Policies, Procedures & Disclaimers

As you are aware, we take immense pride in delivering professional, reliable, and discreet services to all our clients, and we are committed to bringing the same level of dedication to your unique situation. To ensure clarity and mutual understanding, we would like to outline the terms of service for your case.

Our standard operating procedure includes a thorough investigation process, which may involve conducting interviews, gathering evidence, performing surveillance, and utilizing other investigative techniques deemed appropriate for your specific case. We want to emphasize that these guidelines are designed to streamline our collaboration, uphold professionalism, and ensure a positive working relationship. Your understanding and adherence to these policies are greatly appreciated as they contribute to the effectiveness and efficiency of our partnership. If you have any issues with these policies please let us know.

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 utmost confidentiality. Our team adheres to strict ethical standards and the information obtained during the investigation will be treated with the highest level of discretion.

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 for a case, the client will be responsible for compensating 2 hours of work at our full rate of $75.00 per hour. (where applicable) This policy reflects the commitment required to ensure the smooth execution of assignments and the fairness of our working arrangement. 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 Investigaitons, LLC.

The Preliminary Investigation: This is a vital step in our investigative process. It involves collecting relevant data, conducting database searches, and performing initial assessments to establish a solid foundation for the subsequent phases of the investigation. Based on our findings during this stage, we will decide on the necessity of further surveillance activities tailored to your subject and their activities.

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

Preliminary Investigation: Our standard billing rate for the preliminary investigation stage is $75.00 per hour. Database searches depending on the search can range up to $120.00 per search. The total cost of the preliminary investigation will be calculated based on the actual number of hours spent and any database searches that were required on the preliminary investigation of your subject. (where applicable)

Travel Time: At our private investigation agency, we offer a transparent and fair travel hours billing system to ensure our clients receive accurate and efficient services. For travel hours, we charge a competitive rate of $75.00 per hour + the current federal rate for mileage (where applicable). This rate covers the time our investigators spend traveling to and from the designated locations necessary for the investigation, including the wear and tear on the company vehicle being utilized. The total number of miles/ hours will be determined based on the departure from our base of operations in Columbia Heights, Minnesota; not our publicly listed mailing address.

Surveillance Billing: Our standard billing rate for surveillance is $75.00 per hour. The total cost of surveillance will be calculated based on the actual number of hours spent on surveillance after our arrival. Surveillance is billed in increments of .25 (for example 15 minutes = .25 per hour rounding up or down to the nearest interval).

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 fuel, 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 counter offer 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 in a secure manner 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.

Administrative Billing: Our standard billing rate for video processing is $75.00 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 clips. Importing or exporting clips is not billed. If a CD of the footage is requested it will cost $15.00 per CD + shipping cost. Our standard billing rate for report writing is $75.00 per hour. The total cost of report writing will be determined by how many actual hours were spent on the writing of the report. (Where Applicable)

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. We will meticulously examine the data during this time to compile a comprehensive multimedia presentation and report. 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: Following 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 on a regular basis, 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 30 days from the date of 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 3% processing fee, while bank transfers carry a 1% processing fee. On the other hand, payments made through Venmo or checks do not incur any processing fees. Rest assured, our financial 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: All debit and credit card payments require a signed authorization form and have a 3% fee for all credit or debit transactions. Payment via bank is a 1% transfer fee up to $10.00, and no fees for payments made by Money Order, Cashier Checks, or Venmo.

Past Due Accounts: Failure to settle a past-due bill within a reasonable timeframe (60 days) of the invoice date will leave us with no option but to initiate legal proceedings to recover the owed amount for our services. 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 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.

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 data collected during surveillance. However, it is important to understand that data breaches or unauthorized access to information, despite our best efforts, may occur due to external factors beyond our 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 use surveillance services at your own risk.

Acknowledgment of Policy: By proceeding with surveillance services with Dragnet Investigations, LLC, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this disclaimer and agree to the policies, procedures, terms, and conditions outlined herein. It is essential to act responsibly and consider the potential consequences of engaging in surveillance, as unforeseen events may occur that are 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 three years from the day the case closes unless otherwise specified by 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 on Forms: The information provided in this disclaimer serves as a notice to individuals completing forms or documents. It is imperative to understand that any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions in the information submitted on these forms are solely the responsibility of the individual providing the information. Inaccurate or incomplete information may have serious consequences, including but not limited to legal, financial, or administrative implications. It is crucial to ensure the accuracy and completeness of all details provided on forms, applications, or documents.

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.

Form Submission: Submitting a form does not constitute a contract or agreement with Dragnet Investigation, LLC. A member will review your case at which point you will then be contacted to determine our next steps moving forward. By submitting this online form, you hereby certify and affirm that the information supplied is true and accurate to the best of your knowledge at this time. You understand that providing false or misleading information may result in my case being rejected and forfeiting any and all funds that may be paid to Dragnet Investigations, LLC pertaining to your case.

Acknowledgment: By engaging with our company, you hereby acknowledge and agree to accept all our policies and procedures outlined herein. It is essential that you carefully review and understand the terms and conditions governing our services before proceeding. These policies and procedures are designed to ensure the safety, security, transparency, and proper conduct of all parties involved. You understand that any use of our services, whether as a client, employee, contractor, or any other capacity, signifies your consent to abide by these policies and procedures. Failure to comply with these guidelines may result in appropriate actions being taken, including but not limited to termination of services or legal consequences.

Rev. 11/08/2023