Private Investigator - Long Beach
Oct 9, 2025
You know something's wrong, but you can't prove it. Maybe it's a relationship that doesn't add up, a business partner acting suspicious, or a loved one who's disappeared without a trace.
When gut feelings aren't enough, you need facts, and that's where a private investigator in Long Beach can help.
Hiring a private investigator It's about working with licensed professionals who gather evidence legally, ethically, and discreetly. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know.
What does a private investigator actually do?
Private investigators are licensed professionals who gather information, conduct surveillance, and document evidence for personal, legal, or business matters. They work within California law to uncover facts that clients can't access on their own.
Common services include:
Infidelity investigations – surveillance and documentation of suspected cheating partners
Background checks – pre-employment screening, tenant verification, or personal relationship vetting
Missing persons cases – locating lost family members, runaways, or individuals who've disappeared
Surveillance services – monitoring subjects to document activities and behaviors
Legal support – evidence gathering for attorneys in civil, criminal, or family law cases
Insurance fraud detection – investigating suspicious workers' compensation or disability claims
Undercover operations – corporate investigations, workplace misconduct, or fraud detection
A private investigator in Long Beach know how to gather evidence that holds up in court while protecting your privacy throughout the process.
At Santa Monica Investigations, we connect clients with experienced, licensed investigators who specialize in private investigation services across Southern California, including Long Beach and surrounding areas.
When should you hire a private investigator
Not every suspicion requires professional help, but certain situations demand it.
Here's when hiring a private investigator makes sense:
Personal matters
If you suspect your partner is being unfaithful and need proof for peace of mind or divorce proceedings, a PI can conduct discreet surveillance and gather documentation. Many clients contact us for individual cases involving relationships, family concerns, or personal safety.
When someone you care about has gone missing, time is critical…
Professional investigators use skip tracing, database searches, and fieldwork to locate missing persons faster than you could on your own.
Legal and business cases
Attorneys frequently hire investigators to gather evidence, locate witnesses, and support litigation. If you're involved in a lawsuit, custody battle, or criminal defense case, attorney services from a licensed PI can strengthen your position.
Business owners dealing with employee theft, fraud, or misconduct often need undercover investigation services to document what's really happening behind the scenes.
Insurance and fraud
If you're an insurance company or employer dealing with suspicious claims, insurance fraud investigation services can expose false injury reports, exaggerated damages, or staged accidents.
The common thread
If you need proof instead of speculation, documentation instead of assumptions, or professional expertise to navigate a sensitive situation, it's time to hire a private investigator.
What to expect during an investigation
Once you hire a private investigator, here's what typically happens:
Initial consultation
You'll discuss your situation in detail. The investigator will ask questions, explain their approach, and outline expected timelines and costs. This conversation is confidential and helps determine if the case is worth pursuing.
Investigation process
Depending on your case type, the investigator may conduct surveillance, interview witnesses, search databases, or go undercover.
They'll gather evidence through legal means and document everything thoroughly.
Most investigators provide regular updates so you're never left wondering what's happening. Communication frequency depends on the case, but you should never feel ignored or out of the loop.
Final report
At the end of the investigation, you'll receive a detailed report with findings, evidence (photos, videos, documents), and recommendations. This report is typically admissible in court if your case requires legal proceedings.
What happens next
Armed with facts instead of suspicions, you can make informed decisions about your next steps, whether that's confronting a cheating partner, filing a lawsuit, or finding closure about a missing loved one.
Get your free case review today
Need help finding the truth? Contact Santa Monica Investigations for a free, 100% confidential case review.
Fill out our contact form to get started. Your privacy is protected, and there's no obligation to move forward. Sometimes just talking through your situation with a professional can provide the clarity you need.
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