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Professional Private Investigator vs. Freelancer


Singapore: Professional Private Investigator vs. Freelancer

What is a Private Investigator / Detective?

Private Investigators are legally required to undergo training and hold licenses issued by the Singapore Police (PLRD). As a result, a PI will be able to advise the client as to the legality of the methods used in the investigation. As of 2019, there are no specific privacy laws in Singapore.


By law, certain investigations require special permits for a PI agency before their conduct their work. Such cases include assignments like investigating political figures, foreign diplomats, consuls, or their families, as well as the conduct of surveillance on certain protected (or militarily sensitive) places, foreign consulates, government buildings, departure and entry checkpoints, or certain private schools, require the special approval of the Singapore Police. It is also a legal requirement in Singapore for Private Detectives to be licensed by the Private Investigation Agency Licensing & Regulatory Department (PLRD).


The License is always on display in the office or most Private Detectives will save a copy on the phone. Do some research on their experience and expertise before you meet up with them. Read more in-depth on their website and ask some questions about their experience and their success rate.



What is a Professional Private Investigator?

Hiring an experienced private investigator to conduct investigations is important, especially in surveillance. Those trained surveillance operatives are invaluable when conducting surveillance to gather evidence and reveal the truth to clients.


There are some private investigation agencies that rely on “floating” or freelance private investigators to conduct surveillance. Private investigators specializing in surveillance skill is usually far superior to those freelancer private investigators.


A skilled surveillance operative requires years of surveillance experience and training. If surveillance is not conducted correctly, it can jeopardize the whole case.


Surveillance techniques used by private investigators range from physical observation to audio monitoring of conversations. The audio surveillance technique is a more sophisticated type of surveillance, used by most private investigators.



What is a Freelance Private Investigator?

Freelance Private Investigators (PI) refer to individuals who are self-employed, available to work for different companies, and have the freedom to decide if they wish to take up the given assignment.


These individuals are often those who have previously worked either in the investigation department of the police force or as a PI in an official firm.


However, when it comes to hiring a PI, it is crucial to find one that is trustworthy, honest, and reliable, regardless of whether he is a freelancer or working for an agency.


Here are some reasons why you may want to reconsider hiring a freelance PI as compared to a PI agency to complete the job for you.



Costs of hiring a Private Investigator / Detective in Singapore

Costs of hiring a Private Investigator / Detective in Singapore

For general surveillance, most private investigation agencies charge an hourly rate. Hourly rates range from S$100 to S$200 per hour with an average beginning at around S$150 per hour.


The cost doesn’t include accommodation and transportation. Some private investigation agencies charge for the cost of equipment used. Please ask about any extraneous charges of which you may be unaware.


For cases like background checks, bug sweeps, and locating persons most Singapore private investigators charge a flat fee ranging from S$1000 – S$5000. It is prudent to compare the charges and reliability of the agency across a number of firms. Singapore Private Investigation agency will often ask for a retainer or upfront cost.


It might be tempting to hire cheaper, less experienced private investigators, but an inexperienced private investigator could potentially lose the chances of obtaining crucial evidence.


Hiring a professional private investigator will be more likely to achieve a positive outcome for your case and save you money and worry.



How to select a reliable Private Investigator in Singapore?

How to select a reliable Private Investigator in Singapore?

Singapore's best private investigators help you qualify as the most experienced and reliable Private Investigators in Singapore.


Our shortlisted private investigators are highly trained in using the latest evidence-gathering equipment. They will conduct a broad range of work, such as Physical surveillance, Electronic surveillance, Background Checks, Locating missing people, Investigating, Adultery cases, and many more.


All our private investigators are approved and licenses are issued by the Singapore Police Force (SPF).













Singapore Best Private Investigator



If you're looking for an experienced PI to help solve your case or if you need some advice on an ongoing case, you may contact Asia Top Investigation at vt@asiatopinvestigation.com or 📱 +65 8820 0007






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