During the investigation, when private investigators try to establish "WHO"
is responsible for an incident or crime, the emphasis is on establishing the
identity of that person. When the most important question for the investigation
is "WHERE", the emphasis is on determining the crime scene. There is a clear distinction between the question of who, who focuses on the person, in relation to where, where the emphasis is on the location. There may be more important questions for the investigation, than where the perpetrator is, where the evidence is or where the potential loot is hidden, the question "WHEN" is also important, which puts emphasis on the time of the commission of a crime. It is also important for the investigator to clearly define what are the sources of information that can help him during the investigation.
During the investigation, investigators will often have to work with rich sources of data from non-governmental sources, concerning individuals and legal entities, personal property and real estate. Some of the personal data are not directly available, while for others it is necessary to obtain appropriate documentation after the initiation of criminal proceedings. Banks and credit institutions are also important sources of information. Invoices provide insight into financial condition, dates and type of payments, as well as amounts.
There is also information about the money that is withdrawn, as well as the number of checks written within a certain period. Banks have records of all major transactions and valuables stored in safes. Likewise, credit information to the investigator may serve as a source of information on the suspect's employment, his primary source of income, assets and the amounts for which the said person is in charge. Many businesses also have their own credit agencies. These institutions may offer information about their clients, such as marital status, spouse's name, a number of dependents, past and present residential addresses, and credit rating. If a real estate crime is suspected, the real address for the investigator is real estate agencies that can offer him information on the price of the property rented or sold, the number of transactions, mortgages and ownership relationships. Insurance companies may offer the investigator information on the last address used, the date of purchase or sale of the property and the amount of the accompanying transaction. Telecommunications companies can also provide assistance in the form of subscriptions and the number of monthly bills for mobile and fixed telephony. The same applies to companies that send bills to the said person for cable television, electricity, gas and water, from which, in addition to the address of the user, it is possible to obtain information on the use of these services in the past. In certain circumstances, it is useful to get in touch with companies that offer transport services, especially in cases where theft and concealment of stolen items are suspected. The same can be applied in the case of taxi associations that can offer information on the destination of passengers and potential transported items. Rent-a-car agencies are also important because they provide insight into the information from the suspect's driver's license, the address of the person who rents the vehicle, information about the persons authorized to use the vehicle and the mileage. There are often different phone numbers, addresses, vehicle descriptions, credit card information used when making payments and the like.
Private Investigato Switzerland
Schaffhauserstrasse 550., Postfach,
CH-8050 Zürich
Switzerland