What does a private investigator actually do? Oscar Santa Maria draws on more than 30 years of experience and over 5,000 investigations to explain the realities of professional investigative work. This episode explores surveillance, background investigations, witness interviews, locate cases, legal support, and the important differences between real investigations and what is portrayed on television.
Drawing on a career that began in 1992, Oscar explains that professional investigative work is rarely as glamorous or predictable as the movies suggest. Successful investigations require preparation, patience, discretion, careful observation, accurate documentation, and the ability to adapt when circumstances change.
Listeners will learn how private investigators assist attorneys, businesses, insurance companies, and private individuals with gathering facts and documenting evidence. Oscar also discusses why investigators must remain objective, follow the law, protect confidentiality, and avoid making assumptions before the evidence is developed.
Whether you are considering hiring a private investigator, interested in entering the profession, or simply curious about what happens behind the scenes, Episode 2 provides a realistic look at the work and responsibilities of a professional private investigator.