The Internet has become a valuable source of information. Without the Internet, this information would normally take hours maybe even days to discover. So yes, in a way the Internet is making it easier for private investigators to do their job. However, the Internet has so much information for the general public that investigators are also finding it harder to do their jobs.
What do I mean by harder? Well, with all the information that is out there, the person being investigated has all the tricks of the trade right there at his fingertips. With all those tricks of the trade available, PI’s have to get much more creative as well as staying within the lines of the law. That’s getting pretty tough anymore.
Some people may be saying that I am knocking the Internet. This is not the case at all, I am not one that believes in censorship and I do believe in freedom of speech (which I believe we don’t have as much freedom of speech as we once did, but I digress). In fact, if it weren’t for the Internet, I wouldn’t have my business right now. But I do believe that with the Internet also comes the ability to know more than the average Joe should know.
What about television? Well, let me first say that I enjoy TV, if it wasn’t for TV what would I do when it’s crappy outside. I’m one who really enjoys CourtTV. Although their shows are very informative and interesting, they are, in my opinion, giving every potential criminal ideas on what to do to avoid being discovered and prosecuted.
So how is this impacting the PI industry? There are other “reality” shows out there that are showing the tricks of the trade. Some shows are giving away the tricks of bounty hunters and the tricks of collectors. Since these shows are, in my opinion, glamorized they are getting a lot of viewers and that includes bail jumpers, debtors and others. Since these people are watching these shows, they know exactly what to look for. That in turn gives bail jumpers and debtors the upper hand in getting away without being prosecuted. This is causing the PI industry to be more creative, spend more money, etc just to do the work they love. As well as causing taxpayers and consumers to have to pay more in taxes, interest rates, and just prices in general.
While I understand the benefits of the Internet and television, lets not forget about the downfalls of them to different industries. The industries that are paid to protect businesses and the general public.
