Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is it Legal to Have Someone "Investigated?"
A:
Anyone can be investigated.
It is perfectly legal for a licensed private investigator to observe
and report on a subject's observable behavior, as long as no privacy
laws are violated.
When it comes to obtaining information, there are
privacy laws that restrict the release of certain information,
such as personal and business bank account information
and a licensed driver's history of citation or accident
information. Except for those specific limitations, social
security verification, asset information (i.e. homes, cars, boats,
etc.), and securities ownership can all be obtained.
In some cases, a subject who is willing to be investigated
(such as a job applicant) may grant his or her permission to
an employer or other person, to obtain these and other types of private
information.
Q: Why is it So Important for my Company or
Small Business to Use Pre-Employment Screening?
A:
Any company whose employees handle cash, have access to
valuable inventory, work with children or the elderly, or
provide services in customers' homes really cannot afford
NOT to investigate the background of potential hires.
Liability to a company can be tremendous.(
See transcript of
recent ABC 20/20 program.) Background checks are inexpensive
and well worth the effort.
In some types of businesses, pre-employment polygraph
exams allow the employer the additional opportunity to examine
the potential employee's propensity to commit illegal activity.
Failure to seek out this kind of information can result in
enormous liability to the employer. By law, pre-employment
polygraphs can only be used for armored security, law enforcement
agencies, pharmaceutical companies, alarm installers, and
private investigators.
Q: How Can I Be Sure Your Services are TRULY Confidential?
A:
Private investigations must always remain exactly that --
PRIVATE. The confidentiality of any information obtained
through a private investigation agency is governed by
state law. Unauthorized release of private information
could result in license revocation, incarceration and fines.
Stacun, Inc. operates under the highest ethical
standards.
Q: How Much Will it Cost? What Exactly Will I be Getting for
my Money?
A:
Estimates are given
upon consultation once it is determined exactly what information the
client is seeking. The cost depends on the type of investigation, the
complexity of the case, the time it takes to obtain the desired
information, and expenses incurred. (
Please see Services/Fees.)
Q: I Heard That Polygraph Tests Aren't Admissible as Evidence
in a Criminal Trial. Why Not? Are They Really Accurate?
A:
Polygraph
information IS admissable in court. Case law etablished in 1999 allows
polygraph information to be presented in court, excluding actual
test results.
This means that statements made by the examinee during
the pretest and post-test portions of the exam, including
admissions of guilt or other evidentiary information, are
admissable. Stacun, Inc. uses Department of Defense
Polygraph Institute formats which have accuracy rates, as calculated
through research and validation studies, of 90-95%
Q: Exactly how do polygraph tests determine if someone is lying
or telling the truth?
A:
It's actually very interesting. To learn how polygraph works,
CLICK
HERE.
Q: What Kinds of Information Can You Give Me About Someone I
Have Just Met? / ... Am Dating? / ... Have Been Wondering About?
A:
You can
learn a great deal about a person by requesting a background
check. Depending on the level of service provided, (
Please see
Services and Fees) Stacun, Inc. can obtain the following
types of information about a subject: history of addresses,
drivers license verification, social security verification,
felony criminal convictions, asset ownership (cars, boats,
property, etc.), Texas marriage/divorce history, professional
license verification, relatives and associates, bankruptcies,
and legal judgements. To send Stacun, Inc. an
immediate request for a background check,
CLICK HERE.
Q: Could You Help Me Find Out if My Husband/Wife/Significant Other
has Been Cheating? What About My Son/Daughter, Who Denies That He/She
is Using Drugs?
A:
Stacun, Inc.
offers confidential 24-hour video surveillance to determine a
subject's activities (his or her contacts, whereabouts, and other
information) for documentation purposes. In addition, we offer
urinalysis drug testing, providing confidential results to the requestor.
This is also an area in which polygraph can prove invaluable. If the
subject agrees to undergo a polygraph exam, the results can often
provide vital information or peace of mind.
Q: What Kinds of People and Businesses Use Your Services?
A:
Stacun, Inc.'s
many satisfied 'customers' include a wide variety of clients, ranging
from small business owners, corporate entities, law enforcement agencies,
attorneys, and private citizens.
