Clarify what additional work could achieve
You may be a complainant, a person facing an allegation or a business dealing with suspected wrongdoing. PDC offers independent investigative support, beginning with a clear account of the issue and the question that remains unanswered. The purpose may be to examine a chronology, identify a relevant witness or assess material already held.
A private investigator has no special police powers and cannot decide guilt or innocence. Where criminal proceedings are involved, your solicitor should help define the brief and assess how any work may interact with an existing investigation.
Bring a focused starting brief
Explain what has already happened and identify the material you are entitled to share. A concise timeline and a list of the unresolved questions are more helpful than an unstructured collection of allegations.
- The relevant incident, dates and locations.
- Your role in the matter and your solicitor's details.
- Existing police or case references and known deadlines.
- The specific records, witnesses or factual gaps requiring consideration.
Preserve the material and coordinate the work
Keep original messages, photographs and documents intact. Record where they came from, and do not approach witnesses with a suggested account of events. Agree any proposed contact or evidence collection with the person directing the matter before it takes place.
The report should explain sources, findings and limitations, including information that challenges the original concern. Further enquiries cannot promise a prosecution, acquittal or reopening of a case. If a crime is happening or someone is in immediate danger, contact the police rather than waiting for a private enquiry.
Questions you may have
Can you replace a police investigation?
No. PDC may provide additional factual support, but it does not have police powers or control decisions made by the police, prosecutors or courts.
Can you assist my defence solicitor?
You can ask your solicitor to discuss a defined investigative instruction with PDC. They should assess the relevance and appropriate use of any proposed work.
Can an old matter be reviewed?
Potentially, if relevant material or useful enquiries remain available. Explain the history and outstanding question so feasibility and likely value can be assessed.