You are here:
- Home
- Parenting/Family
- Protecting your Home and Family
- Private Investigations and Personal Security
Private Investigations and Personal Security/Questions Answered by Expert Claude Ammons
| Subject | Date Asked |
| Fake Identities | 2/9/2012 |
| Q: How hard is it to create a fake identity? I'm only asking a writer developing a short story? A: William, Creating a fake identity in of itself is quite easy. However, it is all predicated on what ... | |
| P.I.'s & Police | 1/20/2012 |
| Q: I'm a writer, and I've been working on a story about a P.I. From my research, I know that a P.I. ... A: G, Great question! For starters anyone can make a citizens arrest provided they understand the law ... | |
| P.I. question | 9/7/2011 |
| Q: I have a quick question regarding a story I'm writing. If a client hires a private investigator, and ... A: David, *** Disclaimer: I am not a licensed attorney and this is not to be taken as legal advice. ... | |
| Simple thank u!!! | 4/27/2011 |
| Q: if a person commited a low level non drug non violent felony in the year 2001, can they get a low ... A: Brian, It all depends on the state that you live in and what the security company believes in ... | |
| Being stalked | 4/22/2011 |
| Q: Mr. Ammons, This happens at a fitness center. The first time he stepped on the treadmill next to ... A: Nini, I'm not sure what state you reside in but I don't believe that the fitness facility has any ... | |
| bank providing 3rd parties my email address | 4/3/2011 |
| Q: Don't know if this falls into your category of expertise but thought I'd try. I recently got the ... A: Lee, *** Please note that I am not an attorney and I am providing you my professional opinions ... | |
| Question about record | 3/16/2011 |
| Q: how long does a felony or misdamener stay on your record? Can I at some point get a job that wont ... A: Brian,, In most cases a company doing a background will find information going back 10 years. ... | |
| Surveillance System | 2/27/2011 |
| Q: There has been an issue outside my apartment with vandals and I'd like to get a surveillance system ... A: Gabriel, It sounds like you've done a bit of research to your credit. I would only ask a couple of ... | |
| employee rights | 2/26/2011 |
| Q: I have a few questions I hope you can help with about my husbands job. My husband works at a ... A: Amanda, I recommend that you seek legal counsel immediately. Why haven't you filed a complaint with ... | |
| INTRUSION | 1/17/2011 |
| Q: CAN SOMEONE GET TO YOUR E/MAIL AND EITHER OR CHANGE OR ADD THINGS TO YOUR E/MAIL? A: Raymond, There are many ways to "get to your email", both directly and indirectly. If they or ... | |
| Insurance rewards | 11/22/2010 |
| Q: A long while back, I watched a TV series called "Banacek" in which this private investigator usually ... A: Geoff, 10 percent is standard & customary, but the fee can be even higher. With most PIs 10 percent ... | |
| business | 10/13/2010 |
| Q: In the story I am writing, a young police officer leaves the force to join an older cop in his ... A: Many officer leave the force for any and all reasons. Work related injury, stress and a realization ... | |
| missing person | 9/30/2010 |
| Q: When you find time, would you tell me if this short scene from my book rings true or is missing ... A: Sounds good. You may generally ask for any contact information for his friends and ask if Mrs. ... | |
| Legal issues/Rights/Protection | 8/22/2010 |
| Q: What should a person do if they were reported to the police for things they did and did not do, ... A: Nicholas, You are being very vague so there is no way for me to offer advise on issues that you ... | |
| finding one person | 8/11/2010 |
| Q: can you tell me what is involved in finding one person who is known to have lived in Montreal Canada ... A: Good questions Peter. In order to find someone, it is always more cost efficient when you have a ... | |
| Finding People | 7/26/2010 |
| Q: How can I find a family whom I briefly saw once, and whose name and address I do not know? Is ... A: Kenneth, Without a name & DOB it wouldn't be prudent or economical. Generally, we need name DOB and ... | |
| fraud cases | 5/18/2010 |
| Q: In the story I am writing, I want the PI to get a few cases involving fraud. That is, a client has ... A: Demetrius, There are numerous types of fraud cases. You can google fraud cases or fraud ... | |
| Criminal Justice Law degree | 2/13/2010 |
| Q: ITT tech offers a degree in criminal law. I just can't help but wonder if companies would take ... A: Gene, I do not have any 1st hand information that would disqualify a candidate from that school. I ... | |
| Criminal record and MySpace / Facebook | 1/22/2010 |
| Q: Claude: Hello: Not sure where to go on this so I will just ask and if I am in the wrong place ... A: Paul, I am sorry to hear this. I am not sure of the laws for Connecticut, however, I am pretty ... | |
| Police backrounnd | 1/20/2010 |
| Q: What is the easiest way to get a print out of my criminal history? A: Gene, This is entirely up to you, how extensive your history is and how much it could cost. If you ... | |
| HOME SECURITY | 1/5/2010 |
| Q: HOW DO I KNOW IF SOMEONE HAS BEEN IN MY HOUSE WHILE I AM AWAY? I LIVE ALONE. I BELIEVE MY ... A: Taylor, There are several options to consider ranging from extremely cost efficient to extremely ... | |
| digital recording | 12/18/2009 |
| Q: I would like to find a product that would provide some type of security or surveillance for my child ... A: G, I appears that I missed this follow up and hope that Mr. Strait from Spygear4less.com was a ... | |
| digital recording | 12/18/2009 |
| Q: I would like to find a product that would provide some type of security or surveillance for my child ... A: G, GPS would not be a cost efficient nor appropriate device for what I believe you are trying to ... | |
| digital recording | 12/17/2009 |
| Q: I would like to find a product that would provide some type of security or surveillance for my child ... A: G, There are many covert & overt devices available on the market. However, the biggest issue that ... | |
| cases | 12/9/2009 |
| Q: I am writing a PI story and I wanted to have him relate wild or unusual missing persons and/or ... A: Every case is unusual but I don't have anything wild. However, i did have a 6 day case in Puerto ... | |
| ayuda | 11/15/2009 |
| Q: The other day here in Venezuela I met a young prostitute who made me to feel quite good even the ... A: Sir, Unfortunately, I cannot answer this question as some of your actions (as stated above) could be ... | |
| NJ Pepper Spray Laws | 9/30/2009 |
| Q: I am interested in starting a non-lethal self defense product company. My main product will be ... A: Sameel, The short answer would be that if there is a law allowing individuals to carry 3/4 oz of ... | |
| office | 7/1/2009 |
| Q: It seems I will have to create a person at the PI's office who is at the front, letting the PI know ... A: If she is handling confidential & private information, then she should have a background check. The ... | |
| gangs | 6/10/2009 |
| Q: In my story, two PI's are given black book with friends of missing person in it. They go to one ... A: I would change weed to marijuana. I would also add in the name of the gang member when you state ... | |
| gangs | 5/20/2009 |
| Q: In my story, two PI's are given black book with friends of missing person in it. They go to one ... A: Yes, you could do that. However, it may be more credible if they asked if the could come inside and ... | |
| gangs | 5/20/2009 |
| Q: In my story, two PI's are given black book with friends of missing person in it. They go to one ... A: Demetrius, Gang members all lives in a house/apartment or some type of residence. The 1st place you ... | |
| Security Guard Prospects | 5/11/2009 |
| Q: I am thinking of becoming a corporate security guard in NYC. I am 39 years old and have no ... A: David, Of course! I know this sounds like a cliche but you can do anything you desire. If you are ... | |
| question? | 5/10/2009 |
| Q: What if I am asking you to investigate a past friend/acquaintance of yours, will you have any ... A: Pattee, Hypothetically, if you were asking me to investigate you, I could and have. Hypothetically, ... | |
| chase | 4/16/2009 |
| Q: In one scene in my book, I wanted to have the private investigators go to the home of a friend to ... A: Demetrius, A person could run from the cops for multiple things. Although, the issue is determining ... | |
| secret agents | 3/6/2009 |
| Q: Where do you have to go to college to become a secret agent? Or does it even matter? A: You can get a job at the Central Intelligence Agency or the Federal Bureau of Investigations. I ... | |
| Q | 2/10/2009 |
| Q: Question Hey. If the person started applying for jobs using their social security number, would you ... A: Ronday, Private Ivestigators have many sources, but generally an SS# will provide us a variety of ... | |
| Internet! | 1/25/2009 |
| Q: I have a serious question.Okay there is this older guy(I'm 13) that I talk to over the internet and ... A: CGLLR, This is really an inappropriate question for this forum. Nonetheless, it appears that you ... | |
| Quick Question | 8/17/2008 |
| Q: I live in Las Vegas, NV and I have a small business and I do background checks from time to time. ... A: Skyler, Unfortunately, you are out of luck unless you become a Licensed private Investigator or ... | |
| What kind of investigative services do I need? | 8/7/2008 |
| Q: My two kids are doing everything to lock me away in a institution so that they can take over my ... A: Ann, I'm sorry to here about all of the negatives things that you believe that you have endured ... | |
| PI following me... | 7/28/2008 |
| Q: I have had a PI watching for over a year due to a comp case.. 1) can he video/photograph me through ... A: Tessi, Unfortunately I can't answer the first 4 questions because I am not familiar with New York ... | |
| minor romantic involvment withadult | 5/21/2008 |
| Q: My 15 year old daughter recently involved herself witha 20 year old boy who is now in texas ( we ... A: Debra, This is not a question that I feel comfortable answering because there are many unanswered ... | |
| federal inmate | 4/19/2008 |
| Q: i know someone who has been released from federal prison. i went to a website and it said they were ... A: It sounds like you need to hire a private investigator to conduct a criminal background check into ... | |
| Detecting surveillance | 3/15/2008 |
| Q: I was wondering if there is a technology that exists that can be used for finding camera ... A: James, Below I have cut & pasted several links to a few products that can detect surveillance ... | |
| EMAIL/Phone | 3/4/2008 |
| Q: how do PI's intercept e-mail and phone calls from office locations? Do they require the password? ... A: Alec, I am not aware of any such activity and or their methods, if even possible. However, there ... | |
| hi | 3/4/2008 |
| Q: a guy from georgia who is formerly of missouri, came to new york with his girlfriend, i was mildly ... A: J, You have so many questions and I'm not entirely sure what all the fax are. Feel free to call me ... | |
| co-worker stalking | 1/30/2008 |
| Q: Is he stalking me? A male co-worker always "pops" up when I am taking a break or outside at my ... A: Sheila, You need to be very concerned as the points you have made a strong signs of a potential ... | |
| Harassment? | 1/18/2008 |
| Q: Since January 2007, I have been receiving unsolicited mail to my home and workplace from an unknown ... A: Christine, Please feel free to contact me. There are a lot of questions that I have and it is hard ... | |
| Insurance Data Searches | 12/12/2007 |
| Q: I am currently a PI (former law enforcement) doing alot of work for a plaintiff's attorney. I need ... A: Mr. Brooks, That is a good question and I will have to get back to you on that one. Although, most ... | |
| Cameras | 11/21/2007 |
| Q: My question is regarding the legality of video used for security in a business. Can security video ... A: James, It depends on the state. Here in California we have what is called a " two party state". ... | |
| hi | 11/20/2007 |
| Q: what info from most important to least imp, - is it necessary to get to be able to track someone ... A: Yom, I'm not sure what you are asking, but I will do my best to answer. All information is ... | |
| Type of Investigations To Pursue | 11/10/2007 |
| Q: I would like to become a private investigator specializing in personal/business background checks, ... A: Mike, I can only speak for myself and this is just my opinion. I love surveillance and I know that ... | |
| International Counterintelligence Services, Inc. | 10/31/2007 |
| Q: Sorry to bother you again, but as a newbie I would like to get off to a good start & avoid getting ... A: Mike, Sorry it has taken so long to get back with you. PICA (Professional Investigators of ... | |
| P.I. Business Software | 10/27/2007 |
| Q: I plan on operating a P.I. agency after obtaining a company P.I. license. My question is: What type ... A: Mike, There are plenty of PI (Case Management) programs out there and the are constantly changing. ... | |
| child safety | 10/15/2007 |
| Q: I have a 4 and 2 year old girl and boy respectively. i would like to do a background check on ... A: Eric, You can't put a price on Child Safety. You can look around the New Jersey area or contact ... | |
| finding phone numbers ???? | 10/2/2007 |
| Q: I am attempting a reverse look up for 3 addresses: Am I doing something wrong, I can seem to get ... A: Mr. Wood, There are 3 types of land-line phone number classifications. Listed, Non-Listed & Non ... | |
| major insignia | 7/12/2007 |
| Q: how does the major insignia go on the collar. dont want to place it on upside down. thanks A: For the US Military, there is a MAJOR and a MAJOR GENERAL Insignia. Click the following links to ... | |
| threating blocked cell calls | 6/26/2007 |
| Q: I have a bussiness cell phone line that my girfriend uses and is recieving many harrasing phone ... A: George, We recently solved a similar stalking case within the past several months. Here's the ... | |
Answers by Expert:
Claude Ammons
Top Expert on this page
Expertise
I enjoy answering questions relating to private & general investigations including but not limited to locates, skip tracing, surveillance, stalking, child custody, criminal defense, civil, corporate security/executive protection, workplace violence/threat assessments, personal security, security surveillance systems and GPS tracking/monitoring products & services. Specifically, I answer questions regarding state laws concerning private investigation practices, as well as the best practices & standard operating procedures used by most reputable private investigative firms. I can give you state & federal references when dealing with issues that may or may not be legal in your specific state. IE- Some states have laws which conflict with federal law such as California's "2 party law" for surreptitious audio recordings. I offer tips on how to identify the right investigative firm for your particular case and what type of questions that investigative firm should be asking you. QUICK TIP #1: NEVER hire a Private Investigative firm that is not concerned about providing you a written contract that specifically outlines the agreement and responsibilities of both parties!!! A written contract should be expected & demanded by both investigative firm and client 95% of the time. I have numerous resources and will point you in the right direction. Whether it is hiring an attorney, a specialist or offering tips on conducting LEGAL investigations & research yourself. I offer advise regarding the kind of info you can legally obtain, what's not legal for you to obtain and when you need to hire a professional to obtain the info on your behalf. Lastly, I have over 20 yrs of experience as a Security Professional/Consultant and 12+ yrs within the Investigative profession. As the 2009 President of a state Private Investigation Association, I have professional knowledge, experience & established resources that supply me with the most recent legislative issues & industry trends.
Experience
Corinthian Group experience includes but not limited to all areas of surveillance including Workers Compensation Insurance Fraud, Domestic Infidelity Cases, Computer Investigations & Forensics, Personal Injury & Automobile Liabilty, Loss Prevention, theft interviewing & interrogation techniques, Under Cover assignments, Stalking prevention & suppression, surveillance tactics & countermeasures and surveillance system & lighting consultation experience.
Corinthian Group also has experience in security consultation & protective services to the corporate & private sector. These services include Bodyguard/Executive Protection, identity theft prevention, work place violence & volitale terminations, GPS tracking/monitoring services, TSCM/Debugging( Technical Surveillance Countermeasures) and security system products & diagramming experience.
Organizations
2009 PICA President (Professional Investigators of California Association)
NCISS (National Council of Investigations & Security Services)-Member
CALI (California Association of Licensed Investigators)-Member
SCFIA (Southern California Fraud Investigators Association)-Member
WAD (World Association of Detectives)-Member
Publications
Experts.com: http://www.experts.com/Articles/Private-Investigation-Finding-and-Using-Social-Media-Evidence-in-the-Courtroom-By-Claude-Ammons
Hellium: http://www.helium.com/users/edit_show_articles/387656
Blog: http://sexliesvideoviapi.blogspot.com/ and my m
Education/Credentials
PSO (Security Course)
Weaponless Defense
Tai Karate & MMA training
Wicklander & Zulawski-Interview & Interrogation Techniques
Peace Officer Standards & Training (POST)-832 Level 3
CA State licensed Private Investigator-CA PI # 23070
Law Enforcement Training Center-Computer Investigations
Awards and Honors
Elected as the Association President of PICA in 2009. PICA was an Association that focused on legislative bills that would have a negative impact on our profession if passed at the state level... PICA was a member oriented association that was positioning itselt to provide its members with resources to help them successful grow and or sustain their businesses.
Awarded for presentation of GPS Tracking devices. Honored for service as the 2009 PICA President and the 2008 & 2007 PICA 2nd Vice President respectively.
Past/Present Clients
SCRMA (Southern California Risk Management Associates), Markel Insurance Corporation, Imhoff & Associations (Nationwide Criminal Defense Law Firm).
Private clients are Confidential!
©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.