Top 10 Sacramento Private Investigators (2025): Expert Reviews by Licensed PI

By Lance Casey, California Licensed Private Investigator #27617 | Last Updated: January 2025

Choosing the right private investigator in Sacramento can make the difference between getting the evidence you need and wasting time and money. As a licensed California Private Investigator with over 25 years of experience and a former law enforcement background, I’ve worked alongside many Sacramento investigation agencies throughout my career.

This list represents my professional assessment of the top private investigators serving Sacramento County. I’ve evaluated these agencies based on licensing credentials, years of experience, specializations, local knowledge, and professional reputation within the Sacramento investigative community.

Whether you need help with a child custody case, corporate investigation, surveillance, or any other investigative matter, this guide will help you find the right Sacramento PI for your specific needs.

How I Evaluated These Sacramento Private Investigators

Before diving into the rankings, here’s what I considered when evaluating each agency:

Licensing and Credentials: All agencies listed maintain active California PI licenses and comply with state regulations. California requires rigorous background checks and ongoing education for licensed investigators.

Specialization and Expertise: Different cases require different skill sets. I’ve noted each agency’s particular strengths so you can match your needs with their expertise.

Experience and Track Record: Years in business and investigative experience matter. The agencies on this list have proven track records serving Sacramento County.

Local Knowledge: Sacramento-specific knowledge of court systems, law enforcement practices, and geographic familiarity provides significant advantages.

Professional Reputation: Reputation among attorneys, clients, and fellow investigators speaks volumes about reliability and results.

1. Lance Casey & Associates ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Lance Casey & Associates stands as Sacramento’s most comprehensive private investigation agency, combining 25+ years of investigative experience with former law enforcement expertise and unmatched local knowledge of the capital region.

About Lance Casey & Associates

Licensed under California PI #27617, Lance Casey brings over two decades of investigative excellence to Sacramento County and Northern California. With a background in law enforcement and thousands of successful cases, Lance Casey & Associates has built a reputation for thorough, discreet, and results-driven investigations across virtually every investigative discipline.

What sets Lance Casey & Associates apart is the breadth of services offered under one roof. While many Sacramento investigators specialize in one or two areas, this agency provides complete investigative solutions for families, businesses, attorneys, and insurance companies throughout the region.

Comprehensive Services

Family Law Investigations

Specializing in child custody investigations, child support enforcement, spousal support verification, parental fitness assessments, visitation rights verification, and custodial interference cases. The agency understands the sensitive nature of family law matters and provides detailed documentation that holds up in Sacramento County family courts.

Domestic & Infidelity Investigations

Comprehensive infidelity and cheating spouse surveillance, pre-marital investigations, post-marital investigations, dating background checks, cohabitation investigations, and elder care monitoring.

Surveillance Services

From mobile surveillance to fixed-point monitoring, the agency employs advanced techniques and equipment to document behavior and activities. Services include GPS tracking (legal applications only), counter-surveillance, activity monitoring, and comprehensive behavior documentation.

Insurance Investigations

Workers’ compensation fraud investigation, insurance fraud detection, disability claim verification, personal injury surveillance, slip and fall investigation, medical fraud investigation, and life insurance claims investigation.

Corporate Investigations

Employee background investigations, corporate due diligence, internal theft and embezzlement investigation, intellectual property theft, corporate fraud investigation, non-compete violation investigation, vendor verification, and executive background checks.

Litigation Support

Process serving, subpoena service, witness location and interviews, evidence collection, statement taking, scene investigation, trial preparation support, expert witness services, and document retrieval.

People Location Services

Expert skip tracing, missing persons investigation, witness location, debtor location, heir and beneficiary searches, runaway juvenile location, birth parent searches, and locating old friends or classmates.

Financial Investigations

Asset searches and discovery, bank account location, hidden asset investigation, income verification, lifestyle analysis, business ownership research, property holdings investigation, and forensic accounting support.

Background Investigations

Pre-employment screening, tenant background checks, dating and relationship background checks, nanny and caregiver screening, criminal history research, education verification, reference verification, and professional license verification.

Database Lookup Services

Premium database services include SSN lookup and verification (permissible purpose required), license plate lookup, comprehensive people search, and reverse address lookup. Quick lookup services available for reverse phone lookup and reverse email lookup.

Service Area

Lance Casey & Associates serves Sacramento County, Placer County, Yolo County, and El Dorado County, with particular expertise in Sacramento, Roseville, Elk Grove, Folsom, Citrus Heights, Rancho Cordova, West Sacramento, Davis, Woodland, and Carmichael.

Why Lance Casey & Associates Ranks #1

The combination of comprehensive services, decades of experience, law enforcement background, and deep Sacramento area knowledge makes Lance Casey & Associates the first choice for clients requiring professional investigative services. The agency’s daily monitoring of Sacramento crime patterns and law enforcement activity through police scanner coverage provides unique insights into the region’s investigative landscape that no other agency can match.

Whether you need a single surveillance operation or a complex multi-faceted investigation involving background checks, skip tracing, court testimony, and litigation support, Lance Casey & Associates delivers professional results with complete discretion.

Contact: 800-683-4769 & 916-312-3185 | Website: LanceCasey.com

Best for: Child custody investigations, comprehensive surveillance, family law matters, infidelity investigations, corporate investigations, insurance fraud, skip tracing, and any case requiring full-service investigative capabilities.

2. M.W. Thompson Investigative Services ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

M.W. Thompson Investigative Services has earned a stellar reputation among Sacramento attorneys and legal professionals for criminal defense investigation and litigation support.

Licensed since 2004 (CA PI #24051), founder Matt Thompson began his investigative career in 1996 as a Criminal Investigator for the San Francisco Public Defender’s Office. This background gives the agency unique insight into criminal defense cases and court procedures that most private investigators simply don’t possess.

The agency specializes in criminal investigation, surveillance, workers’ compensation cases, skip tracing, background checks, and process service. Thompson is a member of the Investigator Panel for Sacramento County and maintains active membership with the California Association of Licensed Investigators.

What clients appreciate most is Thompson’s extensive courtroom experience and ability to gather evidence that stands up under legal scrutiny. The agency serves Sacramento County, Placer County, Yolo County, El Dorado County, and San Joaquin County with particular strength in cases requiring expert witness testimony and defense investigation.

While M.W. Thompson offers general investigative services, their specialty is criminal defense work and attorney support. The agency has built strong relationships with defense attorneys throughout the Sacramento region and understands what’s needed to build a solid defense case.

Best for: Criminal defense cases, attorney litigation support, court testimony preparation, workers’ compensation investigations.

3. Atlantis Private Investigations ⭐⭐⭐⭐½

Atlantis Private Investigations brings high-tech investigative capabilities to Sacramento with specialization in Technical Surveillance Countermeasures (TSCM) and corporate counterintelligence.

Voted “Best PI Firm” for three consecutive years, Atlantis has been setting standards in investigative services for over a decade. What makes them unique in the Sacramento market is their focus on technical surveillance detection and corporate security.

The agency specializes in TSCM and debugging services for law firms, business owners, and high-net-worth individuals. Using advanced RF detection equipment from REI, their team locates hidden cameras, audio devices, UHF transmitters, and wireless surveillance equipment. They also conduct FLIR thermal imaging inspections to identify electronic devices giving off heat signatures.

Beyond technical surveillance, Atlantis offers comprehensive services including asset searches, background reports, family law investigations, surveillance, workplace investigations, and fraud detection. Their combination of cutting-edge technology and traditional investigative techniques makes them particularly valuable for complex corporate cases.

The agency serves Sacramento County and surrounding areas with particular expertise in cases involving corporate espionage, intellectual property theft, and privacy concerns.

Best for: Bug sweeps and TSCM services, corporate counterintelligence, technical surveillance detection, high-net-worth individual security, workplace investigations.

4. Javan Investigations ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Javan Investigations focuses on business and corporate investigations with comprehensive technical capabilities and specialized surveillance equipment.

Owned and led by Peyman Javidan, Javan Investigations emphasizes customer service and confidentiality while maintaining a full range of technical and surveillance equipment. The agency’s arsenal includes specialized cameras, audio equipment, GPS tracking devices, and counter-surveillance detection equipment.

The agency serves three distinct client categories with tailored approaches. For individuals and private parties, they handle child custody, infidelity, missing persons, and hidden asset investigations. For businesses, they conduct background checks on potential hires and investigate employee misconduct and fraudulent activity. For law firms, they provide surveillance, interviews, photography, and evidence gathering to support courtroom preparation.

Javan Investigations brings a customer-focused approach to investigative work, taking time to understand each client’s specific needs and concerns. Their technical capabilities combined with investigative expertise make them particularly effective for cases requiring electronic evidence or sophisticated surveillance techniques.

The agency serves the greater Sacramento area with particular strength in Roseville, Elk Grove, and Folsom.

Best for: Corporate investigations, employee background checks, business fraud investigation, technical surveillance, law firm support services.

5. Pink Lady Investigations ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Pink Lady Investigations is a woman-owned agency bringing compassion and criminal defense expertise to Sacramento investigative services.

Founded by Lisa Phillips (CA PI #188451), Pink Lady Investigations has built its reputation on criminal defense work, undercover investigations, and law enforcement collaboration. The agency has been serving Northern California for six years with a focus on empowering clients through truth and investigative support.

What distinguishes Pink Lady is their approach to client relationships. Phillips emphasizes that clients are valued individuals, not just case numbers, and many have become lifelong friends. This compassionate approach combined with cutting-edge technology creates a unique investigative experience.

The agency specializes in criminal defense, forensic accounting, child custody compliance, surveillance, infidelity investigations, personal injury cases, and fraud investigation. Pink Lady also handles catfishing and online fraud cases, utilizing private databases and technology to uncover true identities of individuals involved in online scams.

Pink Lady Investigations serves Sacramento County, Placer County, San Francisco, San Joaquin County, and Stanislaus County. For clients who prefer working with a female investigator or need an agency with strong criminal defense background, Pink Lady offers specialized expertise.

Best for: Criminal defense cases, clients preferring female investigators, undercover work, online fraud and catfishing investigations, compassionate approach to sensitive cases.

6. Bonnington PI ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Bonnington PI specializes in infidelity investigations and digital forensics with an empathetic approach to emotionally challenging cases.

Founded by Timothy Bonnington, this agency brings licensed investigative experience backed by real-world training and a passion for uncovering truth. Bonnington PI serves Sacramento, Folsom, Elk Grove, Roseville, and the broader Bay Area with particular expertise in personal matters and relationship investigations.

The agency’s primary focus is infidelity and cheating spouse investigations, utilizing discreet surveillance, digital forensics, and modern investigative techniques. They understand that hiring a private investigator often comes during times of uncertainty and personal crisis, so they emphasize making the process easy, safe, and empowering for clients.

Beyond infidelity work, Bonnington PI handles background investigations, asset searches, child custody cases, and litigation support. Their approach combines legal standards with human empathy, never taking shortcuts or compromising client trust.

What clients value most is the agency’s steady, experienced guidance through complex and emotionally charged situations. Bonnington treats client concerns as his own and focuses on providing clarity and closure.

Best for: Infidelity and cheating spouse investigations, digital forensics, emotionally sensitive cases requiring empathetic approach, relationship background checks.

7. Gumshoe Detective Agency ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Established in 2001, Gumshoe Detective Agency serves Northern California with expertise in civil investigations and employment-related cases.

Founded by Don Treco, who brings over 20 years of state law enforcement experience to the agency, Gumshoe Detective handles both civil and criminal investigations for corporations and private citizens. The agency has built credibility through years of successful cases and has even been featured on the Judge Mathis television program.

Gumshoe specializes in surveillance, proof of employment verification, financial services investigations, and child custody cases. Their law enforcement background provides insight into evidence gathering that meets legal standards and court requirements.

The agency’s strength lies in employment verification investigations and civil matters where detailed documentation is essential. They serve all of Northern California, making them accessible for cases requiring regional coverage beyond Sacramento County.

For businesses needing to verify employment claims or civil litigation requiring thorough investigation, Gumshoe Detective Agency brings both law enforcement expertise and private sector experience.

Best for: Employment verification, civil litigation support, proof of employment cases, financial services investigations.

8. ICS (Investigative Consultants & Specialists) ⭐⭐⭐½

ICS brings national resources and computer forensics expertise to Sacramento as part of the established ICS World network.

Operating under California License #25998, ICS of California is an independently owned licensee of ICS World, providing investigations throughout Sacramento and the entire state of California. The agency has been operating since 1967, bringing decades of institutional knowledge and proven investigative methods.

ICS specializes in computer forensics investigations, scientifically analyzing data held on or retrieved from computer storage media in ways that make information admissible as court evidence. Their forensic technicians handle data recovery of emails, instant messages, and files, virus and spyware detection and removal, email tracing, pornography detection, computer and network intrusion detection, internet history evaluation, and hidden files detection.

The agency also provides Technical Surveillance Countermeasures (TSCM) for eavesdropping detection and bug sweeps. Services extend to desktop computers, laptops, network servers, digital cameras, media cards, smartphones including iPhones, and most other forms of digital storage.

Beyond computer forensics, ICS handles fraud investigation, adultery cases, missing persons, child custody, asset searches, surveillance, and background checks. Their national network provides resources for cases requiring multi-state investigation.

Best for: Computer forensics, digital evidence recovery, TSCM and bug sweeps, email tracing, cases requiring national investigative resources.

9. Proven Investigators ⭐⭐⭐½

Based in Carmichael, Proven Investigators serves Sacramento’s eastern communities with expertise in skip tracing and asset investigations.

Proven Investigators brings professional investigative services to Carmichael, Sacramento, La Riviera, and Gold River with a focus on personalized service and proprietary investigative methods. The agency’s licensed team uses state-of-the-art tools and techniques to deliver thorough, reliable investigations.

The agency specializes in surveillance investigation services, infidelity investigations, background checks, fraud detection, skip tracing, and asset investigations. Their approach emphasizes listening to clients without interrogation and providing personalized service where clients are treated as people, not case numbers.

Proven Investigators offers comprehensive surveillance services, including covert evidence gathering through professional monitoring. They also handle missing persons cases and locate hard-to-find individuals through advanced skip tracing techniques.

The agency conducts confidential consultations to understand client needs and determine the best investigative approach. Clients receive clear, comprehensive reports with verified findings to support decisions or legal actions.

Best for: Skip tracing and locating missing persons, asset investigations, surveillance services in Carmichael and eastern Sacramento County, personalized investigative approach.

10. Ed Williams Private Investigator ⭐⭐⭐½

Founded in 1984 by a former Army Intelligence officer, Ed Williams Private Investigator brings military precision to Sacramento investigations.

With nearly 40 years serving Sacramento, Ed Williams has established deep roots in the investigative community. His Army Intelligence background provides unique analytical skills and disciplined approach to evidence gathering and case management.

The agency specializes in vehicular accident investigations, domestic issues, nursing home neglect cases, sexual harassment investigations, child custody matters, and wrongful termination cases. Additional services include background checks, process service, and records retrieval throughout Sacramento County.

Ed Williams’ strength lies in accident reconstruction and workplace investigations where technical analysis and detailed documentation are essential. His military background and decades of private investigation experience make him particularly effective in cases requiring methodical evidence collection and expert analysis.

The agency’s longevity in Sacramento demonstrates staying power and client satisfaction. For cases involving vehicle accidents, workplace issues, or matters requiring a veteran investigator with established local knowledge, Ed Williams brings proven expertise.

Best for: Vehicle accident investigation, workplace investigations, wrongful termination cases, nursing home neglect, cases requiring veteran investigator with 40 years local experience.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sacramento Private Investigators

How much does a private investigator cost in Sacramento?

Private investigator rates in Sacramento typically range from $75 to $200 per hour depending on the complexity of the case, the investigator’s experience level, and the services required. Surveillance operations generally cost more due to equipment needs and extended time commitments. Many agencies offer case evaluations and price quotes before beginning work.

Some agencies charge flat fees for specific services like background checks ($200-$500), process serving ($75-$150), or database searches ($47-$97). Complex investigations involving multiple investigators, specialized equipment, or extended surveillance can run several thousand dollars. Always ask for a detailed cost breakdown before engaging services.

Do I need a licensed private investigator in California?

Yes, California law requires anyone conducting private investigation services to hold an active license issued by the California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services. It is illegal for unlicensed individuals to provide private investigation services in California.

Licensed investigators have passed rigorous background checks, met experience requirements, and maintain continuing education. Working with a licensed PI ensures your evidence is gathered legally and will be admissible in court. All investigators on this list maintain active California PI licenses.

What can a private investigator legally do in Sacramento?

California private investigators can conduct surveillance in public places, take photographs and videos in public spaces, perform background checks (with proper authorization), locate missing persons, serve legal documents, conduct interviews with willing participants, and access public records.

Private investigators cannot trespass on private property, intercept phone calls or emails, access protected databases without authorization, make arrests, impersonate law enforcement, or use GPS trackers on vehicles they don’t own without proper legal authority. Reputable Sacramento PIs operate strictly within legal boundaries to ensure evidence is admissible in court.

How long do private investigations typically take in Sacramento?

Investigation timelines vary significantly based on case complexity. Simple background checks or database searches may be completed within 24-48 hours. Surveillance cases typically require 3-7 days to establish patterns and gather meaningful evidence. Child custody investigations often span 2-4 weeks to document behavior across multiple situations.

Complex cases involving skip tracing, asset searches, or corporate fraud can take several weeks or months. Your investigator should provide timeline estimates during initial consultation based on your specific needs and objectives.

What should I look for when hiring a Sacramento private investigator?

Verify the investigator holds an active California PI license through the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services website. Ask about their specific experience with cases similar to yours. Discuss their approach to your case and what evidence they can realistically obtain.

Request information about their rates, billing practices, and estimated costs. Ensure they communicate clearly and make you feel comfortable. A professional investigator will be honest about what they can and cannot do legally, provide realistic expectations, and maintain strict confidentiality.

Can private investigators testify in Sacramento County courts?

Yes, licensed private investigators can testify as fact witnesses regarding evidence they personally gathered during investigations. Experienced investigators understand court procedures and how to present evidence effectively. Some investigators also qualify as expert witnesses in specialized areas like accident reconstruction or computer forensics.

If your case may require court testimony, discuss this with your investigator during initial consultation. Investigators with courtroom experience understand how to document evidence and maintain chain of custody to ensure admissibility.

What’s the difference between a private investigator and a process server in Sacramento?

While some overlap exists, these are distinct roles. Private investigators conduct investigations, gather evidence, perform surveillance, and conduct background research. Process servers specifically deliver legal documents like subpoenas, summons, and complaints to individuals involved in legal proceedings.

Many licensed private investigators also offer process serving as an additional service, as Lance Casey & Associates does. The advantage of using a PI agency for process serving is they have skip tracing capabilities to locate difficult-to-find individuals who need to be served.

Choosing the Right Sacramento Private Investigator for Your Case

The right private investigator for your situation depends on your specific needs. For comprehensive family law investigations, child custody cases, or situations requiring full-service investigative capabilities, an agency offering broad services like Lance Casey & Associates provides one-stop solutions.

For specialized needs like criminal defense, computer forensics, or corporate counterintelligence, consider agencies with focused expertise in those areas. Match your case requirements with an investigator’s particular strengths and experience level.

Always verify licensing, discuss costs upfront, establish clear communication expectations, and ensure you feel comfortable with the investigator before moving forward. The right PI will provide professional service, maintain strict confidentiality, and deliver the evidence you need to make informed decisions.

Sacramento Private Investigation Services: Final Thoughts

Sacramento’s private investigation industry includes experienced professionals with diverse specializations and capabilities. Whether you face a personal crisis, legal dispute, business concern, or simply need answers, licensed private investigators provide professional services to uncover truth and gather evidence.

The agencies listed here represent Sacramento’s most qualified and reputable private investigators, each bringing unique strengths to the table. From comprehensive family law investigation to specialized computer forensics, from criminal defense work to corporate security, Sacramento has investigative expertise for virtually any situation.

When choosing a private investigator, prioritize licensing, experience, specialization match, and professional reputation. The right investigator will handle your case with discretion, professionalism, and dedication to uncovering the truth you seek.

For comprehensive investigative services in Sacramento County and Northern California, contact Lance Casey & Associates at 800-683-4769 or visit LanceCasey.com for a confidential consultation.