Licensed private investigators in San Diego
You need to know something, and you need it documented so it holds up. Our investigations are run by a retired Chula Vista police officer under California PI license 23720. The first conversation is free and stays between us.
- California PI 23720
- $75 to $150 per hour
- Free, confidential first call
How much does a private investigator cost in San Diego?
A private investigator from MT Security & Investigations costs $75 to $150 per hour in San Diego. Surveillance runs $85 to $150 per hour, background checks $150 to $600 flat, and most cases begin with a retainer of $500 to $5,000. You are told the cost cap before work starts. The firm holds California PI license 23720. Call (619) 765-2222.
What we investigate.
Surveillance
Mobile and stationary surveillance by a licensed investigator, with time-stamped video and a written log. Used for workers' comp claims, insurance fraud, custody matters, and partner or business-partner concerns.
$85 to $150per hourWorkers' comp fraud
When an injury claim does not match what you are hearing. We document the claimant's real activity level on video and deliver a report your carrier and defense attorney can use.
$95 to $150per hourBackground checks and asset searches
Criminal and civil records, employment and identity verification, business due diligence and asset location. Done within the Fair Credit Reporting Act when it is for hiring.
$150 to $600flat rateInfidelity and relationship matters
If you need to know, we find out quietly and give you facts with dates, times and photos. No judgment, no drama, and no contact with the other person.
$85 to $150per hourMissing persons and skip tracing
Locating relatives, witnesses, debtors and heirs through records research and field work.
Quotedper caseLegal support
Witness location and interviews, service of process with proof of service, scene documentation and declarations for attorneys.
Quotedper task
If this is personal.
Most people who call about a spouse, a custody matter or a missing relative have been carrying it for a while. You do not need to have it figured out before you call.
Tell us what you have noticed. We will tell you honestly whether an investigation is likely to answer your question, what it would cost, and what you could legally do with the result. If it is not worth your money, we will say so.
Nothing is shared with anyone without your written permission unless a court orders it. We can meet in person if that is easier than the phone.
Michael T.Licensed private investigator, PI 23720
Why evidence from us holds up.
Michael spent 15 years in patrol and investigations with the Chula Vista Police Department. Our investigators work to the same habits.
Chain of custody
Every video file and photo is logged from the moment it is captured.
Reports written for a courtroom
Factual, dated and objective. An attorney can hand them to a judge. Whether evidence is admitted is always the court's decision.
Legal methods only
No trespass, no illegal recording, no pretexting for protected records. Evidence gathered illegally hurts your case.
Testimony if needed
Our investigators will appear for deposition or trial.
A security license too
If an investigation uncovers a real threat, the same firm can put a licensed guard in place under PPO 14929.
How a case works.
Free, confidential consultation
By phone or in person. We listen and ask questions.
A plan and a cost cap
What we will do, how long it should take and the most it will cost. In writing.
Retainer and start
Most cases start within a few days. Urgent surveillance can start sooner.
Updates
You hear from us as things develop, by the method you choose.
Final report
Written findings with video and photos, ready for you, your attorney or your carrier.
Pricing
| Service | Rate | What that covers |
|---|---|---|
| Surveillance | $85 to $150 | Per hour, one investigator. Typical retainer $1,500 to $3,000. |
| Workers' comp fraud | $95 to $150 | Per hour, with carrier-ready reporting. |
| Background check | $150 to $600 | Flat rate. Usually 24 to 72 hours. |
| Other investigation | $75 to $150 | Per hour. Retainers from $500 to $5,000 depending on scope. |
We tell you the cap before we begin, and we stop and call you before exceeding it.
Common questions
Do private investigators need a license in California?
Yes. Private investigators must be licensed by the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services. MT Security & Investigations holds PI license 23720, which you can verify at search.dca.ca.gov.
Is what I tell you confidential?
Yes. We do not disclose clients, case details or findings without your written consent, except where a court order or the law requires it.
Is it legal to hire a PI to follow someone?
Surveillance in public places by a licensed investigator is legal in California. Trespassing, recording private conversations without consent, and placing a tracker on a vehicle you do not own are not. We work inside those limits.
Can your evidence be used in court?
Our reports and video are prepared to the standards used in California civil courts, and our investigators can testify. Admissibility is decided by the judge.
How long does a workers' comp investigation take?
Many are resolved with two to four days of surveillance spread over a couple of weeks. It depends on the claimant's routine.
Do you take cases outside San Diego County?
Yes. Field work is centered on San Diego County and nearby Southern California. Records research and skip tracing are nationwide.
How do I start?
Call (619) 765-2222 any time, or send the form. The first conversation is free.
More answers
- What can a security guard legally do in California?
- How do I check if a security company is licensed in California?
- Should I hire a security guard or an off-duty police officer?
- Mobile patrol or an on-site guard: which does my property need?
- How do I get trespassers removed from my business property in San Diego?
- How many security guards does my business or property need?
- Can I get a security guard in San Diego today?
- How much does a security guard cost per hour in San Diego?
Get your quote in writing
No sales call, no pressure. Tell us the property, the hours and the problem. We answer with a fixed price and a start date.
- Written quote, usually within two hours
- Most posts start in 24 to 48 hours. Same-day when it is urgent.
- Month-to-month available. No long lock-in to get started.
- The price we quote is the price you pay
Prefer to talk? (619) 765-2222, any hour.