If you’re looking for a private investigator in New York City, something already isn’t sitting right. You can either feel it in your gut or have noticed patterns changing with your partner, in a child custody battle, or in any sort of litigation.
Most people don’t call a private investigator out of curiosity. Instead, they have noticed a shift of behaviors and are trying to make sense of it. A lot of clients note that they have given someone the benefit of the doubt longer than they should have.
At a certain point, that stops working.
New York City makes it easy for people to disappear into their routine: crowded streets, apartment buildings with multiple exits, constant movement. If someone doesn’t want to be seen, they usually won’t be.
That’s where we come in.
We handle investigations throughout NYC for people who need to stop guessing and actually find out what’s going on.
What does a private investigator in NYC do?
Root Investigations find out the facts that people are trying to keep hidden, legally of course. That usually involves surveillance, background checks, and documenting what’s actually happening so it’s not just a suspicion anymore.
How much does a private investigator cost in NYC?
The cost really depends on the situation. We conduct investigations that are all inclusive with no hidden fees, that way clients are never surprised. New York City cases often take more time and sometimes require more than one investigator. We usually recommend having at least two. People can move quickly, using multiple building exits, hopping in an Uber, or taking the subway – while one investigator is still trying to park. Having two investigators greatly improves your chances of success. The more we know about someone’s routine, the better we can help you get results.
Is hiring a private investigator in NYC legal?
Yes. As long as it’s done by a licensed investigator following New York law, the information gathered can be used when it needs to be. The individual you are looking to surveil cannot have an Active Restraining Order on you.
Why are NYC investigations more difficult?
As a NYer, you know nothing stays still here. Someone can walk into a building and come out on a different block. They can switch from walking to a subway to a car in minutes. If you’re not positioned right, you lose them and you don’t get a second chance that day.
Surveillance in New York City
Surveillance in NYC is not just “watching someone.”
If it were that simple, everyone would do it.
The problem is access and movement:
- Buildings don’t have one entrance
- Some have doormen, some don’t
- People don’t move in straight lines here
On Long Island, one investigator can usually hold a subject. In New York City, that can fall apart fast. We tell each and every client this and let them choose how many investigators they need based upon their budget.
There are situations where we use more than 2 investigators – not to overdo it, but because it’s the only way to stay in position without losing coverage.
If someone exits from the wrong door and no one is there, the job is over for that day. That’s just how it works in the city.
Everything we do is documented clearly, with timestamps and reporting that can actually be used if it needs to be.
Infidelity Investigations
When it comes to cheating, you may have seen patterns, and know the answer before you even call. You might have noticed changes in their pattern, times that are not adding up, or just a feeling…The problem with this is that a feeling is not proof. In NYS for divorce, you do not need proof (unless you have alimony or a pre nuptial agreement). Instead, this is for peace of mind. Remember, your feeling is not proof, and because of that, we do not go into a case assuming anything. Instead, we listen to what is going on with you and then conduct the case and present the facts. When your case is on, we are always available.
Child Custody Investigations
When kids are involved, everything matters that much more. Child custody investigations are usually not about one instance but instead, patterns such as:
- What’s actually happening day to day
- Who’s around the child(ren)
- What kind of environment is the child in
We document what can be observed. We cannot go into someone’s house to determine what is going on. We can determine if the child is secured in the car, if the subject is speeding, if there is drug use outside the house or drinking and driving and so forth. A lot of these cases end up in court, so everything has to be clear and able to stand on its own.
Attorney & Corporate Investigations
New York City cases are not all personal.
A good portion of the work here comes from attorneys and businesses that need information they can rely on.
That includes:
- Surveillance tied to claims
- Background checks
- Witness-related situations
- Litigation support
In these cases, there’s no room for guessing or sloppy reporting.
Everything needs to be clean, documented, and done right the first time.
Areas We Cover
We handle cases throughout all five boroughs:
- Manhattan
- Brooklyn
- Queens
- The Bronx
- Staten Island
Each area is different. Manhattan is dense and vertical. Queens can stretch out. Brooklyn is a mix of both.
The approach changes depending on where the case is taking place.
When It Makes Sense to Hire a Private Investigator
Most people wait longer than they should, trying to figure it out themselves first and hoping things make sense to them. Eventually, they realize they’re still in the same place, but with more questions. That’s usually when we get the call. At that point in time, it is no longer about guessing but about obtaining concrete evidence for court or peace of mind.
Why People Choose Root Investigations
People don’t hire us for fun. They hire us because something matters enough to get a real answer.
We keep things straightforward:
- We don’t overpromise
- We don’t create situations that aren’t there
- We document what actually happens
Call or text today for a free 30 minute consultation.
