Elizabeth Brock
Licensed investigator with over
10 years of investigative experience.
These days, you can buy almost anything on Amazon – including gadgets that claim to make you a “private detective” overnight. But when real answers matter and stakes are on the line – especially in court cases – there’s a big difference between dabbling in DIY surveillance and hiring a trained, licensed private investigator. The truth? In the world of investigations, experience, legality, and accuracy aren’t optional – they’re essential for court or true peace of mind.
In the age of cheap surveillance gear, GPS trackers, and online background check websites, it’s tempting to think you can solve your own case. In a simple one? Maybe. Often times the data is what we call “junk data” and inaccurate however if you are not a PI, it can become difficult to cross check. But when you’re dealing with something as serious as a cheating spouse, child custody investigation, employee theft, or legal dispute, “just figuring it out yourself” can cost you more than hiring a professional from the start.
Here’s why a professional PI will always deliver better, safer, and more reliable results than a DIY approach.
DIY surveillance sounds simple: sit outside, snap a photo, get the proof. In reality, effective surveillance requires:
A licensed PI has the skill to collect high-quality, court-admissible evidence without tipping off the subject and still following them for long periods. Additionally, hiring a PI vs. doing it yourself keeps you out of danger.
Those $29.99 “instant background checks” often pull outdated or incomplete data. Here at Root Investigations we call it “junk data”. Professionals have access to secure, law-enforcement-grade database background checks and know how to cross-reference multiple sources to uncover the full picture. Without cross referencing it, there is no confirmation that the data is correct.
A big risk with going solo? Illegally gathering evidence without realizing it. Many gadgets sold online are restricted or outright illegal in certain states. In NYS, audio recording is wiretapping, GPS tracking is banned based on Megan’s Law, & even certain photography can land you in serious legal trouble.
Private investigators know state and federal surveillance laws inside out. They collect evidence in a way that protects both you and the investigation.
Even if you get “proof” on your own, courts often reject evidence that isn’t properly obtained or documented. A professional PI’s reports are timestamped, verifiable, and supported by legally admissible surveillance evidence if needed or an affidavit – giving your case credibility from the start.
When you’re emotionally invested in a case, objectivity can vanish fast. You might misinterpret what you see or act impulsively which can ruin an investigation.
A Private investigator stays calm under pressure, avoids confrontation, and gathers facts without personal bias.
Bottom Line: Don’t Risk the Truth
Yes, you can buy surveillance gadgets. Yes, you can run a quick online search. But if you want answers that stand up in court or give you true peace of mind, protect you legally, and truly get to the root of the issue, hiring a private investigator is the only smart choice.
At Root Investigations, we’ve cleaned up countless botched DIY jobs. This included cases where someone wasted time, money, and peace of mind trying to do it themselves or hire an inexperienced investigator. We do it discreetly and within the law, so you get the truth without the risk.
We are a boutique private investigation agency serving New York City and Long Island with professional private investigation services.
We get to the root of the problem.
