Delaware Private Investigator: Complete Guide to Hiring Experts in 2025
Introduction to Delaware Private Investigators
Hiring a Delaware Private Investigator can provide peace of mind when you need answers that aren’t easy to find. Whether it’s dealing with family matters, investigating fraud, or locating missing persons, licensed investigators in Delaware bring professional skills, discretion, and legal knowledge to your case.
What Does a Private Investigator Do in Delaware?
Private investigators in Delaware collect information, conduct surveillance, and uncover facts for individuals, businesses, and attorneys. Their findings are often used as evidence in court cases, personal disputes, or corporate investigations.
Why Delaware Residents Hire Private Investigators
Delaware residents turn to PIs for:
Infidelity suspicions and family law disputes
Custody and child support investigations
Background checks for employment or relationships
Fraud detection in corporate environments
Locating missing persons
Legal Requirements for Delaware Private Investigators
Like Maryland, Delaware requires investigators to operate under strict state laws.
Delaware Licensing Process and State Oversight
Private investigators in Delaware are licensed through the Delaware State Police, Professional Licensing Section. Applicants must:
Pass fingerprinting and background checks
Complete investigative training or have prior law enforcement experience
Meet insurance requirements
Key Laws and Ethical Guidelines
Delaware PIs cannot impersonate law enforcement, trespass on private property, or use illegal wiretaps. Licensed investigators must operate ethically and within the law to ensure evidence is admissible in court.
Types of Services Offered by Delaware Private Investigators
Background Checks and Pre-Empl
oyment Screening
Many Delaware employers use investigators for thorough background checks, ensuring safe and trustworthy hiring decisions.
Surveillance and Monitoring
From infidelity cases to workers’ compensation claims, PIs use discreet surveillance methods to document behavior and provide evidence.
Infidelity and Family Law Cases
A Delaware father hired a PI to monitor his ex-wife’s new partner. Evidence revealed unsafe living conditions, which influenced the court’s custody decision.
Private investigators assist Delaware families with sensitive issues such as cheating spouses, custody battles, and child welfare investigations.
Corporate and Fraud Investigations
Businesses rely on investigators to uncover internal theft, insurance fraud, and corporate espionage.
Missing Persons and Skip Tracing
Investigators use advanced databases and fieldwork to track down missing relatives, debt evaders, or runaway teens.
Delaware Private Investigator Costs
Hourly Rates and Flat Fees
In Delaware, private investigators typically charge $75–$150 per hour, depending on the case. Flat fees may apply for background checks or simple tasks.
What Affects the Cost of Investigations
Complexity of the case
Hours of surveillance needed
Use of specialized equipment (GPS, drones, forensic software)
How to Choose the Best Delaware Private Investigator
Licensing and Credentials to Look For
Always confirm the PI is licensed with the Delaware State Police. Membership in national associations like the National Association of Legal Investigators (NALI) is a plus.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
How much experience do you have in Delaware cases?
Do you provide court-admissible evidence?
What are your fees and billing policies?
Red Flags to Avoid
Investigators who refuse to show proof of licensing
Anyone offering “guaranteed results”
PIs suggesting illegal tactics
Technology Used by Delaware Private Investigators
Surveillance Equipment and GPS Tracking
Modern investigators use advanced cameras, GPS trackers, and sometime
es drones for discreet surveillance.
Digital Forensics and Online Investigations
Delaware PIs also analyze emails, financial records, and social media activity to uncover digital evidence.
Case Studies: Real-Life Investigations in Delaware
Family Law and Custody Cases
A Delaware father hired a PI to monitor his ex-wife’s new partner. Evidence revealed unsafe living conditions, which influenced the court’s custody decision.
Business and Corporate Fraud Cases
A Wilmington business suspected employee theft. A PI uncovered falsified invoices and coordinated with attorneys to recover damages.
FAQs About Delaware Private Investigators
Q1: Is it legal to hire a private investigator in Delaware?
Yes, as long as the investigator is licensed through the Delaware State Police.
Q2: Can a PI testify in Delaware courts?
Yes. Licensed investigators often testify and provide evidence in both civil and criminal cases.
Q3: How long does an investigation take?
It depends. Simple background checks may take 1–2 days, while complex surveillance can last weeks.
Q4: Do PIs in Delaware carry firearms?
Only if properly licensed and trained under Delaware law.
Q5: Can investigators access police records?
No, PIs do not have police powers. They use legal databases and field investigations.
Q6: Why choose On Time Investigations in Delaware?
Because we’re licensed in both Maryland and Delaware, we bring regional expertise, professionalism, and confidentiality to every case.
Conclusion: Why Choose On Time Investigations in Delaware
Hiring a Delaware Private Investigator gives you the advantage of professional fact-finding, surveillance, and legal evidence collection. At On Time Investigations, we are fully licensed in Delaware and Maryland, offering trusted services for individuals, families, and businesses.
Whether you’re facing family law disputes, corporate fraud, or missing person cases, our investigators provide discreet, reliable, and court-ready results. Contact us today for a free consultation and take the first step toward uncovering the truth.
👉 Learn more here: Delaware State Police Professional Licensing Section