What to Expect During a Private Investigation: A Detailed Overview

In Singapore, which remains a fast-paced growing economy, there is an increasing demand for the need to hire a private investigator firm to help them solve personal or business-related issues, from matrimonial investigations and infidelity to fraud or child custody disputes. A private investigator (PI) in Singapore helps clients gather evidence, maintain confidentiality, and stay within legal boundaries under the Private Security Industry Act.

This guide will walk you through every stage—from consultation to final report—so you know what to expect. Baker Street Private Investigator (BSPI) is a professional private investigation firm that specialise in the best private investigator services in Singapore.

Initial Consultation: Understanding Your Needs

What Happens During the Consultation:

• A licensed PI listens to your concerns, whether they involve a cheating spouse, corporate fraud, or investigation needs.
  
• The PI will identify the scope of the case and determine what’s realistic within legal limits set by the Singapore Police and Police Licensing and Regulatory Department (PLRD).
  

What You Should Prepare:

• Share names, timelines, previous attempts at resolution, and other key details.
  
• This helps the private detective formulate a practical approach.
  

Cost and Timeframe Discussion:

• You’ll be informed about private investigator services, including hourly rates or fixed fees, based on the complexity of your case.
  

Setting Expectations:

• A good private investigation agency has a team of private investigators that ensures clients understand that not all outcomes are immediate—ethical boundaries must be respected.
  

Planning the Investigation

Tailored Approach:

• Once the PI has reviewed the case, they’ll suggest a thorough investigation plan using methods such as:
  
  • Surveillance
    
  • Background checks
    
  • Public record reviews
    
  • Digital research
    

Legal Considerations:

• All actions are governed by the Private Security Industry Act and regulated by the Singapore Police Force to ensure discreet, legal conduct of Singapore private investigators.
  

Choosing the Right Techniques:

• Depending on your case, the private investigation agency in Singapore may:
  
  • Monitor a subject’s movement
    
  • Gather evidence
    
  • Interview witnesses
    

Timeline and Strategy:

• The investigation firm will give you a clear breakdown of steps, expected durations, and confidential progress updates from a trusted private investigator.
  

Conducting the Investigation: Gathering Evidence

When hiring a top PI, the real work begins with the evidence collection phase. Experienced private investigators in Singapore follow a structured, legal, and discreet method to ensure ethical conduct in their surveillance skills.

Surveillance Investigation:

• Use of GPS tracking, video monitoring, and covert stakeouts
  
• Ensures no violation of local privacy laws under the Private Security Industry Act
  

Background Research:

• Involves background investigations into public records, criminal databases, financial history, and past affiliations
  

Interviewing Witnesses:

• Conducting interviews with utmost professionalism
  
• Ensures credibility and legal admissibility of gathered information
  

Forensic Evidence Collection:

• May include digital forensics on devices or document analysis
  
• Especially relevant in insurance claims and personal matters
  

Client Updates:

• A dedicated private investigator will provide regular, confidential updates without jeopardising the case
  

Evaluating and Analyzing Findings

After completing fieldwork, the licensed private investigation agency begins compiling and reviewing everything uncovered during the private investigation process.

Compiling Evidence:

• All collected materials—photos, videos, documents, interview transcripts—are organized systematically
  

Interpretation of Data:

• The investigation firm evaluates the information based on the client’s goals
  
• Patterns, links, and timelines are studied to determine what’s most relevant
  

Identifying Key Insights:

• Whether it’s child custody, covert misconduct, or corporate fraud, the PI will highlight insights that:
  
  • Confirm suspicions
    
  • Refute false claims
    
  • Offer new leads
    

The goal is always to achieve the best outcome while acting in the client’s best interest.

Reporting: Presenting the Results

The final investigative report marks the conclusion of the surveillance investigation and research phase. The best private investigators in Singapore are trained to produce legally viable, well-structured documents.

Final Report Structure:

• A complete breakdown of the investigation techniques used
  
• All relevant findings, timelines, and analysis
  
• Includes photo and video evidence where applicable
  

Clear and Actionable Findings:

• The report should be straightforward and tailored to suit your needs
  
• Insights must be usable in court or for personal resolution
  

Legal Considerations:

• The final output adheres to standards set by the Singapore Police Force (SPF) and the regulatory department
  

Client Review and Next Steps:

• The professional private investigator will explain the findings, offer referrals, or assist with the next legal steps
  

Post-Investigation Support

Even after delivering the final investigative services, many private investigators in Singapore continue to support their clients.

Clarifying the Results:

• Clients may need help interpreting complex evidence or understanding legal implications
  
• A private detective or investigation firm may offer post-case clarifications and guidance
  

Legal Action Support:

• Assistance in filing insurance claims
  
• Providing testimony if required in legal proceedings
  
• Collaborating with the client’s legal team, especially in handling complex cases
  

Confidentiality Assurance:

• The trusted private investigation agency will maintain strict confidentiality
  
• Every detail of the case, from start to finish, is protected as part of their ethical commitment under the Private Security Industry Act
  

Conclusion

From the initial consultation to post-investigation guidance, the private investigation process is structured to help individuals uncover the truth in sensitive personal matters or business disputes. Whether it’s conducting surveillance investigations or locating witnesses for your insurance claims, a good private detective agency will do only what is best for you based on your needs.

If you’re thinking about hiring a private investigator, contact us today at Baker Street Private Investigator (BSPI) for a consultation. Our discreet and legal private investigation services in Singapore are tailored to your needs and provide the clarity you need and peace of mind.

Frequently Asked Questions About Private Investigators in Singapore

How to Choose the Best Private Investigators in Singapore

When choosing a PI, always verify that they are licensed by the PLRD, have experience relevant to your case (e.g. matrimonial, corporate, insurance claims), and are transparent with their methods and fees. Look for reviews and client feedback to assess professionalism and results.

Are Private Investigators Legal in Singapore? [What You Should Know]

Yes, private investigators are legal, but they are required to obtain a license from the Police Licensing & Regulatory Department (PLRD) of Singapore under the Private Security Industry Act. They are subject to strict laws forbidding illegal surveillance and privacy violations.

What Can Private Investigators Do in Singapore (and What They Can’t)?

They can do surveillance, background checks, interviews, and collect evidence — as long as it’s within legal boundaries. However, they cannot hack devices, trespass, or record private conversations without consent.

How Much Does a Private Investigator Cost in Singapore? [2025 Guide]

Costs vary depending on the case complexity. Most PIs charge hourly (typically $100–$200/hour), or offer fixed rates for specific tasks. Reputable agencies provide clear quotations after an initial consultation.

Licensed vs. Unlicensed Private Investigators in Singapore: What’s the Risk?

Hiring an unlicensed PI could lead to unusable evidence, privacy violations, or legal trouble. Always confirm credentials—licensed investigators comply with PLRD rules and maintain confidentiality.

Private Investigator vs. Police in Singapore: Who Should You Call?

A private detective investigates civil or personal matters, where the police won’t intervene (e.g. suspected infidelity, business espionage). Police should be involved if there was a public safety issue or criminal activity.

What Happens During a Private Investigation in Singapore? [Step-by-Step]

A PI has a process, from the consultation, to evidence collection, right down to the report. Each step is meant to be discreet and legal and customized to the client’s preferences. Progress reports are made regularly and can be submitted as evidence in court if necessary.