GENERAL
A private investigator gathers information, conducts surveillance, and solves cases discreetly.This includes a focus on gathering factual information that can be used for multiple investigative purposes in personal, legal, and corporate industries. A private investigator will document behaviour, verify information, and produce evidence for court.
Private investigators in BC and Canada are legal, regulated, and professionally trained. In British Columbia, investigators must be licensed through the Security Programs Division. This ensures investigations are conducted lawfully and withing ethical boundaries.
Hire a private investigator for infidelity, missing persons, fraud, or background checks. Clients will generally reach out when something does not add up but requires clear evidence. An investigator can assist with confirming situations through research and documented observations.
Costs vary, typically ranging from $95 to $200 per hour in BC. The total cost depends on how much time and resources are required to obtain meaningful results. A straightforward investigation requiring surveillance, witness interviews, or background research in major British Columbia cities will be cheaper compared to a national or international investigation or investigation that requires specialized counter-measure equipment for bug sweeping (TSCM).
Yes, Kusic & Kusic charges retainers, mileage, travel time, and minimum hours may apply. These costs are discussed upfront with clients and depend on locations of our investigators. This allows for transparency before an investigation begins.
Yes, you can request a flat fee quote for an investigation from Kusic&Kusic. Flat fees are typically offered for specific services where the time of the investigation is predictable. A client may have an allotted budget that they cannot exceed in which case we will best attempt to accommodate and provide the best methods of investigation possible.
Factors include case complexity, hours worked, and location specifics. The availability of information provided by a client can significantly impact the cost. A client that provides clear direction and details can reduce the time spent on preliminary work.
Yes, private investigator fees are tax-deductible for businesses in British Columbia. Clients should confirm with their accountant for their specific situation.
Kusic&Kusic offers free initial consultations, covering case assessment and options. This allows clients to understand what is realistic before committing to services. It also helps determine whether an investigation is the appropriate next step.
Ask about license,fees, services included, experience, timelines coverage areas, and confidentiality agreements. It is important to understand how evidence is collected and reported as not all firms follow the same standards or level of detail.
A reputable firm will be licensed, experienced, have transparent pricing, and have positive reviews. A reputable firm will clearly explain what they can and cannot do under law. A risky firm will be unlicensed, have unclear pricing, and have negative feedback. A firm that offers unrealistic promises or guarantees should be viewed with caution.
In many cases, experience in specific types of investigations is more important than overall size. Experience can ensure expertise. A larger agency may offer more resources and specialists. The right approach often depends on the nature of the file.
Send an email to info@kusic.ca or call our office at 604–681–9988. We will provide you with an initial consultation about the best methods of investigation for your case. We will also explain what information you will need to provide us with before we begin the investigation as well as the next steps.
Gather case details, questions, and any relevant documents before contacting them. For example, providing timelines, names, contact information, known locations, or even the smallest detail about a person’s appearance, interest, or behaviour can significantly improve an investigations outcome.
You will be asked about your case details, goals, and any relevant background information. This helps determine the most appropriate investigative approach. The more accurate the information, the more focused and cost effective the investigation can be.
An investigation can start within days. The duration depends on case complexity and requirements. Early planning improves the likelihood of capturing relevant activity. Any investigations the require urgency will be prioritized based on availability.
Updates are typically provided daily/weekly or as significant developments occur. An update will depend on the nature of the investigation and the clients’ expectations. There are instances when a case requires real-time updates and when a summary of events is only required on a weekly basis.
Results are delivered through detailed reports, photos, videos, and affidavits. Evidence is captured in a clear and usable format generally used for court purposes. This ensures that materials can be easily reviewed or presented if required. Our investigators are available for testimony regarding all evidence they collect.
Yes, we can testify and provide court-ready evidence for your case. Our investigators are available for testimony regarding all evidence they collect. Documentation is prepared with this possibility in mind. The proper handling of evidence is critical for admissibility.
Yes, Kusic&Kusic collaborates with insurers as well as a client’s lawyers and in-house counsel for investigations. We frequently work with legal representation and insurers of businesses to understand requirement and best strategize an investigation. This may pertain to, but are not limited to, matters of workplace injury, asset identification and recovery, missing persons, custody disputes, spousal disputes, political activities, protests and demonstrations, estates and beneficiaries, etc.
Yes, we can coordinate investigations across multiple provinces or countries effectively. Kusic and Kusic is a member of multiple associations including British Columbia (PIABC), Canadian Association of Private Investigators (CAPI), World Association of Detectives (WAD), and the Canadian Association of Threat Assessment Professionals (CATAP). Coordination ensures consistency across jurisdictions.
Yes, Kusic&Kusic investigators are all licensed and the firm is insured in British Columbia. This provides protection for both the client and the investigator. It reflects compliance with provincial requirements. Private investigation firms in British Columbia require Commercial General Liability Insurance (CGL), Errors and Omissions Liability Insurance (E&O) and Worksafe BC coverage.
You can verify private investigators license though the BC Security License Verification Tool: https://justice.gov.bc.ca/security/security-licence-status-verification/sbl
Verification of a private investigator is important to make sure you are working with a legitimate provider. It is a simple step that most clients may not know about that will help them avoid risk when hiring a private investigation firm in the future.
Kusic & Kusic maintains strict data security controls in compliance with applicable Canadian privacy regulations. Sensitive information is encrypted, stored on certified Canadian-based servers, and securely deleted once it is no longer required from regulatory purposes. It is our main priority to protect client identity and details. All information at Kusic & Kusic is restricted and handled on a need-to-know basis.
Kusic & Kusic ensures background checks and surveillance comply with Canadian privacy laws. Investigations are planned with these limitations in mind about the collection, use, and disclosure of personal information and the and the collection of evidence through the Canadian Human Rights Act (CHRA), Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA / PIPEDA), BC Privacy Act, Canada Evidence Act, Youth Criminal Justice Act (JCJA) and The Criminal Code of Canada. This is not limited to ethics, rules, and laws involving best evidence practices, accountability, openness, consent, access, trespassing (sec.177), break and entering (sec.348/350), breach of privacy and interception of private communications (sec.184), intimidation (sec.423), impersonation (sec.103/403), and the storage and collection of data.
Kusic & Kusic Private Investigator serves all areas of British Columbia with strong networks across multiple regions of Canada and internationally.We have investigators positioned across Metro Vancouver, the Fraser Valley, the Interior, the Okanagan, the Kootenays, Vancouver Island, and Northern BC, providing comprehensive coverage throughout British Columbia. We frequently operate in areas such as North Vancouver, Surrey, Burnaby, Squamish, Whistler, Vernon, Salmon Arm, Richmond, New Westminster, Coquitlam, Abbotsford, Mission, Kelowna, Kamloops, Crawford Bay, Victoria, Nanaimo, and Prince George.
Yes, we accept remote and rural investigations in British Columbia. Logistics are planned carefully for these types of cases. This ensures coverage even in less accessible areas. We frequently operate in remote and rural areas across British Columbia—from coastal communities like Tofino, Parksville, and Ucluelet, to Northern centres such as Fort Nelson and Prince Rupert, as well as Interior and Kootenay regions including Williams Lake, 100 Mile House, Cranbrook, Armstrong, Revelstoke, and Nelson.
Yes, we can handle cross-border and international investigations effectively. We have multiple investigators who are long standing members of the World Association of Detectives (W.A.D) as well as state or provincial run associations such as the Professional Investigators’ Association of British Columbia (PIABC) and Washington Association of Legal Investigators (WALI). We have worked with multiple investigators, insurers, and legal professional from the U.S, U.K, Germany, Australia, Greece, Ireland and Italy. In addition, we have long-standing connections with investigators within nearby regions such as Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Washington, and California.
No one can guarantee results in private investigations; outcomes vary widely. The goal is to gather accurate information, not produce a predetermined outcome. Our findings are based strictly on what is observed. Any investigation firm that over promises guarantees is to be proceeded with caution
A client interested in or services is required to call (604–681–9988) or email us at info@kusic.ca. We will provide them with a complimentary initial consultation. Once a service has been agreed upon, we will start gathering the information required to start our investigative process. After information has been collected, we will begin our investigation whether that includes interviews, background, analysis, bug sweeping, or surveillance. An investigation will typically involve regular updates and recommendations. Once the investigation has concluded, a report will be created and sent to the client with time-stamped video footage or pertinent data with an invoice for work completed.Each step is documented to maintain continuity and accuracy. This ensures a clear record from start to finish.
Yes, clients can pause or stop investigations at any time. Work completed up to that point is still documented and provided. Clients maintain control over how the investigation will proceed. In some instances, the investigation will be on held for several months and an interim report with invoice will be delivered to the client. The client will need to reach out to our office by phone or email to continue with the investigation.
Yes! We offer flexible scheduling for evenings, nights, and weekends. Scheduling often depends on the subject’s routine and an investigators availability. Flexibility increases the chances of obtaining useful evidence and information.In urgent situations, we make every effort to prioritize investigations accordingly.
Yes, a private investigator can confirm residency through various methods like public records, social media, location visits, and surveillance. Depending on the discretion required for the investigation this may be done over time, or in some circumstances such as contacting a witness or beneficiary, it may be appropriate to complete the investigation in a single visit.
Yes, detailed intake information can reduce investigation costs by minimizing time spent on gathering basic facts and clarifications. This allows investigators to focus on key objectives sooner. It reduces time spent on verifying basic information such as full name, maidan names, date of birth, current and former emails and phone numbers, current and former residences and occupations, friends, family, and other relationships.
It depends on the methods used; discretion is often maintained. Investigators take steps to minimize exposure. However, in certain situations an investigator may increase the risk depending on the environment. If an investigator feels that the person is starting to feel surveillance conscious, our team can halt the investigation for a period of time, or use multiple new investigators and vehicles.
SURVEILLANCE
Surveillance conducted by licensed private investigators in British Columbia is legal when performed in public places or areas where there is no reasonable expectation of privacy. Investigators must comply with all applicable provincial and federal laws, including privacy legislation.
Most surveillance files require approximately 10 to 20 hours to obtain meaningful results. The total time depends on the subject’s routine, frequency of activity, and the objectives of the investigation.
Surveillance may become challenging, requiring additional investigators, more time or different strategies to adapt.If a subject alters their routine or becomes surveillance-conscious, the investigation may require additional time, adjusted scheduling, or the use of multiple investigators. Strategies are adapted to maintain effectiveness while minimizing detection.
Yes, investigators can adapt surveillance plans based on new information or changing circumstances during an investigation to ensure effectiveness. This may include modifying surveillance times, change locations, or deploying additional investigators to maintain coverage. If a subject alters their routine or becomes aware of their surroundings, investigators may rotate personnel, adjust equipment, or temporarily pause activity to reduce the risk of detection.
INFIDELITY
Yes, a private investigator can conduct surveillance on a spouse, but there must be reasonable grounds for the investigation.Surveillance must take place in areas where there is no reasonable expectation of privacy.
No. Many clients hire investigators when they have concerns or suspicions but lack clear information. Surveillance and related investigative methods are used to establish information through documented observations. The purpose of the investigation is not to assume wrongdoing, but to provide clear, objective evidence so clients can make informed personal or legal decisions.
Yes, surveillance can be used to gather evidence for civil matters in the form of detailed, notes time-stamped videos, and an investigators testimony.Surveillance is commonly used in matters such as family law disputes, cohabitation claims, workplace investigations, and insurance files. All evidence is collected lawfully and documented in a manner that supports admissibility.
Yes, you can remain anonymous when hiring a private investigator. In certain cases, clients may limit the disclosure of their identity during the initial stages of an inquiry. However, full client information is required before an investigation proceeds for contractual and legal purposes.
CORPORATE INVESTIGATIONS
Surveillance services can assist injury claims by observing and documenting an employee’s daily routine for signs of fraud or legitimacy. The purpose is to verify whether the observed behaviour is consistent with the nature and severity of the claimed injury, or whether there are discrepancies that may require further review.
Our surveillance team is trained to monitor public areas. This includes whether an employee is leaving early or falsifying sick time off. All investigations are conducted in compliance with applicable laws, and we recommend consulting legal counsel when addressing potential employee issues.
Surveillance is usually safer and more cost-beneficial from public areas. Undercover work in a workplace is only legal with the employer’s consent. Without it, privacy and employment laws in British Columbia may be violated. All investigations are conducted in compliance with applicable laws, and we recommend consulting legal counsel when addressing potential employee issues.
We can help narrow down potential individuals if there is sufficient information. Identifying an anonymous person behind threats or harassment is not guaranteed. This may include multiple investigative methods, including online research, interviews, and surveillance where appropriate and lawful.Investigators do not make accusations, and any findings must be handled lawfully and responsibly.
LITIGATION SUPPORT
Yes, a private investigator can document cohabitation or second residence patterns through surveillance, interviews, and public records analysis. This may include, but is not limited to observations of regular overnight stays, repeated presence of personal belongings or vehicles at a residence, and consistent daily routines that indicate shared living arrangements.
Investigators are not legally allowed trespass on property or use methods such as harassment or entrapment. Investigators are also not legally allowed to record conversations under the Canadian Code of Canada without proper compliance. Even if it is “just noise” a recording must not capture any voices, or it will raise privacy issues. All investigations are conducted in compliance with applicable laws, and we recommend consulting legal counsel when addressing recording audio.
Yes. An investigator can visit locations where video may be held and with consent of the third party can preserve CCTV and third-party video evidence. This may involve attending businesses, residential buildings, or other locations where surveillance systems are known or suspected to exist, and making lawful preservation requests to the appropriate property owner or custodian.
Evidence is provided through detailed reports, photos, time-stamped videos, preservation of social media and digital content, and affidavits.These materials are organized chronologically to clearly reflect observed events and behavioural patterns over the course of the assignment.
ONLINE INVESTIGATIONS
Bank account details or balances cannot be accessed due to privacy laws. In addition, a private investigator can not obtain credit card statements, confidential financial records, or Tax returns/CRA filings. However, an investigator has access to multiple other sources including, but not limited to, lien and bankruptcy records, business and corporate records, and property records such as homes or specific details related to vehicle ownership.
Unauthorized access to an individual’s social media is illegal. Private investigator cannot hack into private accounts or access password protected content. An investigator will use a specialized investigative process and multiple databases to gather publicly available information from social media platforms. This allows for the identification of relevant activity, connections, and behaviours patterns without breaching privacy protections or platform security.
Yes, Kusic and Kusic uses specialized software and methodology to ensure social media and online content is preserved properly and admissible in legal proceedings.This process is designed to capture content in a way that maintains context, metadata where available, and evidentiary integrity. Proper preservation helps ensure that online material can be reliably reviewed by legal counsel or presented in court if required.
A private investigator can utilize several techniques to determine if a person is engaged on dating apps. However, platforms continuously evolve and dating apps over the last decade require a person to “match” with another person based on interests and locations. There are no guarantees that an investigator will be able to locate an account due to protections implemented by the dating app.
BUG SWEEPING
Kusic and Kusic has an experienced investigators and equipment that are capable of bug sweeping in multiple locations including cars, trucks, vans, fleet vehicles, private residences and apartments, hotel rooms, rental apartment, Airbnbs, or more unique areas such as boats, planes, a meeting room, or boardroom.
The time required for a sweep depends on the size and complexity of the location being examined. A vehicle sweep usually takes 2-4 hours, while a full residence, office space, or multiple meeting rooms may require up to 8 hours to properly inspect. Thorough sweeps include both a physical inspection and the use of electronic detection equipment.
GPS tracking is legal in Canada when you have consent or are the legal owner of the vehicle. Businesses must disclose employee monitoring through formal written policies and secret tracking can lead to criminal harassment charges under Canadian law. Bug sweeping can be used as a preventative measure to locate hidden devices.
Generally, it is illegal to secretly record oral communications between two or more people unless you have the consent of at least one of the individuals involved, or you are one of the parties to the conversation. Bug sweeping is used as a preventative measure to locate hidden devices. All investigations are conducted in compliance with applicable laws, and we recommend consulting legal counsel when addressing recording audio.