What Happens After You Hire a Private Investigator in Long Island? The Process Explained

Jul 16, 2025·By Easton Secure Solutions

Hiring a private investigator can feel like stepping into unfamiliar territory. You have a question, a problem, or a suspicion—and now you're trusting a professional to dig into someone’s life or help you find the truth. Whether you're dealing with a civil case, missing person, fraud, or infidelity, it’s natural to ask, "What happens next?"

At Easton Secure Solutions LLC, we work with individuals and businesses throughout Long Island and New York City, guiding them through investigations with transparency and professionalism. This blog will walk you through the step-by-step process after hiring a PI in Long Island so you know exactly what to expect, from first call to final report.

Step 1: The Initial Consultation (Free and Confidential)

Every investigation begins with a confidential conversation. This is your opportunity to explain:

What’s going on
What you’re trying to find out or prove
Who the subject is
What information you already have (names, addresses, phone numbers, photos, emails, etc.)
Whether it’s a missing person, suspected fraud, or cohabitation issue, we’ll ask questions to better understand your goals and legal standing. This also allows us to rule out anything that may fall outside legal or ethical boundaries.

We work with:

Individuals
Attorneys (but many clients hire us before hiring a lawyer)
Landlords
Small businesses
Family members

All of this is 100% private. Nothing gets shared with the subject of the investigation.

Step 2: Scope and Strategy

Once we understand your situation, we define the scope of the case. That includes:

Type of investigation: Surveillance, skip tracing, asset search, background check, social media scan, etc.
Objective: What outcome or proof do you need?
Timeline: When do you need results by?
Budget: We offer flat-rate or hourly pricing depending on complexity

We then build a strategy. For example:

In a surveillance case, we identify the best times and locations to observe behavior
In a fraud case, we trace contact info, digital identifiers, and business affiliations
In a missing person search, we use skip tracing and OSINT to develop leads

Everything is tailored to your specific goal—we don’t offer one-size-fits-all packages.

Step 3: Agreement and Retainer

Once we finalize the scope, you’ll receive a written agreement outlining:

The services provided
The cost (flat fee or hourly estimate)
Expected timeline
Confidentiality clause
Legal limitations and client responsibilities

In most cases, a retainer is required to begin work. For example:

Basic background check: $199–$399
Surveillance package: $499+ depending on hours and location
Skip trace/deep locate: $169–$399 depending on identifiers

We accept most forms of payment and offer transparent billing with no hidden fees.

Step 4: Case Setup and Pre-Investigation Work

Before we step into the field or run databases, we organize your case:

Create a secure file for documents and communications
Verify all provided information (names, numbers, addresses, dates of birth)
Search internal proprietary databases and public records
Set up surveillance schedules or digital tracking workflows

This pre-investigation work ensures we don’t waste time chasing bad leads or duplicate data.

We also conduct a legal review to make sure:

We’re not breaching any privacy laws
Surveillance is lawful at the locations requested
No third-party information is gathered without cause

Step 5: Field Work or Investigative Analysis Begins

Depending on your case type, we launch into:

Surveillance Performed discreetly from vehicles, unmarked locations, or pedestrian positions
Time-stamped video and photography collected
Subject’s behavior logged by time and location
Skip Tracing / Locating People
Use of public records, social media, utility headers, and verified databases
Cross-referencing identifiers like phone numbers, emails, usernames
No illegal data use (e.g., DMV or credit headers without permissible use)
Background / Asset Checks
Real estate, vehicles, businesses, liens, judgments
Civil and criminal court records
Business affiliations and licenses
Online / OSINT Investigation
Social media monitoring
Online marketplace activity
Facial Recognition and web scraping

All findings are documented and stored securely. We keep you updated with major developments.

Step 6: Mid-Case Updates and Communication

We don’t leave you in the dark.

Throughout the investigation, we provide:

Phone/Text/ email updates (as agreed upon)
Copies of any relevant findings (photos, documents, records)
Notice if additional hours or expenses are recommended
If anything changes or the case evolves (for example, the subject relocates), we adjust accordingly.
We may also suggest additional services if new leads emerge.

We always respect your budget and timeline, and no additional fees are charged without your approval.

Step 7: Final Report and Deliverables

Once your case concludes, we prepare your final report. This may include:

Chronological report of observations and findings
Photos, videos, or screenshots
Public record summaries
Data sheets (phone numbers, emails, address history, etc.)
Verification of subject identity or activity

Our reports are:

Written in clear, non-technical language
Time-stamped and professionally formatted
Ready to be submitted to an attorney, court, or police if needed
- Need a notarized affidavit or testimony? We can provide that at an additional fee.

Step 8: Next Steps (Legal or Personal)

After you receive your report, many clients ask:

Can I use this in court?
Should I bring this to a lawyer?
What if I want to reopen the case?

The answer depends on your situation. While we don’t provide legal advice, we can:

Refer you to an attorney if needed
Offer additional investigation if new information arises
Help you prepare evidence for mediation or settlement

Our goal is to help you move forward—whether that means filing a case, confronting a person, or simply getting peace of mind.

Types of Cases We Handle Across Long Island

We’ve helped hundreds of clients in Nassau, Suffolk, and nearby boroughs investigate:

Infidelity and cohabitation
Child custody and visitation violations
Scam or fraud activity
Civil litigation prep (before hiring an attorney)
Missing persons and runaway locate work
Skip Tracing
Background checks
Contractor or service provider fraud
Online harassment and impersonation
Many more

You don’t need a legal case to start. You just need a reason—and a PI you can trust.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a typical investigation take?
- It depends on the type. Skip tracing might take a few days, while surveillance could require multiple weeks depending on your goals.
Is everything legal?
- Yes. We operate within all New York laws and never use DMV records, credit headers without permissible use. Everything is court-admissible.
Will the subject know they're being investigated? No. Our work is discreet.
- The subject is never contacted unless legally required (e.g., in missing person reunifications).
Can I stay anonymous as a client?
- Yes. Your identity and purpose are never revealed unless you authorize it.

Why Hire Easton Secure Solutions LLC?

Licensed in New York
Discreet, confidential, and ethical
Experienced with civil and family cases and person locates
Straightforward pricing and process

We’re based in Long Island and serve:

Nassau County
Suffolk County
Queens, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Bronx, Staten Island
Remote Services Available throughout New York State

Ready to Get Answers?
You don’t have to guess. You don’t have to wait. And you definitely don’t need to feel powerless.

Let’s talk.

📞 Call today: (516) 962-1267
📧 Email: [email protected]
🔗 Submit a Case Now | See All Services

Hiring a PI isn’t just about watching someone. It’s about taking control of the unknown. Let’s get started.