Private Investigator vs. Police: Which Do You Need?

When something goes wrong—whether it’s suspected fraud, a missing person, or concerning behavior—one of the first questions people ask is: “Should I call the police, or should I hire a private investigator?”

Understanding the difference between private investigators and law enforcement is crucial for getting the help you need. This guide explains when to contact each, how they differ, and how they can work together to resolve your situation.

Key Differences: Private Investigators vs. Police

Let’s start with the fundamental differences between private investigators and law enforcement:

Authority and Legal Powers

Police: Can make arrests, conduct searches with warrants, access confidential records, compel testimony, use force when necessary
Private Investigators: No arrest powers, limited to legal civilian methods, cannot force cooperation, must work within strict legal boundaries

Who They Serve

Police: Serve the public interest and enforce criminal law on behalf of the state
Private Investigators: Work for individual clients (people, businesses, attorneys) with specific private interests

Resource Allocation

Police: Must prioritize cases based on severity, public safety, and available resources; may not investigate civil matters
Private Investigators: Dedicate focused time and resources specifically to your case based on your needs and budget

Investigation Focus

Police: Focus on criminal violations and whether charges should be filed
Private Investigators: Focus on gathering information and evidence for your specific objectives (civil, personal, or business matters)

Cost

Police: Free public service funded by taxpayers
Private Investigators: Fee-based service requiring payment for time and expenses (learn more about private investigator costs)

When You SHOULD Call the Police

Contact law enforcement immediately in these situations:

1. Crimes in Progress or Emergencies

Any crime actively occurring
Threats to personal safety
Domestic violence
Assault or physical violence
Break-ins or burglaries in progress
Any emergency situation requiring immediate response

Always call 911 for emergencies. Private investigators cannot and should not be contacted for emergency situations.

2. Serious Criminal Activity

Violent crimes (assault, robbery, rape, murder)
Kidnapping or abduction
Child abuse or endangerment
Sexual assault
Arson
Drug trafficking or manufacturing
Serious theft or robbery

Police have the authority and resources to investigate serious crimes, make arrests, and bring criminal charges.

3. Missing Person Cases (Initially)

If someone is missing, especially:

Children or vulnerable adults
Signs of foul play or danger
Unusual or suspicious circumstances
Missing person is at-risk (medical conditions, suicidal)

File a police report immediately. Contrary to popular belief, you do NOT need to wait 24 hours to report someone missing. After the initial report, a private investigator can supplement police efforts.

4. Identity Theft or Cybercrimes

Identity theft
Online fraud or scams
Hacking or data breaches
Cyberstalking or cyber harassment

These are crimes that police can investigate and prosecute. A police report is also often required for insurance claims and credit disputes.

5. Stalking or Harassment

Physical stalking
Repeated unwanted contact
Threats
Violations of protection orders

Document everything and file a police report. This creates an official record necessary for protection orders and potential criminal charges.

When You SHOULD Hire a Private Investigator

Private investigators are the better choice for these situations:

1. Civil Matters and Personal Issues

Suspected infidelity: Police don’t investigate cheating spouses
Divorce evidence: Gathering documentation for family court
Child custody investigations: Documenting parental fitness or concerns
Civil disputes: Business conflicts, contract disputes
Personal safety concerns: That don’t rise to criminal level

These situations are important to you but aren’t police matters. Our discreet infidelity investigations help clients get the answers they need.

2. Corporate and Business Investigations

Employee misconduct: Theft, fraud, policy violations
Due diligence: Vetting business partners or investments
Intellectual property theft: Before criminal charges are filed
Corporate fraud: Internal investigations before involving police
Workplace investigations: Harassment, discrimination claims

Businesses often hire private investigators first to gather evidence before deciding whether to involve law enforcement. See our corporate investigation services.

3. Background Checks and Verification

Pre-employment screening: Verify credentials and history
Tenant screening: Check rental history and background
Dating background checks: Verify someone’s identity and history
Nanny and caregiver screening: Protect your family
Business partner vetting: Before entering agreements

Police don’t provide background check services for private purposes. Licensed PIs have access to databases and resources to conduct comprehensive screenings.

4. Insurance Investigations

Workers’ compensation fraud: Verify injury claims
Disability claim verification: Document actual limitations
Insurance fraud: Gather evidence for insurers
Accident investigations: Determine fault and liability

Insurance companies routinely hire private investigators for fraud investigations. Our professional fraud investigation services help identify fraudulent claims.

5. Legal Support and Litigation

Evidence gathering: For civil lawsuits
Witness location: Finding and interviewing witnesses
Asset searches: Locating hidden assets for judgments
Process service: Delivering legal documents
Expert testimony: Presenting findings in court

Attorneys frequently hire private investigators to support litigation. We provide court-admissible evidence and professional testimony.

6. Skip Tracing and Locating People

Locating debtors: For civil collection purposes
Finding estranged family: Adoptees, birth parents, relatives
Witness location: For civil cases
Heir searches: For estate purposes

Unless it’s a criminal matter, police won’t help locate people. Private investigators specialize in skip tracing using legal databases and investigative techniques.

7. Digital Forensics

Computer forensics: Recover deleted files and data
Mobile device analysis: Extract communications and evidence
Email investigation: Trace communications
Social media investigation: Document online activity

Our digital forensics experts can examine devices you own or have legal authority to access.

When Police Won’t (or Can’t) Help

It’s important to understand that police have limitations on what they investigate:

Civil Matters

Police cannot get involved in:

Disputes between private parties
Contract disagreements
Family disputes (unless criminal)
Landlord-tenant issues
Debt collection
Custody violations (civil contempt)

They’ll often say “this is a civil matter” and recommend you consult an attorney or private investigator.

Resource Constraints

Even for criminal matters, police may have limited resources for:

Minor thefts without suspects
Property crimes with few leads
Cases where evidence is difficult to obtain
Non-violent crimes with limited investigative value

A private investigator can dedicate focused time to your case regardless of its “priority level.”

Jurisdictional Issues

Police are limited by jurisdiction:

City police handle matters within city limits
County sheriffs cover unincorporated areas
Multi-jurisdictional cases create complexity

Private investigators can work across jurisdictions throughout Colorado and coordinate multi-state investigations.

How Private Investigators and Police Work Together

Private investigators and law enforcement aren’t competitors—they often complement each other:

PIs Can Supplement Police Investigations

Cold cases: When police have moved on but families still seek answers
Additional resources: Providing dedicated time police can’t allocate
Specialized expertise: Digital forensics, financial analysis
Witness interviews: People sometimes talk more freely to PIs

PIs Can Gather Evidence Before Police Involvement

Corporate theft: Investigate internally before filing criminal charges
Fraud cases: Develop evidence package for prosecutors
Complex financial crimes: Trace transactions before police report

Having solid evidence when you go to police increases the likelihood they’ll pursue charges.

Sharing Information

Professional investigators at Rocky Mountain Eagle Eye have:

Law enforcement backgrounds: Our team includes former police officers and detectives
Professional relationships: We work cooperatively with local law enforcement
Proper procedures: We gather evidence that meets legal standards
Court testimony: We can present findings professionally in legal proceedings

Real-World Scenarios: PI vs. Police

Let’s look at specific examples:

Scenario 1: Suspected Cheating Spouse

Police: Won’t investigate—not a criminal matter
Private Investigator: Can conduct surveillance, document activities, provide evidence for divorce proceedings ✓

Scenario 2: Someone Broke Into Your Home

Police: Call immediately—this is a crime that requires police response ✓
Private Investigator: Can supplement investigation later if police have limited leads

Scenario 3: Employee Theft Suspected

Private Investigator First: Conduct internal investigation, gather evidence ✓
Police Second: File report with evidence package if theft is confirmed

Scenario 4: Child Custody Concerns

Police: Only if child is in immediate danger or abuse is suspected
Private Investigator: Document living conditions, parenting practices, safety concerns for family court ✓

Scenario 5: Identity Theft

Police: File a report (required for fraud affidavits) ✓
Private Investigator: Trace the fraud, identify perpetrators, recover assets

Scenario 6: Missing Adult with Mental Health Issues

Police: File a report, especially if person is at-risk ✓
Private Investigator: Conduct parallel search, use skip tracing techniques, maintain communication with family ✓

The Benefits of Hiring a Private Investigator

Even when police are involved, private investigators offer advantages:

Dedicated Attention

Your case is our priority
Regular updates and communication
Focused resources on your specific situation

Confidentiality

Discreet investigations protecting your privacy
No public records created
Client-investigator confidentiality

Specialized Services

Advanced surveillance equipment
Digital forensics expertise
Database access for background checks
Undercover operations

Flexibility

Work on your timeline
Adjust investigation scope as needed
Focus on your specific objectives

Learn more about how to hire a private investigator and what private investigators can legally do in Colorado.

When to Use Both: Police AND Private Investigator

Sometimes the best approach is using both resources:

Missing persons: Police report + PI active search
Cold cases: Official police investigation + continued PI work
Complex fraud: PI evidence gathering + police prosecution
Stalking cases: Police reports and protection orders + PI documentation
Business crimes: PI internal investigation + police criminal charges

Why Choose Rocky Mountain Eagle Eye?

Our team brings the best of both worlds:

• Former law enforcement professionals who understand police procedures and limitations
• Licensed Colorado investigators operating legally and ethically
• Professional relationships with police when cases require coordination
• Court-admissible evidence meeting legal standards
• Dedicated resources focused specifically on your case
• Discretion and confidentiality protecting your privacy
• Free consultations to discuss your situation and recommend the best approach

Get Expert Guidance on Your Situation

Not sure whether you need police or a private investigator? We can help you determine the best approach for your specific situation during a free, confidential consultation.

Contact Rocky Mountain Eagle Eye today:

📞 Phone: 303-381-4585
📧 Email: Info@RockyMountainEagleEye.com
📍 Office: 18475 W Colfax Ave Ste 132, Golden, CO 80401
🌐 Schedule Online: Request Free Consultation