Would You Take This Job? Private Investigator

Private Investigator

Employer: PhotoFax, Inc.
Location: Boerne / Greater San Antonio, TX (in-person)
Pay: $20–$25 per hour
Type: Full-time (surveillance investigator; some listings also show part-time options — confirm on the posting)

What You’ll Do

  • Conduct covert surveillance from a company-issued, customized vehicle (monitoring, following, documenting subjects).

  • Brief with case managers pre- and post-surveillance to set objectives and hand off findings.

  • Produce detailed written reports and upload video/evidence to the company database.

  • Travel regionally as needed, including occasional overnight stays.

Why It Stands Out

  • Company provides a fully equipped surveillance vehicle and all necessary equipment — minimal out-of-pocket gear.

  • Hands-on training from experienced investigators (company notes decades of investigative knowledge).

  • Clear pathways to growth (investigations, claims management, supervisory roles) and a full benefits package for many hires.

Potential Trade-offs

  • Irregular hours: investigations may require nights, weekends, and flexible scheduling.

  • Fieldwork can include long hours on the road and exposure to unpredictable environments.

  • Role requires a clean driving record and comfort working autonomously in covert settings.

Qualifications / Requirements

  • High school diploma required; associate’s or bachelor’s in criminal justice preferred but not mandatory.

  • Valid driver’s license and a clean driving record.

  • Must reside in the greater San Antonio area and be able to travel regionally.

  • Willingness to work any day of the week, including weekends and holidays.

  • No prior experience required — company provides training and licensing support.

Perks / Benefits

  • Company vehicle provided (customized for surveillance) and all necessary equipment.

  • Full health benefits including dental, vision, paid time off, retirement/401(k) with matching, paid overtime and travel, plus performance bonuses.

  • Hands-on training and potential career advancement within the company.

Here is the link to view more job details or apply.

Would You Take This Job? — Would the autonomy, travel, and surveillance focus (plus a company vehicle) make this an attractive investigator role for you?

1 Like

Did PI ride-alongs; ‘covert surveillance’ = long, boring sits — pack cooler, pee plan. Licensing: Private Security | Department of Public Safety.

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Agree with @luckytrail3967, but the real killer is evidence continuity — if your “covert surveillance” video hiccups, it’s useless later. Ask if the company-issued vehicle has an inverter so you can keep the cam rolling; Boerne heat cooks batteries fast. At $20–$25/hr it’s decent entry pay, but confirm paid drive time and report-writing OT or you’ll work hours you don’t see on the check.

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Did six months in SA; the company-issued car matters more than the $20–$25 — make sure it has legal tint, a real 12V inverter, and decent blackout curtains or you’ll cook and lose power by noon. You’ll also end up testifying, so ask if “court time” and report writing are on the clock or OT. TX licensing details here: Private Security | Department of Public Safety.

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