What Does a Private Investigator Do? A Complete Guide to Private Investigation Services in Ontario (2026)
What Does a Private Investigator Do?
When most people think of a private investigator, they picture scenes from movies or television: high-speed car chases, hidden cameras, disguises, and dramatic confrontations. While those portrayals can be entertaining, they rarely reflect what private investigators actually do.
In reality, professional private investigators provide valuable investigative services that help individuals, businesses, insurance companies, law firms, landlords, and corporations uncover facts, gather evidence, locate people, and make informed decisions.
Whether you’re dealing with a workplace issue, a suspected insurance fraud claim, a landlord-tenant dispute, or simply need to locate someone, a licensed private investigator can often obtain information that would otherwise be difficult or impossible to gather on your own.
In this guide, we’ll explain what private investigators do, the types of investigations they conduct, what they can and cannot legally do in Ontario, and when hiring a private investigator may be the right decision.
Table of Contents
- What Is a Private Investigator?
- How Are Private Investigators Regulated in Ontario?
- Common Services Provided by Private Investigators
- Surveillance Investigations
- Skip Tracing
- Background Investigations
- Workplace Investigations
- Insurance Investigations
- Landlord-Tenant Investigations
- What Private Investigators Cannot Do
- When Should You Hire a Private Investigator?
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Is a Private Investigator?
A private investigator (PI) is a licensed professional who conducts investigations on behalf of clients to gather information, locate individuals, document activities, and collect evidence in a lawful and ethical manner.
In Ontario, private investigators are licensed under the Private Security and Investigative Services Act, 2005 (PSISA) and must comply with strict provincial regulations.
Unlike police officers, private investigators do not have special law enforcement powers. Instead, they rely on professional investigative techniques, experience, observation, research, interviews, surveillance, and publicly available information to help clients resolve legal, personal, and business matters.
Official licensing information is available through the Government of Ontario.
Who Hires Private Investigators?
Private investigators work with a wide variety of clients, including:
- Individuals
- Families
- Businesses
- Law firms
- Insurance companies
- Property management companies
- Landlords
- Municipal organizations
- Financial institutions
- Corporations
Every investigation is different, but the goal is always the same: to gather accurate, legally obtained information that helps clients make informed decisions.
Common Private Investigation Services
Professional investigators offer many different services depending on a client’s needs.
Some of the most common include:
- Surveillance
- Skip tracing
- Background investigations
- Workplace investigations
- Insurance investigations
- Landlord-tenant investigations
- Witness interviews
- Asset investigations
- Due diligence investigations
- Corporate investigations
- Evidence collection
Let’s take a closer look at each service.
Surveillance Investigations
Surveillance is one of the most recognized services provided by private investigators, and it’s also one of the most misunderstood.
Professional surveillance involves carefully observing and documenting a person’s activities while remaining discreet and complying with all applicable laws.
The objective isn’t simply to “follow someone.” Instead, investigators collect factual information through observations, photographs, videos, detailed notes, and timelines.
Surveillance may be used for:
- Insurance investigations
- Workplace misconduct
- Child custody matters
- Civil litigation
- Suspected fraud
- Corporate investigations
- Landlord-tenant disputes
- Missing person investigations
Experienced investigators spend significant time planning surveillance before it even begins. They review available information, identify likely locations, understand schedules, and determine the most effective methods for documenting activities.
Good surveillance requires patience, attention to detail, and strong report writing—not dramatic confrontations.
Skip Tracing
Skip tracing is the process of locating someone whose current whereabouts are unknown.
People often assume locating someone is as simple as searching social media. In reality, many individuals intentionally make themselves difficult to find.
Private investigators use a combination of lawful investigative techniques, public records, databases, open-source intelligence, interviews, and field investigation to locate individuals.
Skip tracing is commonly used to locate:
- Former tenants
- Debtors
- Witnesses
- Missing family members
- Defendants in civil matters
- Individuals avoiding legal service
- Former employees
- Business partners
At The Smith Investigation Agency, skip tracing often supports legal proceedings by helping clients locate individuals who need to be served with court documents or who owe outstanding debts.
Background Investigations
A background investigation goes far beyond typing someone’s name into a search engine.
Depending on the purpose of the investigation and applicable privacy laws, a professional background investigation may involve reviewing publicly available information, business records, litigation history, media reports, corporate records, professional affiliations, and other lawful sources.
Background investigations are commonly requested before:
- Hiring employees
- Entering business partnerships
- Purchasing businesses
- Making significant financial investments
- Beginning personal relationships where additional due diligence is appropriate
Businesses often use background investigations to reduce risk before making important decisions.
It’s important to understand that investigators must comply with Ontario and Canadian privacy legislation. Information cannot simply be accessed because someone is curious.
Workplace Investigations
Unfortunately, not every workplace issue can be resolved internally.
Private investigators are often retained to investigate allegations involving:
- Employee theft
- Expense fraud
- Time theft
- Harassment
- Workplace violence
- Conflict of interest
- Confidential information leaks
- Policy violations
- Fraudulent claims
Independent workplace investigations help employers gather objective evidence while reducing potential bias.
Depending on the situation, investigators may conduct interviews, review documentation, perform surveillance where legally appropriate, examine timelines, and prepare detailed investigative reports.
The goal is not to prove someone guilty—it is to establish the facts.
Many organizations also retain investigators before making disciplinary decisions to ensure they have reliable evidence supporting their actions.
Insurance Investigations
Insurance fraud affects everyone.
Fraudulent claims can increase insurance costs for individuals and businesses alike.
Private investigators frequently assist insurance companies and legal professionals by verifying the facts surrounding insurance claims.
Common investigations include:
- Disability claims
- Workplace injury claims
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Property damage
- Liability claims
- Catastrophic injury investigations
Surveillance is often one component of an insurance investigation, but it is rarely the entire investigation.
Investigators may also review documentation, conduct neighbourhood inquiries where appropriate, identify witnesses, verify timelines, and collect evidence that assists insurers in making informed decisions.
The objective is not to deny legitimate claims—it is to identify inconsistencies and ensure claims are evaluated fairly.
Landlord-Tenant Investigations
One of the fastest-growing areas of private investigation involves landlord-tenant disputes.
Both landlords and tenants may require investigative services depending on the circumstances.
For landlords, investigators commonly assist with:
- Locating former tenants
- Skip tracing for unpaid rent
- Employment verification
- Asset investigations
- Confirming occupancy
- Illegal subletting investigations
- Evidence gathering for Landlord and Tenant Board proceedings
For tenants, investigators may assist with:
- Suspected bad-faith N12 notices
- Occupancy verification
- Surveillance to determine whether a landlord actually moved into the property
- Property ownership research
- Evidence collection for legal proceedings
At The Smith Investigation Agency, investigations are conducted objectively. The goal is not to take sides but to establish the facts using lawful investigative techniques and professionally documented evidence.
This evidence may assist clients and their legal representatives in preparing for hearings before the Landlord and Tenant Board or other civil proceedings.
What Private Investigators Cannot Do
One of the biggest misconceptions about private investigators is that they have special powers similar to police officers. In reality, private investigators in Ontario must follow the same laws as everyone else while also complying with the Private Security and Investigative Services Act (PSISA) and its regulations.
A professional private investigator cannot:
- Arrest someone (unless acting under the same limited circumstances as any other citizen under Canadian law)
- Impersonate a police officer or other peace officer
- Trespass onto private property without permission
- Break into homes, vehicles, or businesses
- Hack email accounts, computers, or social media profiles
- Wiretap phone calls or intercept private communications without legal authorization
- Access bank accounts or financial records without lawful authority
- Obtain someone’s criminal record without proper authorization
- Install GPS tracking devices on vehicles where doing so would violate the law
- Misrepresent themselves in a way that violates legislation or professional standards
Professional investigators understand the legal limits of their work and gather evidence lawfully so it can be relied upon by clients, lawyers, insurers, or the courts.
Attempting to obtain information illegally can jeopardize an investigation and may expose both the investigator and the client to legal consequences.
For more information about licensing and legal requirements, visit the Government of Ontario’s page on the Private Security and Investigative Services Act (PSISA).
When Should You Hire a Private Investigator?
Many people assume private investigators are only hired for criminal matters or suspected infidelity. In reality, investigators assist with a wide variety of personal, legal, and business matters every day.
You may want to hire a private investigator if:
You Need to Locate Someone
Whether you’re trying to locate a former tenant, a witness, a debtor, a family member, or someone who needs to be served with legal documents, a professional investigator can often locate individuals through lawful investigative techniques.
You Suspect Fraud
Fraud can affect businesses, insurers, property owners, and individuals.
A private investigator can help gather evidence to determine whether fraudulent activity may be occurring.
You’re Dealing With a Workplace Issue
Employee theft, policy violations, harassment allegations, conflicts of interest, and time theft often require independent investigations.
An experienced investigator can gather objective information while maintaining confidentiality.
You Need Evidence for Legal Proceedings
Private investigators regularly work alongside lawyers to gather evidence that may support civil litigation, insurance matters, employment disputes, family law proceedings, and landlord-tenant hearings.
You’re a Landlord or Tenant
Landlords may need help locating former tenants, confirming employment for enforcement purposes, or investigating suspected lease violations.
Tenants may require evidence regarding bad-faith eviction notices or occupancy claims.
You Need Peace of Mind
Sometimes an investigation confirms that concerns are unfounded.
Other times it provides the evidence needed to move forward with confidence.
Either way, obtaining factual information often allows clients to make informed decisions instead of relying on assumptions.
How to Choose the Right Private Investigator
Not all investigation agencies are the same.
Before hiring a private investigator, consider the following questions.
Is the Investigator Properly Licensed?
In Ontario, private investigators must hold a valid licence issued by the Government of Ontario.
Always verify that the investigator or agency is properly licensed before retaining their services.
Do They Have Experience?
Different investigations require different skills.
Ask whether the agency has experience handling investigations similar to yours.
Will You Receive Professional Reports?
Documentation is often just as important as the investigation itself.
Professional investigators should provide organized reports that clearly explain observations, timelines, photographs, videos, and supporting evidence.
Do They Communicate Clearly?
Investigations often involve sensitive situations.
Choose an agency that keeps you informed, explains the investigative process, and answers your questions honestly.
Are They Transparent About Costs?
A reputable investigation agency should explain its pricing structure before beginning an investigation so you understand what services are included.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are private investigators legal in Ontario?
Yes. Private investigators are legal in Ontario provided they are properly licensed and comply with the Private Security and Investigative Services Act (PSISA).
Can a private investigator follow someone?
Yes.
Surveillance is a common investigative technique when conducted lawfully and ethically.
Can a private investigator take photographs or video?
Yes.
Private investigators may photograph or record activities that occur where there is no reasonable expectation of privacy, provided the evidence is obtained lawfully.
Can a private investigator find someone’s address?
Depending on the circumstances and the purpose of the investigation, investigators may use lawful investigative methods to locate individuals.
Can private investigators testify in court?
Yes.
Private investigators may be called to testify regarding their observations, reports, photographs, videos, and investigative findings.
Can businesses hire private investigators?
Absolutely.
Many businesses retain investigators to conduct workplace investigations, fraud investigations, due diligence, surveillance, and corporate investigations.
Can a private investigator help with landlord-tenant disputes?
Yes.
Private investigators frequently assist both landlords and tenants by gathering evidence, conducting surveillance, locating former tenants, confirming occupancy, and documenting information relevant to legal proceedings.
How much does it cost to hire a private investigator?
The cost varies depending on the complexity of the investigation, the services required, the duration of surveillance, travel requirements, and other factors.
The best way to obtain an accurate estimate is to contact an investigation agency to discuss your specific situation.
Are consultations confidential?
Professional investigation agencies treat client information with discretion and confidentiality.
Specific confidentiality obligations may vary depending on the circumstances of the investigation and applicable laws.
Why Choose The Smith Investigation Agency?
At The Smith Investigation Agency, we understand that every investigation is unique.
Whether you’re an individual dealing with a personal matter, a landlord facing a difficult tenant situation, a business investigating workplace concerns, or a lawyer seeking reliable investigative support, our experienced team is committed to conducting professional, ethical, and thorough investigations.
Our services include:
- Surveillance Investigations
- Skip Tracing
- Landlord & Tenant Investigations
- Workplace Investigations
- Insurance Investigations
- Background Investigations
- Corporate Investigations
- Asset Investigations
We focus on gathering factual, legally obtained evidence while providing our clients with clear communication and professional reporting throughout the investigative process.
Interested in becoming a licensed Private Investigator or Security Guard?
Visit Training Centre Canada to learn more about our online Ontario training programs.
Final Thoughts
Private investigators do far more than most people realize.
From surveillance and skip tracing to workplace investigations, insurance claims, landlord-tenant disputes, and corporate investigations, professional investigators help clients uncover facts, reduce uncertainty, and make informed decisions based on reliable evidence.
If you’re facing a situation where you need answers—not assumptions—a licensed private investigator may be able to help.
At The Smith Investigation Agency, we’re committed to conducting professional, ethical, and confidential investigations tailored to each client’s unique needs.
If you’d like to discuss your situation or learn more about how we can help, contact our team today for a confidential consultation.
