A private detective, or private investigator, is a person who can be hired by individuals or groups to undertake investigatory law services.

Private detectives or investigators often work for 'private investigator Toronto ' in civil cases. A handful of very skilled private investigators work with defense attorneys on capital punishment and criminal defense cases.

Many work for insurance companies to investigate suspicious claims i.e. before the advent of no-fault divorce, many private investigators were hired to search out evidence of adultery or other conduct within marriage to establish grounds for a divorce.

An 'undercover' investigator, as they are sometimes called, is a person who conducts investigations of either suspected or confirmed criminal activity - while impersonating a disinterested third party (fake identity). Undercover investigators often target a suspected rebellious group, posing as a 'fake' person interested in purchasing illegal goods or services with the ultimate aim of gathering information about their assigned target or goal.

Many undercover investigators carry hidden cameras and recorders strapped to their bodies to help them document their investigations. The period of the investigation could last for several months or, in some extreme cases, years. Due to the dangerous nature of the job, their real identities are kept secret throughout their active careers.


A private detective's role can differ as there are many job specific titles within this role. Private detective's can specialise in rather computer forensics and cyber crime investigation services or corporate and commercial services or individual investigation services and even specialist services.