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Policies, Procedures, & Disclaimers:

 

Our agency is committed to providing professional, reliable, and discreet investigative services tailored to your specific objectives. To establish a clear framework for our engagement, please review the following terms of service and disclaimers, which apply to all cases handled by our firm.

 

Our standard operating procedures include a comprehensive investigative process, which may involve conducting interviews, gathering evidence, performing surveillance, door-knocking, and spot checks. Depending on your case requirements, this may also include open-source intelligence (OSINT) gathering, comprehensive background checks, asset searches, skip-tracing, database research, and case reviews, as well as employing other specialized techniques deemed appropriate for your specific situation. These guidelines are designed to streamline our collaboration, uphold the highest standards of professionalism, and foster a positive working relationship. We greatly appreciate your understanding and adherence to our policies, procedures, and disclaimers, as they ensure the effectiveness and efficiency of our partnership. If you have any questions or concerns, please let us know. Otherwise, by proceeding with our services, you acknowledge and agree to the following terms.

 

Our team at Dragnet Investigations is dedicated to gathering crucial information about the subject in question so that we can determine the appropriate course of action moving forward. Below, we have outlined our policies, procedures, and disclaimers so you can understand our action plan moving forward regarding your case.

Confidentiality: Please be assured that your case will be handled with the utmost confidentiality. Our team adheres to strict ethical standards, and all information obtained during the investigation will be treated with the highest level of discretion. However, we cannot control the actions or statements of third-party actors, including witnesses, neighbors, family members, or other individuals. While we take every reasonable precaution to protect your information, we cannot guarantee the conduct or silence of these external parties.

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Minimum Field Time: We have a minimum field time requirement of 4 hours for all surveillance assignments. This timeframe allows us to conduct thorough observations and gather the necessary information to deliver high-quality outcomes. We believe this approach will enhance the overall value of our services and contribute to the success of your case and future efforts.

Rush Cases: At our private investigation agency, we understand that some cases require immediate attention and expedited efforts to meet tight deadlines that fall within 72 hours. As a result, for rush cases that demand urgent action and extra resources, we implement a billing rate of 1.5 times our normal rates for all cases that fall under this category. This adjusted pricing structure allows us to prioritize these time-sensitive assignments and allocate the necessary manpower and expertise to deliver prompt and efficient results. Rest assured, we will notify you if your case falls within the definition of a "Rush Case" and refer you to this policy before any action is taken. 


Cancellation Policy: While we strive to be as flexible as possible, we must address the importance of honoring the time and effort invested in scheduling and preparing for assignments. In the event of a case cancellation happening within 24 hours of a case, the client will be responsible for compensating 4 hours of work at our full rate. (where applicable) This policy reflects the commitment required to ensure the smooth execution of assignments and the fairness of our working arrangements. This policy also applies to court hearings or court appearances. Rest assured, we understand there are exceptions to this policy due to the nature of this field and will be held at the discretion of Dragnet Investigations, LLC. 

 

The Preliminary Investigation: This is a vital step in our investigative process. It involves collecting relevant data, such as social media information, database searches, and performing other initial assessments to establish a solid foundation for the subsequent phases of the investigation. Based on our findings during this stage, we will determine the tailored approach to your case unless otherwise instructed.

 

Regular Updates: Throughout the preliminary investigation, we will keep you informed of our progress and findings for possible additional collaboration regarding the case. If you have any questions or concerns you may have during the course of the investigation, determine an action plan moving forward.

Preliminary Investigation: The total cost of the preliminary investigation will be calculated based on your specific request and may include the actual hours worked, database searches, and any other investigative resources required to complete the preliminary review of your subject (where applicable).

 

Travel Time: At our agency, we believe in transparent and fair billing. Travel time is billed at our standard hourly rate plus the current federal mileage rate (where applicable). This covers our investigators' time en route to and from required locations, as well as the wear and tear on our company vehicles. By default, travel time is bundled with standard investigation hours on your invoice; however, we are happy to itemize these separately upon request. All travel hours and mileage are calculated using our base of operations in Columbia Heights, Minnesota, as the starting point, rather than our public mailing address.​

Billing: Billing is in increments of .25 (for example, 15 minutes = .25 per hour, rounding up or down to the nearest interval). 

Flat Rates: While certain services are billed at a flat rate, pricing may vary depending on the specific scope and type of service requested.

Additional Case Expenses: Depending on the nature of your case and the information required, there may be additional expenses incurred during the investigation process. These expenses include database searches, court record retrieval, travel costs, and other incidentals necessary to conduct a comprehensive investigation. Rest assured that we will keep you informed about any potential additional expenses and seek your approval before incurring them if they are over $100.00 in cost. If this is an issue, depending on any proposed counteroffer, we reserve the right to refuse service.

 

Video Documentation: It is essential to highlight that all activities involving our subjects are recorded and documented for various purposes, including research, documentation, and legal security. These recordings are maintained with the utmost confidentiality and stored securely to prevent unauthorized access and ensure compliance with relevant data protection laws and regulations. While we employ advanced techniques and adhere to industry best practices to accurately identify and verify individuals, certain circumstances may arise where mistaken identification could occur. Factors such as environmental conditions, distances, locations, limited information, camera autofocus issues, or other unforeseen variables may contribute to such instances. We acknowledge this potential risk and assure you that we continuously work to minimize its occurrence through ongoing training and improvement of our processes. The time codes provided within the footage are intended solely for reference and coordination purposes. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, discrepancies might occur due to various factors, including, but not limited to, technical limitations, synchronization issues, or human error. These time codes should not be considered absolute indicators of real-time events, and their reliability may be influenced by the equipment used, recording conditions, and subsequent editing processes. It is advisable to cross-reference time codes with other contextual information or sources when precise timing is essential. The creators, distributors, and owners of the footage shall not be held liable for any inaccuracies in the time codes or any resulting consequences. Users are encouraged to exercise discretion and verify information through alternative means if timing precision is critical to their use of the footage. By using the time codes provided, you acknowledge and accept the inherent limitations and potential discrepancies associated with them.

Report Writing Billing: Our standard billing rate for report writing is billed per page, based on . 25 hours per full page of “written” narrative. As such, we will charge accordingly. Pages that include only screenshots, photos, etc., are not counted toward this total. Example: Two pages of half screenshots and half narrative count as one page. If clients request in-depth summaries before report writing that provide an excessive amount of detailed information equivalent to report writing, they will be charged as such.

Multi-Media Administrative Billing: Our standard billing rate for video processing is at our standard rate per hour. The total cost of video processing is determined by how many actual hours were spent on video processing (adding date/time stamp if requested) for all the clips. Uploading clips is not billed. If a CD of the footage is requested, it will cost $15.00 per CD + shipping cost.

Post-Investigation Process: Upon the conclusion of the investigation, our team will begin the crucial process of reviewing and analyzing the gathered evidence, including the video footage and an investigative report. This post-investigation phase is essential to ensure the accuracy and comprehensiveness of our findings. We kindly ask for your understanding, as this process may take up to a week to complete, depending on the amount of documentation or caseload we may have at the time. We will meticulously examine the data during this time to compile a comprehensive multimedia presentation and report unless otherwise instructed. We strive to deliver the most detailed and accurate information to our clients, and this thorough review is integral to achieving that goal. Rest assured, once the processing is completed, you will promptly receive the multimedia and reports relevant to your case. We appreciate your patience, understanding, and trust in our investigative processes.

Payment Procedure: Depending on your service request, upon the conclusion of the post-investigation process, a detailed invoice encompassing the preliminary investigation costs and any relevant additional expenses will be promptly provided to you. Invoices will be issued upon the completion of this phase or after the case is finalized, depending on the nature of our findings. We kindly request that all payments be settled within the presented due date on the invoice receipt to ensure a smooth and timely transaction. Please be advised that a late fee of 8% will be levied on outstanding amounts for each month past the due date. For your convenience, we offer multiple payment options. Payments made via credit card or debit card are subject to a 2.99% processing fee, while bank transfers carry a 1% processing fee unless changed by third-party processing companies. On the other hand, payments made through Venmo, Checks, or Money Orders do not incur any processing fees. Rest assured, our accounting team is dedicated to assisting you with any payment-related queries and ensuring a seamless payment experience. Please inform our staff how you would like to pay for your services so we may provide you with the necessary tools to complete the transaction.

 

Billing Information: ​Credit and debit card transactions are subject to processing fees determined by our merchant processor. Bank transfers (ACH) also incur a transfer fee, as set by our processing network. To avoid these additional charges, we accept payments via Money Order, Cashier’s Check, Cash App, or Venmo, which currently carry no processing fees unless mandated by the respective platform.

 

Past Due Accounts: Failure to settle a past-due bill within a reasonable timeframe (30 days) of the invoice due date will leave us with no option but to initiate legal proceedings to recover the owed amount for our services rendered. Any and all court proceedings will be held in Anoka County, Minnesota. This policy is subject to change depending on the case or amount owed at the discretion of Dragnet Investigations, LLC. If work was completed for another investigation agency, a claim against your bonding agency will commence to procure payment for services.

 

Credit Card Disputes: Please view our credit Card Dispute clause at  https://www.dragnetinvestigations.com/creditcarddisputeclause

Surveillance Disclaimer: The following is a disclaimer addressing the potential risks and uncertainties associated with surveillance activities, acknowledging that certain outcomes may be beyond our control and could lead to adverse consequences or a lack of results. Please read this disclaimer carefully before any surveillance-related activities commence:

Subject Identification: We must inform you that during the course of our operations, there is a possibility of wrongful identification of claimants or subjects in the field. While we employ rigorous procedures and methodologies to accurately identify and verify individuals, certain situations may arise where mistaken identification could occur. Factors such as environmental conditions, limited information, or other unforeseen circumstances may contribute to such instances. We acknowledge this potential risk and are committed to minimizing its occurrence through ongoing training, technology advancements, and continuous improvement of our processes.

 

Acknowledgment of Unforeseen Events: Surveillance involves the monitoring and recording of activities, events, or individuals for various purposes. Despite taking all reasonable precautions, it is important to recognize that certain events or circumstances may arise during surveillance that are entirely unforeseen and beyond our control, which may lead to a lack of or no results.

 

Limited Guarantee: While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy, reliability, and effectiveness of surveillance measures, we cannot guarantee the complete absence of unforeseen incidents or negative outcomes. Unforeseen events may include, but are not limited to, technical malfunctions, data loss, environmental factors, or the actions of third parties that are not under our control.

 

Professional Consultation: Before initiating any surveillance activity, we strongly advise seeking legal counsel and consulting with relevant experts to understand the legal, ethical, and moral implications associated with the intended surveillance. It is your responsibility to ensure compliance with all applicable laws, including privacy and data protection regulations.

 

Confidentiality and Data Security: We prioritize the confidentiality and security of all data collected during our investigations. However, while we employ strict safeguards, no system is entirely foolproof. Clients acknowledge that data breaches or unauthorized access can occur due to external factors, cyber threats, or elements beyond our reasonable control.

 

Limitation of Liability: In no event shall we be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, or special damages arising out of or in connection with surveillance activities, even if advised of the possibility of such damages. You expressly agree to utilize surveillance services at your own risk.

 

Acknowledgment of Policy: By proceeding with surveillance services with Dragnet Investigations, LLC, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to the policies, procedures, terms, and conditions outlined in this agreement. Clients are expected to act responsibly and consider the potential implications of initiating an investigation, as the agency cannot be held liable for unforeseen events or outcomes that occur beyond our control.

Data Retention: Dragnet Investigations, LLC is committed to maintaining an organized and secure approach to data retention. This policy is designed to ensure compliance with legal requirements, maintain data integrity, and reduce unwarranted space usage. Data will be retained for a period of up to seven (7) years from the listed report day unless otherwise specified by our client, legal, or regulatory obligations. Access to retained data will be limited to authorized personnel with a legitimate business need. Data will be stored securely using appropriate measures to prevent unauthorized access, data breaches, and data loss.

Disclaimer Regarding Providing Incorrect Information: The information in this disclosure applies to all clients retaining our services, including those providing details via telephone, electronic forms, or written documents. It is the sole responsibility of the individual providing the information to ensure it is accurate, truthful, and complete. Submitting inaccurate, misleading, or incomplete details, whether during initial intake or throughout the course of an investigation, may result in serious legal, financial, or administrative consequences. Dragnet Investigations, LLC relies on the integrity of this data and cannot be held liable for outcomes resulting from erroneous information provided by the client.

Information Provided: Users are advised to review and double-check all information before submission. If you are uncertain about any details or requirements, seek advice from relevant experts or authorities before proceeding. The consequences of providing incorrect information may include delays, rejections, fines, penalties, or legal actions. By proceeding with the submission of forms or documents, individuals acknowledge and accept the importance of accurate and complete information. They also understand that any outcomes resulting from inaccurate or incomplete information are their sole responsibility. In no event shall the organization, entity, or individual responsible for providing the form or document be held liable for the consequences arising from inaccuracies, errors, or omissions in the information provided. Please exercise due diligence and caution when completing forms to avoid any adverse repercussions resulting from the submission of incorrect information.

 

Case Submission: Submitting information via our online form, telephone, or any other means does not establish a contract or formal agreement with Dragnet Investigations, LLC. Our team will review your details, but the agency is under no obligation to reply to inquiries or accept your case. We will reach out to discuss next steps only if your submission provides actionable, ethical, and lawful grounds for an investigation. By providing this information, you certify that all details are true and accurate to the best of your knowledge. Providing false or misleading information will result in the immediate rejection of your case and the absolute forfeiture of any and all funds paid to Dragnet Investigations, LLC.

Acknowledgment of Policies and Procedures: By engaging with our company, you acknowledge and agree to abide by all policies and procedures outlined herein. It is your responsibility to carefully review and understand these terms before proceeding. Designed to ensure safety, security, transparency, and proper conduct, these guidelines apply to all clients, employees, contractors, and affiliates. Any use of our services or association with our agency signifies your full consent to these terms. Failure to comply with these guidelines may result in immediate termination of services, disciplinary action, or legal consequences.

Rev. 07/08/2026 1:46 p.m.

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