The cost of a private investigator ranges vastly on the service that is being requested. You can generally find an investigator for $75 - $150 per hour, based on experience. Some cases may be less, and some specialty cases may cost more, depending on the scope.
This question is based on your current situation, need for the truth, and personal finances. It's important to consider all these factors before hiring a private investigator. It never hurts to call and talk to one of our team members about your concerns and some options to help best resolve them.
No, we do not work for law enforcement, nor do we act as their agents. KB Tenacious, LLC is an independent private investigation firm. While we are committed to public safety and may share relevant findings with law enforcement when appropriate, we do so as an independent third party, not at the direction of any agency.
This means:
By staying fully independent, we are able to uphold your privacy and interests as our client, avoid many of the legal restrictions placed on government agents, and ensure any evidence we gather remains legally admissible.
Our work complies with state and federal laws, and when appropriate, we share findings with relevant agencies to assist, but never at their command or control. That distinction protects both our clients and the integrity of any investigation.
At KB Tenacious, our skip tracing services stand out through a multifaceted approach, providing verified, in-depth information beyond the standard report. Our process includes:
This approach empowers you with accurate, comprehensive information for effective decision-making.
Private investigators are not legally allowed to hack into things or track someone's phone. White hat hackers can be employed with the express consent of the owners of the data being accessed to assist in finding ways to protect data in a process called penetration testing. You would want to contact a cybersecurity company about this if you were interested in that kind of service.
As private investigators, we can assist the owner of a computer or phone in checking it for unauthorized surveillance equipment (i.e., trackers like Life360 that were installed without your permission) or in assisting in finding hidden data on your computer using computer forensics. We can also help in physical penetration testing, ensuring your home or business is secured against in-person threats.
The main reason to hire a private investigator is to find the truth. Whether you are looking to find out if your relationship has infidelity, what your spouse is doing when they leave the house, or if you are in court and need to find evidence to assist with your case, there are a multitude of reasons to hire a private investigator. We are only a phone call away if you need solid evidence or just want to know the answer.
There are a few things you want to look for when hiring an investigator:
Yes. In Washington State, private investigators are legal - but only if they hold an active state-issued license. Licensed investigators are required to carry proof of licensure at all times while performing investigative work.
It's important to note that not everyone who claims to be an "investigator" is legally recognized as one. For example, paranormal investigators or hobbyists may refer to themselves using the title, but unless they are either licensed by the state or working directly for law enforcement, they are not legally authorized to perform investigative services.
Always verify credentials if someone claims to be a private investigator.
Yes, anyone from individuals to businesses can hire a private investigator.
Private investigators are often expected to perform as they are portrayed on TV. Unfortunately, a private investigator has strict limitations when fulfilling their duties. They are bound by the state's laws as strictly as any civilian. Here is a list of some, but not all, limitations of a private investigator:
We will inform you of things we cannot do based on your case during intake. We assure you that despite the laws that restrict us, we are very resourceful in completing the job that needs to be done and, per our name, are very tenacious.
We get asked this often; unfortunately, the answer is kind of. There is no 100% way to test someone for infidelity. But surveillance is an excellent place to start if you are looking to be discreet, and, of course, if you are looking to be more direct about the question, then a polygraph is an excellent option.
Understand that trust is an integral part of a relationship. So, if you believe your spouse is cheating, we recommend being pretty sure before accusing someone. Talking to your spouse about your concerns is always a great first step. But we are always here for you if you need us.
Yes, we can help locate a lost friend, family member, or former acquaintance, even if you haven't been in contact for years. Due to privacy laws and ethical standards, we cannot release the searched party's personal information without their permission. Instead, once we locate the individual, we reach out directly and pass along your contact details, along with any message you want to include.
If they choose to respond, they will contact you directly. This protects their right to privacy while still giving you the opportunity to reconnect. Our approach is respectful, discreet, and focused on re-establishing communication only if both parties are willing.
Yes, and we encourage it if you want a quick check on someone you're talking to. But these sources just compile already publicly available information from online. Private investigators have more detailed, accurate, and comprehensive tools, data sources, and skills. Some of our resources are only available to people who hold specific licenses.
If money is tight and you are just looking for a quick, somewhat informative answer, then check out many of the services online. But if you are serious about the information you need to collect, it's essential to be up-to-date and accurate. Give us a call.
Be cautious! There are scammers who pose as investigators to exploit people - especially during emotional or vulnerable times. Watch for:
Here's how to protect yourself: Ask for their full name and WA State PI license number. Request a business card or company name. Ask to see photo ID or badge. Verify their license through WA's Department of Licensing license lookup tool.
Only work with licensed investigators, and report any suspicious contact to local law enforcement or the WA Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division. If someone says they're from KB Tenacious, LLC, you can verify directly with us.
We can't cover everything on one page. So if you have questions, please reach out to us. We are always happy to help.
No. In Washington State and most places in the U.S., there is no waiting period to report a missing person. If someone is missing and you're concerned, report it immediately. The idea that you must wait is outdated and harmful.
There is no waiting period. Call 9-1-1 immediately. When filing the report, provide as much of the following as possible:
Identity & Physical Profile:
Contact & Habits:
Medical & Dental Records:
DNA Collection (Home Prepared) - Place in a clean paper bag in a cool, dry location: Hairbrush, Toothbrush, Razor, Mouthguard, Eyeglasses, Underwear or items that may contain DNA.
Photos: A recent front-facing photo (smiling, teeth visible), a side profile photo, and photos of distinguishing features (tattoos, piercings, scars).
Once the report is filed, you are your loved one's best advocate. Law enforcement may have limited resources. Steps you can take:
Visibility & Media:
Document Everything:
National Database:
Contact Key Places:
Legal & Professional Help:
Support for You:
Yes, but be prepared for limits. Law enforcement will often limit the information they share once an investigation is active, even to private investigators. You can, and should, ask: Who is the assigned investigator? What's the best way to contact them? How often can you expect updates?
Keep a log of every interaction. If you're not getting clear answers, you can ask for a supervisor.
Yes, and it's encouraged. If law enforcement or the Washington State Patrol's Missing and Unidentified Persons Unit (MUPU) hasn't issued a flyer, you can:
Your right to look for your missing loved one is protected. No one has the right to intimidate, harass, or threaten you for raising awareness, whether online or in person.
If someone threatens you or implies violence: Report it to law enforcement immediately. Keep all texts, voicemails, messages, or evidence. Consider seeking a civil anti-harassment order if the threats are persistent.
If someone tries to stop you from putting up flyers: Stay calm. Document the location, time, what was said, and who said it. If you're on private property, the owner has the right to remove flyers - always ask permission first. On public property like a utility pole or park bulletin board, you usually have the right to post unless specifically prohibited by local ordinance.
You are not alone. You have the legal and moral right to keep looking. At KB Tenacious, we stand beside families facing pressure, silence, or intimidation. We document and report everything, and we never stop helping families seek the truth.
Be cautious! There are scammers who try to exploit families during crises. Watch for: people demanding money with promises to locate your loved one, psychics asking for payment to give you information, PIs or investigators without a license or refusing to provide one.
Only work with licensed investigators and report any suspicious demands to law enforcement and the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division.
Yes. A closed case just means law enforcement isn't actively working it right now. You can ask to reopen it if new evidence comes up, hire a PI to investigate independently, continue pushing through media and advocacy groups, or ask an attorney to assist in gaining access to records. We can help assess whether new findings could justify reopening the case.
No. Only a relative, legal guardian, or someone with legal standing can file an official missing persons report with law enforcement. However, we can help you prepare, organize key facts, and present the report in a way that helps law enforcement act faster and more effectively.
In most states, adults have the legal right to disappear. That means if someone leaves on their own and is not under guardianship, the police may close the case if no foul play is suspected. As private investigators, we can still search - our job isn't limited by the same closure standards.
The more detailed you are, the better we can help.
Sometimes, yes. But it depends on the department and the lead investigator. Our policy is to first speak with the investigator in charge before taking any action in an open case. We don't interfere, we cooperate where appropriate and continue independently when necessary.
At KB Tenacious, LLC, we take missing persons cases seriously and work with law enforcement, not against it. Here's what we can do:
If the case is still open and actively investigated by law enforcement, we take a cautious approach. We never interfere with an active investigation. Our first step is always to contact the lead investigator. In closed or cold cases, we can operate more freely to uncover leads, reconnect witnesses, and assist in bringing closure.
Once you've reported a loved one missing to law enforcement, there are still steps you can take:
And remember: we're here to support families, professionally, legally, and with compassion.
Private investigators' jobs are information. Call, set up a meeting, send us an email. We are always willing to help when we can, especially on cases involving a missing person. At KB Tenacious, LLC, we will be happy to at least reply to you with some information or let you know that we need some time to get the information for you.
Don't see your question answered here? Reach out directly - every inquiry is confidential.
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