work for $500 for the entire week!” It’s a fair question—but the truth is, if someone is charging rock-bottom rates like that, there’s a good chance they are not licensed, insured, or legally operating in the state of Texas. And that could lead to serious consequences for your case and your future. Is a License Really Required for a Private Investigator in Austin, TX? Yes, absolutely. In Texas, all investigations must be conducted under a licensed investigations company. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) makes this crystal clear in Chapter 1702.101 of the Occupations Code, which states: Unless the person holds a license as an investigations company, a person may not:
What About Insurance? In addition to being licensed, all Austin TX private investigators are required by Texas Administrative Code Rule 35.27 to carry liability insurance. This protects you, the client, in case anything goes wrong during the investigation. An uninsured or unlicensed investigator not only puts your case in jeopardy—they expose you to legal liability and financial risk. Why It Matters: Real People, Real Stakes Most people don’t hire an Austin detective unless something serious is happening in their lives. You may be:
Hiring an unlicensed investigator near you may seem like a way to save money, but in reality, you may be throwing it away. Anything they uncover is not admissible in court, and if they’re caught, it could hurt your case—not help it. Watch Out for This Common Scam There’s another issue I’ve seen too often in the Austin private investigation world: an investigator who shows up as “licensed” on the state website, but asks you to pay them directly, in their own name vs paying their company. This is illegal. Even if they’re personally licensed, they cannot operate independently unless they also own a licensed investigations company. By working outside of their registered agency, they are:
The SIG Difference: Trust, Transparency, and Experience At Special Investigations Group, we are fully licensed, bonded, and insured as a top-rated Austin private investigator firm. We don’t just meet the minimum standards—we exceed them. As a licensed investigations company, we: ✅ Supervise every investigator under our license ✅ Maintain full insurance and compliance with Texas law ✅ Provide detailed contracts and clear communication ✅ Stand by your side during and after the investigation ✅ Deliver results that hold up in court We’re proud of our track record helping people just like you—whether it’s uncovering the truth in a major criminal case, protecting your children, or defending your freedom. How to Verify a PI License in Texas If you’re unsure whether a PI or agency is licensed in Texas, don’t guess—verify. Use the official state search tool: Verify a License: https://tops.portal.texas.gov/psp-self-service/search/index Just enter the investigator’s name or company name and check their status. Final Thoughts: You Get What You Pay For When searching for an investigator near me, remember this: Low rates often mean low standards—or illegal activity. A $500/week “deal” may seem attractive, but it could end up costing you far more than money. Whether you’re hiring an Austin detective for civil, criminal, or domestic issues, make sure you’re hiring someone licensed, insured, and reputable. Need a Trusted, Licensed Austin Private Investigator? We’re here to help. Contact Special Investigations Group today for a free confidential consultation and learn how we can get you the results you need—ethically, legally, and professionally. Call now or request an appointment online (512) 844-7933 or https://www.siginvestigator.com/contact-us.html Serving Austin TX and surrounding areas When you search “investigator near me,” make sure you're choosing one who’s certified and licensed to protect your rights.  There are several ways a private investigator can help you in court. The first major thing to note is that private investigators are considered expert witnesses. If you hire the right investigative firm, you will have a very powerful tool when it comes to reports and testifying on your behalf.
In civil case, such as child custody or infidelity, we start by discussing your concerns and gather as much information as possible. We then write up a contract that both SIG and you (the client) would sign which covers both parties legally if something should go wrong. I can't stress enough no matter what investigative firm you choose make sure you get a contract. Once that is completed, we design an operational plan which will help us decide the best locations begin conducting the investigation. Many times we scout the location first so that we have a good idea of the surroundings. Some of the things we look for are: is it in a residential neighborhood or in a rural area, are there a lot of neighbors at home during the planned surveillance times, and what are the entry and egress points? After all of that and more we conduct surveillance on the subject and if any inappropriate behavior, or abuse/neglect is going on we document it using video and photographic evidence, along with our written first-hand account in report form. If we witness a crime being committed we report it immediately to the authorities. This includes reporting to Child Protective Services (CPS) as well as police. In child custody cases, we can help recognize set routines, testify on whether the children appear to be safe and healthy, that the children are attending the schools and doctors appointments as ordered, and verify that people that should not be around the children are not around. We can also testify to appropriate supervision of children. We are able to also establish the habits of the parents, including verifying that they are following specific court orders, such as no alcohol within 12 hours of custody of the child. Although these things may take time, the time needed will be well-established before and during the investigation to verify that your investment is worthwhile and that the investigation will help in your case. In a criminal case, we start the same way as in the civil investigation, by signing a contract and establishing an operational plan. In addition, we request discovery from the client's attorney and work with them closely to try and prove guilt or innocence through factual evidence and interviews, as well as surveillance as needed. At SIG, we are very well-versed in Texas and federal law which is necessary and helpful while conducting your investigation. Once we have received discovery from the attorney, we begin researching from the very beginning, before the charge was even made and work it all the way through as if it were a whole new investigation. We examine the evidence, review policy and procedure to verify that nothing was broken, establish if any violations of our client's civil rights may have occurred, review to be sure that the chain of evidence was followed appropriately, and to determine if there are any discrepancies. We also review to verify if there is more evidence, or witnesses that the police didn't find or talk to. We question whether the evidence shows another possible story besides the one that the police built their case on. Sometimes, the evidence is overwhelming that the client did in fact commit the crime, but we may find something that can help get a lesser plea deal, in many cases we have investigated for our clients they end up being cleared of all charges and go free. As a client you know whether or not you committed the crimes you're being accused of, but if you're truthful with us from the start we will do our due diligence to help you get the best outcome possible. One of the questions I am frequently asked, after people find out that I am a private investigator, is what type of equipment do we use. As an investigator, we deploy several types of equipment depending on the type of case we're working. Below is just a general list of gear that we may use on an every day basis and the ways it could be deployed. Although we have several other pieces of equipment available, these are considered our "basics."
First and foremost on my list is a notebook and writing utensil. I know that sounds archaic, but in this business I have to take good notes and keep track of exact times; it's of utmost importance when sending reports that the times are correct. Next and also very high up on the list is a quality DSLR camera. Having the ability to change the lenses depending on how close or far away I am is critical. On some surveillance's there may not be a place a decent distance away to set up so my only option with a view may be to get close and use covert actions (we'll get into that in another blog). Going along with the camera, we also use a tripod or at minimum a mono-pod to steady the camera for those long day time or night time shots. Many times the evidence we collect ends up in court and a blurry picture is no good to anyone when we are testifying and trying to prove a case. Often times we are asked for the metadata to verify the validity of the file so we always keep the original file, but may include a cropped version for the report. We use an HD quality video camera with the ability for image stabilization to keep targets in focus. The videos are clear, and as steady as possible to make the most of our time. We are able to zoom in and out as need to focus on the target as well as document the location and environment. We may also use a tripod for the video camera to be able to keep a steady hand. We use a variety of covert cameras that are disguised as anything from sunglasses, to a pen, to a key chain. They are very low-key because sometimes I can't just walk in carrying a big DSLR or video camera. I need to be discrete but still capture the evidence we need to support your case. We also use 1080P dash cameras on every investigation; the ones we use have built-in GPS tracking and map overview capability. This covers us in two ways; we always have the target in view and and we have the exact location at all times while we follow the target. If there is every any question about the amount of time spent with the target, the video can always be provided. Another important thing to have is an excellent option for night vision and a way to adapt it to our cameras. We use the latest third generation night vision technology so that we never miss anything, even on the darkest nights. Many companies are limited on night time investigations by what they can see and prove in court because they don't have the correct gear. At SIG, it is our policy that if we can't see it, we can't testify to it so we deploy every option to get you the evidence you need. In my vehicle, I run a mounted computer with online access so that as cars or people show up, I can identify them on the spot if needed. As investigators, we have access to law enforcement grade databases and DMV records. We can quickly pull up backgrounds, addresses, car ownerships, etc. I also have the ability to live track GPS if it is being used in an investigation which leads us into the next tool. As an investigator, we are currently granted certain privileges to deploy GPS trackers on vehicles as long as very strict criteria is met. We use GPS trackers to track movement, determine a pattern of movement, and to help determine if the target is being truthful in their movements. This also helps us to set up an ideal visual contact by giving us potential places to set up surveillance, obtain video or camera evidence, or to assist in following a target. Under Texas Penal Code Section 16.06(d)(3) it is lawful for a licensed private investigator to install a GPS tracker on a vehicle with the vehicle owner's written consent, as well as the owner's written consent to enter the property the vehicle resides on to actually install the device. That being said, there are some very grey areas to be aware of, the main one being if the vehicle is jointly owned and the spouse is the sole driver of the vehicle. Another thing to consider is if there is a restraining order in place or some other type of court order barring the client or their "Agent" from access to the vehicle. At SIG, we will only legally use GPS and will at times turn down business if a client is only looking to use GPS due to potential conflicts or criteria not being met. It should also be noted for anyone out there who has used, or has considered using a GPS monitor on their own in Texas it is a class A Misdemeanor punishable by up to a year and jail and up to a $4,000.00 fine. The last tool we'll discuss is computer forensics. I have worked multiple investigations both criminal and civil that someone thought items were deleted from a phone, computer, or personal device. This can include deleted photos, videos, call histories, location history, search histories, as well as things like snapchats which are touted to be temporary. It isn't. Please note that most times just because someone hits delete, it does not mean that whatever they deleted isn't still saved somewhere on the device. We have the ability to search almost any electronic device and find what a person has been doing, who they have been talking to, if there were any messages or pictures deleted, what web pages have you been visiting, etc. If someone had access to a device for even a short period of time (such as while you were sleeping) there may have been enough time to install tracking or malware on a device. Using computer forensics we are able to track and locate all of that information. We have even used cell phone data in criminal cases to clear our clients based on where their phone was on a particular day and time. Again, these are just some of the tools we use on a day to day basis. It is important to note that no matter how much fancy gear an investigator has, without the training, knowledge and ability to successfully deploy it, it could be useless. We call it trade-craft and it is something that is learned through many years of experience. So what is a private investigator? The basic definition is a detective who carries out investigations on behalf of private clients such as law firms, insurance agencies, corporations, private individuals, courts and other entities. Most private investigators have a relevant background in some type of legal field such as law enforcement, federal, paralegal, criminal justice, etc. that gives them the skills and knowledge needed to prepare them for the cases that may come their way.
Typically a private investigator will do all of the legwork for you in finding out information (written, visual, audio) that is buried, hard-to-find, or needs legal documentation. A private investigator has access to in-depth background investigation programs and police grade data bases, as well as access to high-quality equipment, including cameras, video equipment, generation 3 night vision, and GPS tracking. Our investigators backgrounds in law enforcement and federal agencies gives us the experience necessary to pick apart an investigative report related to a case (criminal or civil) to be sure that all of your legal rights were recognized as well as all legal barriers were strictly followed. We have access to experts in every field we work in and are able to quickly and efficiently obtain evidence and information to support our reports. Being a private investigator is not at all like you see in the movies; at times it can be long, boring hours of sitting and watching nothing, just to do it all over again the next day just for a few minutes of video. Equally, it could be long days of pouring over every word, picture or video of discovery in a large criminal case. Like any job it has its highs and lows but if you have the right mind set it can be very rewarding and satisfying. Welcome to Special Investigations Group (SIG) new blog series. Throughout this series we will be going over several subjects that I am asked about on a daily basis. Hopefully, it will help you gain a better understanding of what we as Private Investigators at SIG actually do.
My name is Chris Monroe and I am the owner and manager of SIG. I have been a licensed Private Investigator in the state of Texas for over 17 years and as this series progresses I will be answering multiple questions about who we are, what we do, and how to respond to certain situations for those who are just starting out or who may just have an interest in investigations. SIG has several expert investigators on staff with experience in many different areas, including law enforcement, federal agencies, and private investigations. There are many different types of investigation companies: some specialize in one or two things, for example computer forensics, or child recovery and child custody. We at SIG have investigators who specialize in many different areas, including missing persons, surveillance, civil cases such as child custody and infidelity, ranging into more complex criminal cases such as drug charges, capital murder, manslaughter, aggravated sexual assault and more. While researching the company that best fits your current needs, it is critical to choose one that not only has the skills, experience and backgrounds to handle multiple types of cases, but also has the legal knowledge to make sure that the investigation is completely lawful. This ensures that any and all evidence obtained during the course of your investigation is 100% admissible in court. That is a very big deal when dealing with a company, as there are many fly by night companies out there who will make you promises and take your money but when push comes to shove either they can't, or won't deliver because the evidence was obtained illegally, which makes it no use to you or your case. We will always follow the letter of the law to make sure that all evidence is 100% admissible. Before determining which company to hire, it is imperative to verify that they meet all of the licensing and legal requirements for the state the the investigations will be occurring. SIG is owned and operated in Texas. By entering in a company name or license number here: https://tops.portal.texas.gov/psp-self-service/search/index you will be able to find and verify any companies registered in Texas. We have been insured and licensed since day one; our license number is A-17325. All investigation companies should have their license number on all websites, business cards, and advertisements. They should be able to supply you with their information immediately with no hesitations so that you can verify their company information independently. It is especially important to have a contract that outlines the requested services so everyone knows exactly what services are being provided and for what amount. This is meant to protect you and the company you are choosing. At SIG, we require a contract before starting any investigative services. Our contracts outline exactly what services we are agreeing to provide, what the hourly rate is, if a retainer is required and how much that will be, as well as any other expenses that will be incurred along the way. Our contract also guarantees a written report within a specified amount of time from the close of the investigation. At SIG we will work with you going over all potential problems that may arise so you are well prepared for anything. A contract does not guarantee results only that we will provide the services promised at the specified times. |
