
- mvaughn@investigationsidaho.com
Private investigators have long been a staple of Hollywood storytelling—shadowy figures chasing down criminals, uncovering scandalous secrets, and always seeming to be one step ahead of the bad guys. From classic noir films to modern crime dramas, PIs are often portrayed as fearless detectives living on the edge.
But what’s the reality? At Tracked N’ Solved Investigation Agency, serving Idaho Falls and Lewiston, we know firsthand that real investigative work is far different from what you see on TV. While we may not be dodging bullets or hacking into top-secret databases, our work is just as important—if not more so—because it deals with real people, real situations, and real consequences.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the biggest myths about private investigators and what we actually do.
In movies, private investigators seem to live exhilarating lives—high-speed chases, stakeouts with coffee and binoculars, and dramatic confrontations with criminals. In reality, a lot of our time is spent on research, surveillance, and paperwork.
That’s right—paperwork. A big part of being a PI is meticulously documenting everything we find, because evidence isn’t useful unless it’s well-organized, legally obtained, and properly presented. Investigations take patience, persistence, and long hours of observation—sometimes waiting in a car for hours just to get a few minutes of crucial footage. It may not be glamorous, but it’s how real cases get solved.
Hollywood loves to show PIs sneaking into buildings, hacking into databases, or bribing people for information. But in the real world, private investigators must follow strict ethical and legal guidelines—otherwise, we could face serious consequences, and any illegally obtained evidence would be thrown out in court.
At Tracked N’ Solved, we take our work seriously and operate 100% within the law. That means we gather information through legal surveillance, public records research, interviews, and other ethical methods. The truth is, being a skilled PI isn’t about bending the rules—it’s about knowing the right legal ways to get the answers our clients need.
A lot of people assume private investigators only handle infidelity cases, but in reality, we do so much more. While we do help clients who suspect their partner is being unfaithful, our work also includes:
Every case is unique, and that’s what makes this job so interesting!
Movies often depict PIs obsessing over one case at a time, following a single mystery until it’s solved. In reality, we juggle multiple investigations at once, requiring strong time management and organization skills. Each case requires different strategies, and we must constantly adapt to new situations and challenges.
So, what does a day in the life of a private investigator actually look like? Here are some of the key tasks we handle at Tracked N’ Solved:
✅ Surveillance & Research – Whether it’s tracking someone’s movements, observing a location, or digging through public records, much of our job is about gathering solid, verifiable information.
✅ Interviews & Evidence Collection – Talking to witnesses, verifying facts, and collecting evidence the right way ensures that our findings hold up if used in a legal setting.
✅ Problem-Solving & Adaptability – Every case is different, and we often have to think on our feet to find creative ways to uncover the truth.
✅ Working with Clients – One of the most important parts of our job is helping people. Whether it’s reuniting families, protecting businesses, or providing peace of mind, our work can truly make a difference in someone’s life.
Private investigation isn’t about fast cars, dangerous fights, or bending the rules—it’s about patience, strategy, and uncovering the truth in a legal and ethical way. At Tracked N’ Solved Investigation Agency, we take pride in offering professional, discreet, and results-driven investigations for clients in Idaho Falls and Lewiston.
If you need answers, we’re here to help. Contact us today to discuss your case!