Stough International

Why do I need a Private Investigator?

2012-01-09T18:18:00.000-08:00

Private investigation is not just stuff for the movies anymore. There are 101 reasons to use a private investigator. Our service is top notch, but in case you don't know why you might need one, here are just a handful of examples from this week's top headlines around the country:

Perhaps you are a city official who believes your fire department has committed some violations and need an objective third party opinion to read into the details, while maintaining the strictest confidences such as the mayor of Gardiner, Maine. Source: Kennebec Journal
Maybe you are a veterinarian who has lost his beloved dog like Dr. O'Banian. Source: CBS4
It could be that you think someone has been eavesdropping on your private telephone conversations as in the case of homeowners as reported in the New York Times.
Hopefully you are not the family member or friend of a missing child who is presumed to be dead, but no body has been found, or maybe you work with the police department as in the case of Jhessye Shockley in Glendale, Arizona. Source: Arizona Central Or in the kidnapping and murder case of Holly Pirrainen of Boston, Massachusets. Source: Fox Boston

Private Investigator vs. Private Detective?

2012-01-06T08:07:00.000-08:00

Is there a difference between a Private Investigator and a Private Detective?

That depends on the state private investigator licensing laws for your state. In many states, the words ‘private investigator’ and ‘private detective’ are interchangeable, but in some states there actually is a difference in their accepted meaning. For example, in New Jersey those who want to become a private investigator must adhere to the licensing laws as detailed in the Private Detective Act of 1939. The person who has the prerequisite investigative experience is called the ‘qualifier’ and when the New Jersey State Police Private Detective Unit issues the license, the qualifier is actually classified as a Licensed Private Detective. The owner of a licensed detective agency may hire employees, who when properly registered with the state licensing authority, the investigative employees are classified as a Private Investigator.

Historically, the profession of non-law enforcement investigations started back with Pinkerton in the late 1800’s. At that time the term “private detective” was the formal name and the outfit they worked for was called a “detective agency.” There were many movies and books that began using the “private-eye” moniker more and more. It was television starting in the 1974 with James Garner in the Rockford Files that really brought the investigative profession into the limelight. The show also had a major influence on most people using the private investigator title. The P.I. title became famous with the Magnum, P.I. television show featuring Tom Selleck.

Starting around 1960, many states did not want the public to confuse a private detective with that of a police detective. There has been a trend amongst many state licensing authorities and state investigative associations to use the title ‘private investigator’ as compared to ‘private detective’. In fact, many have actually taken legal steps to stop using the “detective” title.

Source: PI Magazine

Legal Services

2011-12-30T08:48:00.000-08:00

If you've been following our blog, you know that Stough International is a private investigator service that offers many different services for your personal and corporate needs, but did you know we offer a host of legal services as well?

The following legal services are currently available:

Criminal
Civil
Service Process
Litigation Support and Intelligence
Criminal Records
Trial Preparation
Courthouse Research
Hidden Asset Search
Bankruptcies
Liens
Judgments
Skip Tracing
Witness Statements
Ghostwriting Services
Expert Surveillance

Bug Sweeps

2011-12-20T19:50:00.000-08:00

Do you suspect your home or office has been bugged? Could someone be listening in on your private and confidential information?

Signs you could be bugged:

Unusual static or sounds coming from your phone or phone head set.
Changes in your phone lines.
Business meetings where others want to sit in that shouldn't be there.
Radio interference.
Phone sounds that aren't normal to the ear.
Someone has been in your home.
Your television is not clear.
People know more about your business or personal life than they should.
Electrical panels have been tampered with.
Discoloration in your ceilings.
New items you've not ordered have appeared in your home or office.
Dust, drywall grit or pain appear near your desk or phone at home.
Repair men and delivery trucks appear for no apparent reason.
Your business secrets have been compromised in some way.

If any of these applies to you, or you just feel something is amiss, call us to sweep your home or office for bugs and know, with confidence, that your personal information stays with you.

Risk Assessment

2011-12-16T13:30:00.000-08:00

How safe is your company? Your employees? Your files? Your privileged information? Are you sure? Stough International offers corporate risk assessment. This process is a type of insurance on your company that can protect you from hefty fines and lawsuits months or years from now. Call us to schedule a corporate risk assessment. We want you to be safe, secure, and never sorry.

Infidelity and Divorce

2011-12-08T06:49:00.001-08:00

If you suspect your spouse is cheating on you, even the suspicion is painful. You will need facts before you proceed with divorce. We can deliver you the proof you need to regain your peace of mind, and to present in court.

Monitoring can include items like:

Vehicle tracking
Asset searches
Email tracing
Computer forensics
Identification of the “other person”
Legal download of text messages

There are many sticky issues when it comes to proving infidelity, and bring your emotions into the situation are a recipe for disaster. You need to hire a private investigator as doing something the wrong way can get your evidence thrown out of court. For instance, downloading text message can be illegal if the phone is password protected, and can be considered tampering if the right kind of software is not used. We know the laws; trust us to prove infidelity and provide you with the evidence you need for a successful court outcome.

Sources: Cheating Spouse P.I., Divorce 360

Trade Secret Theft Investigation

2011-11-30T08:08:00.001-08:00

We live in an age of information, of secrets, and often, thin cyber-walls constrain us. But your business is valuable to you, and the ideas and work done there belongs to that business. What do you do when you think employees are dealing in your trade secrets? What happens when employs break a Non-Disclosure Agreement? You hire Stough International to investigate trade secret theft.

According to Computer Forensic Associates, "If you suspect intellectual property theft, theft of trade secrets or patent theft and you need to prove it, you need to to take immediate action to collect and preserve the evidence.

Take these steps if you suspect theft of intellectual property by an employee:

Identify all computers, laptops, smart phones,and external devices that may hold potential evidence.
Secure the suspect computers and prevent further use until a forensic image can be collected.
Begin documenting why you suspect IP theft, fraud or patent infringement.
...Make arrangements to capture a forensically sound image so you preserve the evidence and prevent tampering or spoliation."

According to NDAs for Free, "Whether or not you have an NDA, you can take legal action against the theft of your trade secrets, known as misappropriation, under state laws. Misappropriation is the acquisition or disclosure of trade secrets by improper means including theft, bribery and fraud. Examples include:

A company promises a competitor's employee a better job in return for providing trade secrets.
An employee furnishes trade secrets to a newspaper reporter.
Key employees take confidential customer information and open a competing business.
A hacker breaks into a company's computer network, downloads trade secret information and posts it on a website."

Stalker Prevention

2011-11-22T06:03:00.000-08:00

How would you handle a stalker? Following you to the mailbox, your car, your work? Showing up at the movie theater while you're with your friends, at your kid's school? Among the myriad services we offer is stalking prevention. Before the problem gets out of hand, call us.

Here are some additional tips on stalking prevention:

Confront the Problem by filing a police report – You need to have that document if you are going to prosecute the stalker. The police report is going to have detailed information of the incident to allow for the courts to see and be able to pass a fair judgment. Police reports are simply a form stating that you are documenting the incident and that you have informed the police to help you in the situation.

Document – Put down when you see the man, where you were, and what he was doing whenever you are in contact with him. This way, you will have documented proof that he has been where you have been. He is going to have to show proof that he was there for other reasons and most likely then not, he won’t have the information.

Defend yourself – If he is making contact with you, then you have the right to defend yourself from him. If he touches you in any way, you have the right to push or punch to get away from him. Hopefully it doesn’t get to that part. You are going to have to get away from him if he is going to advance. Running into the nearby shop is always going to be a good act to do if you are being followed. Crowds detract from stalking.

Inform someone – You are doing well already by informing your husband about the situation and the police report is going to inform the police. This will also trigger the escort of a police officer to survey the area you go as well. You will be able to have the protection that is going to be needed. The more witnesses you have of this incident and the others, the better.

Source: Law Advice Now

Background Checks

2011-11-18T11:09:00.000-08:00

A thorough background check can protect your business, your home, your possessions, and even your family. Here's a listing of what you will get in EVERY background check we run:


		Subject Full Name				FAA Certifications
		Subject Full Date of Birth				FAA Aircrafts
		Names/Aliases of Subject				Watercraft
		All People With Subject’s SSN				Voter Registration
		Phone Records				Hunting/Fishing Permit
		Possible Criminal Records				Bankruptcies in the last 10-15 years
		Sexual Offenses				State or Federal Tax Liens
		Driver’s Licenses				Small Claims Civil Judgments
		Motor Vehicles Registered				UCC Filings
		National Motor Vehicle Accidents				Property Ownership
		Concealed Weapons Permit				Possible Associates
		Corporate Affiliations				Possible 1st, 2nd & 3rd Degree Relatives
		Professional Licenses				Neighbors

Please call for more information, 954-980-8444 , or Order Now.

GPS Services - S.I.P.I. Rover

2011-10-30T07:58:00.000-07:00

Stough International's GPS tracking units are as small as a deck of cards, built with military-grade technology, and installed by professionals to be undetectable. They are accurate up to 3 feet every three seconds, and we have the capability to not only track your assets globally, but keep a full 12 months of history on file for you if you need it.

A glance at what you can do with the SIPI Rover:

GPS Fleet Track:
Go Online and locate fleet trucks & Cards using GPS Tracking Tools.

Employees:
Track employees in company vehicles with GPS Auto Tracking

Auto Theft Vehicle Recovery:
If a vehicle is stolen, go online and GPS track location.

GPS Track Equipment:
Manage your construction and heavy equipment assets.

Elderly:
GPS Track elderly loved ones with Alzheimer's or disorientation symptoms.

Children:
Keep a mindful eye on your teenagers in their vehicle using a GPS. Give yourself the peace of mind knowing your child's whereabouts at all times. Teenage drivers are 370% more likely to have an accident than drivers of any other age.

Client Testimonials

2011-10-23T07:48:00.000-07:00

"Stough International refuses to compromise quality or integrity. Other companies take shortcuts; Stough does it the right way every time."

Bill Kinirons
President
BMK Media

"Having the ability to locate our bikes with the degree of accuracy and dependability that the SIPI Rover affords us is an outstanding asset to our company."

Elizabeth Hernandez
President
Bourget's Bike Works of Florida

"I have found that when one of our Chamber of Commerce members needs help with an investigation or security issue Stough International is quick to respond. We are pleased to have them as a member of our Chamber."

Judy Hull
Executive Director
Islamorada Chamber of Commerce

More Information About Our Services

2011-10-16T19:33:00.000-07:00

Our Amazing Fall Fantastical!

2011-10-09T10:08:00.000-07:00

Visit our website to learn more!

Our Personal Services

2011-10-02T13:18:00.000-07:00

When events dictate the need for Personal Investigative Services, either domestic or financial, you can count on Stough International Protection & Investigation to apply sound, professional, legal techniques while insuring that your privacy is protected.

We believe that each personal investigation is unique and requires evaluation on a case-by-case basis.

Personal services we provide include:

Infidelity & Divorce
Child Abduction
Child Custody Monitoring
Supervised Visitation
Premarital Investigation
Stalking Prevention
Missing Persons
Telephone Searches
Family Protection Services
Address/Vehicle Information
Private Investigation
Ghostwriting Services
Surveillance

Our Corporate Services

2011-09-26T13:17:00.000-07:00

Corporations struggle with many sensitive investigations that require outside assistance. When faced with such issues, the services of Stough International Protection & Investigation will benefit corporate management in maintaining arms-length participation in these investigations.

Stough International Protection & Investigation's understanding of the need for propriety and sensitive information control will insure that the highest level of confidentiality is maintained.

Corporate services we provide include:

Corporate Investigation
Pre-Employment Screening
Risk Assessment
Security Consultation
Executive Bodyguard/Protection
Armed Escort/Chauffer
Industrial Espionage Investigation
Notary Services
Emergency Disaster Response

Covert Surveillance
Trade Secret Theft Investigation
Investigative Audits
Vendor Theft Investigation
Contract Fraud
Key Employee Background Checks
Bug Sweep
Service of Process
Anti-Terrorism

We Offer Emergency Response and Anti-Terrorism Services

2011-09-26T13:14:00.000-07:00

Solutions: What we do
Stough International Protection & Investigation has developed systematic risk mitigation processes that identify, assess, and reduce clients' exposure to risk. We act as an integrator, combining industry-leading expertise with the latest technology to provide seamless solutions tailored to each client's specific requirements. We have been accredited and recognized nationwide working in the Middle East, Europe, Africa, South America, all across the United States, and Mexico, successfully completing significant projects.

Security Strategy & Services
S.I.P.I. works with government and corporate clients to reduce their security risks. This includes support in defining a stability and security strategy based on specific short and long term risks, to more detailed technical consulting on threat and risk to facilities (ranging from a building, to industrial parks, to a city or entire country), to managing implementation of security solutions, such as technology solutions for physical
assets and armed and unarmed protection.

Crisis Preparedness & Response
S.I.P.I. exhibits exceptional skills in the areas of research, analysis, strategic planning, program management, crisis intervention, hostage negotiation, conflict resolution, team leadership, training, and evaluation.

Specialty Scenarios Include:

Crisis Management
Natural Disasters
Malevolence
Confrontation Crisis
Workplace Violence
Risk Mitigation

What to Look for in a Protection & Investigation Firm

2011-09-26T13:09:00.000-07:00

When choosing a Protection & Investigation firm, be sure to ask if they offer:


	Licensed Private Investigators	Military & Law Enforcement Training
	Discretely-armed Agents	Hand-to-Hand Combat Trained PI's
	Experienced, Licensed Pilots	Tactical Driving Experts
	Realtime GPS Tracking	Only Military-Grade Equipment
	Anti-Terrorism Services	Emergency Disaster Response
	24-hour Marine Security	Open Water Rescue Divers
	'K License' Firearms Instructors	Licensed US Coast Guard Captains

Rest assured, STOUGH INTERNATIONAL does!

Background Check Specials!

2011-09-26T13:05:00.000-07:00

We are currently running special deals on background checks. For more information, visit our website!

There are a lot of ways background checks are utilized for our personal use. They are used to find information on anyone, anywhere, at anytime. Our reports are quite comprehensive and include valuable information regularly used and verified for court proceedings in criminal investigations as well as child support and custody cases.

Don't speculate, investigate! Check on a new neighbor, a person from work, or even that peculiar guy your sister started dating. Whatever the purpose, a background check can become a vital tool to help us take informed actions and ultimately ensure our safety and the safety of our family, our loved ones, and our businesses.
With all the data and information made available to you when you run a background check, you are given an upper hand to making vital decisions. Whatever the
purpose, having the information before hand is certainly an advantage.
"An Ounce of Prevention is worth a Pound of Cure."

One Background
Check
$195.00 Each Report

Buy Five Checks
Get One Free
$975.00Save $195 with this ad!

Twenty Background
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$2499.00Save over $1400!

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Call Now

*Above packages of one or more background checks must be used within 18 months of purchase. This is a limited time offer, purchase by 11/11/11.

Child Protection Plan

2011-08-22T08:53:00.000-07:00

Did you know...

A child goes missing every 40 seconds in the United States
800,000 a year, another 500,000 unreported
90% are juvenile and 50% are ages 4-11
53% of tragic abductions are from strangers
It takes a parent 2-4 hours to provide information to police
44% that end tragically are within one hour
74% that end tragically are within 3 hours
91% that end tragically are within 24 hours.

We have been involved in domestic matters for over a decade and have the resources and equipment to act quickly in the event of an emergency. Speed is a crucial element when deal-ing with issues like missing children. The ability to launch a team of trained professional investigators at a moment’s notice is imperative.

That’s the reason SIPI takes a pro-active stance in the protection of your children. We do the legwork before an emergency happens so that you are prepared if such a time arises. We assist you step by step in creating your child’s com-prehensive profile during one of our convenient registra-tion check-in procedures. We document the information that you will need in the event of an emergency and store it safely for you at our corporate headquarters. In the event that the unthinkable happens , SIPI is there to assist you every step of the way.

As a member of the Child Protection Program (CPP) you will be doing the best you can to protect your chil-dren. SIPI has a team of highly skilled professional in-vestigators on standby 24 hours a day / 7 days a week to assist you in getting the information you need... when you need it.!
The program is designed to be fully comprehensive and will cover your child(ren) for 12 months.

To learn more about our child protection programs and how they work, visit our website.

About Stough International

2011-08-08T10:21:00.000-07:00

Mr. Stough, President of Stough International, has served in the protection and investigation field for over 12 years, specializing in customized complex investigative and security needs. Each of the highly trained investigators at Stough International takes pride in his or her career and is hand selected personally by Mr. Stough based on training and expertise in different fields. Mr. Stough, along with his team, has been credited and recognized nationwide for their service and skill.

Investigations through Stough International are meticulously conducted in a fashion where documentation and communication with the client is paramount, providing a thorough investigation that is tailor-made to meet your specific needs. Anonymity is key to any successful case. All investigations through Stough International are and remain strictly confidential.

We have assisted companies every step of the way from incident assessment and prevention all the way through litigation. We offer armed and unarmed security personnel as well as secure delivery options for staff and equipment. We also offer secure pick-up and drop-off from any airport in the world, and our teams are ready to move at a moment's notice. We also perform comprehensive background checks on people as well as businesses. If the information is out there, Stough International will find it.

Often today's busy business man or woman finds that its hard keeping their eyes on everything at once; that's where we come in. Specializing in custom security solutions and global tracking systems for planes, watercraft, vehicles, and anything else that could find itself lost or stolen, we offer a full line of security cameras and systems plus remote monitoring solutions that allow our customers to monitor their assets no matter where they are.

We are confident that you will find everyone at Stough International to be prompt, professional, discreet, and capable of handling any situation that may arise. Our team of highly-trained investigators' expertise adds directly to the bottom line.

Whatever your investigative needs, whether in Florida, nationwide, or throughout the world, Stough International will provide the services you need, when you need them.