Can a private investegator access police reports or state agency reports on an individual?

Question

This would be in the state of California.

Answer 1

Whatcha hiding? Anything interesting?

Answer 2

A private investigator has the same rights as any citizen to access records which are open to the public. He just probably has a bit more information about you, and knows where to dig for them.

Court procedings, police reports, etc, are all part of the public record. Anyone is allowed to look for them.

There are also information services you can subscribe to online to do background checks - and I'm sure PIs use those as well.

Answer 3

Most of that is accessible through the Freedom of Information Act (1966). Most arrest information can be obtained as well. Generally, an individual, for a fee, can get such information by filing a request from the city, county, or state that he/she is in. Obviously open cases that are sensitive in nature, sexual crimes, crimes involving minors, etc. would not be accessible. In short, unless you fall under one of those categories, yes.

Answer 4

Yes, but he might have to get a subpoena to do so. It depends on whether such information is classified as "public information." Depending on the agency, one might have to jump through a lot hoops to get it, but most information is available as long as the right protocol is followed.

Answer 5

It's public information... anyone can access it for about $20.

Answer 6

And make sure to sequester receipts from said persons to sue for deformation later...

Answer 7

yes he can you can i can they can this is public record as courts are!
records are records! we can do that right here on the computer easy for 19.99