I operate a Vancouver based PI Agency. We subcontracted this agency to conduct 4 hrs. of simple surveillance. In which no one had to be followed. We requested this investigation agency to provide us time / date stamped photos, indicating their time of arrival and departure. Video snippets every hour to show that they were there for the duration of the 4 hours, and additionally field notes. This agency did not provide snippets of video, and did not provide field notes with the correct times of surveillance. These requests were agreed to in writing. We paid them a deposit, too which they failed to refund un-used portions. This company also inflated their bill, by charging for services to which were not requested. As a private investigator, at times during surveillance we may not have the results to which our clients are seeking. However, as we are paid for time, we are accountable to our clients to show we are physically at the location we have been requested to be at. Indicating to us that they cared more about money than actually conducting an investigation. We paid this agency a retainer prior to commencing the work, and he failed to deliver the service. What we do expect is field notes, photos that are time / date stamped, and video on the hour as requested in writing. This agency stated that if the client doesn't trust you , then he won't work for them. It is not about whether or not our clients trust us. Just because we have a license to provide Investigative Services, does not mean that we are not accountable to our clients. We need to show our clients that we are at the place of surveillance, especially when we are paid for time, and our subject is not in public view, where we can video them. It is not our practise to review others in our industry, however this is a matter of public interest as this reflects poorly on our entire industry. We are in a position of trust, and integrity, and when agencies conduct themselves in this fashion, it affects our entire industry as a whole, as clients lose trust in retaining Private Investigators. read more