A private investigator — also known as a PI, Private Detective, or Private Eye — is someone that is hired to undertake an investigation. The State of Texas requires that private investigators have a license.

1. Legitimate private investigators are licensed. Our private investigations license can be viewed here. 
2. The best PI’s have experience. The private investigators at International Specialized Investigations have extensive experience in the private investigations field.
3. The best private investigators have a relevant background.  Before becoming a private investigator or detective, many people commonly have a background in legal matters or law enforcement. It may be work done as a police officer or detective or other law enforcement experience in some capacity. The skills in law enforcement carry over quite well. In many cases, a private investigator involves those with the same mentality as those engaged in criminal behavior. In many situations, an individual may not have committed a crime, but the frame of mind of the individual is much the same as seen by those working in law enforcement.

Rates and fees vary depending on what the private investigator is tasked with. The cost to hire a private investigator can vary and be charged at an hourly rate or a flat rate.

1. Make sure the private investigator is licensed and insured. A private investigator in Texas must be licensed and insured to conduct private investigations in Texas.
2. Make sure the private investigator has the experience to investigate your particular case. For example, you would not want a PI that only works surveillance to take on your criminal defense investigation. Many private investigators specialize in certain types of private investigations, and you rarely find a private investigator with the necessary experience to investigate all kinds of cases.
3. Do you have to meet the private investigator in person? It is not necessary to meet with the PI. Many private investigations can be conducted without meeting the private investigator in person.
4. Get a client agreement or contract. A client agreement will outline the deliverables and what you are paying for. A legitimate private investigator will provide you with a client agreement or contract. Do not risk doing business with someone that will not provide a client agreement or contract.
5. International Specialized Investigations accepts several forms of payment for retainers. The forms of payment are cash, check, Venmo, Cashapp, and Zelle.

Yes, we are trilingual private investigators, fluent in English, Spanish and Hebrew.

All around the state of Texas, we are qualified private investigators authorized to carry out private investigations. Our offices are located in Central Texas and the greater Houston area. In Mexico, we are also recognized for our investigative services. A list of a few of the cities we serve is provided below:

• Houston
• The Woodlands
• Spring
• Katy
• Conroe
• Belton
• Temple
• Killeen

Contact Us to discuss our service areas in Mexico.