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36 Years
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Trusted Private Investigation Services in Houston, TX
Since 1990, Patti James Investigations has provided comprehensive private investigation services to law firms, insurance companies, businesses, and individuals in Houston, Texas. Our mission centers on delivering actionable results while maintaining strict confidentiality and a low profile. With decades of combined experience, our team employs ethical investigative techniques to uncover critical evidence for criminal, civil, and corporate cases. We prioritize client needs over public recognition, ensuring every investigation adheres to legal and ethical standards. Our founder, Patti James, established the company after recognizing the need for a more professional approach to private investigation.

We maintain affiliations with industry organizations like the Texas Association of Licensed Investigators and the American Quarter Horse Association. Our services include surveillance, asset searches, witness interviews, and insurance fraud investigations using advanced methodologies. Clients benefit from our commitment to accuracy, reliability, and thorough documentation of findings. We operate under strict compliance with Texas state laws regarding licensed investigators and maintain transparency in all operations. Our team continues to shape industry standards through active participation in regulatory committees and advisory councils.
Services
Surveillance Asset Searches Background Checks Insurance Fraud Witness Location
Details
  • Year established: 1990
Highlights and features
  • Proven track record since 1990 with major clients
  • Ethical investigative methodologies and legal compliance
  • Confidentiality maintained throughout all operations
  • Founder serves on Texas Private Security Advisory Council
  • Specialized expertise in complex civil and criminal cases
Associations and certifications
  • Certified Legal Investigator (CLI)
  • Texas Board Certified Investigator (TBCI)
  • Texas Association of Licensed Investigators (TALI)
What people say
Proven track record Ethical methodologies Confidential operations Legal compliance Expert testimony
Services
Surveillance
Our surveillance services employ advanced equipment and techniques to gather critical evidence for civil, criminal, and corporate investigations. We specialize in discreet observation and documentation, providing clients with admissible visual records. Our investigators maintain strict legal compliance while capturing time-sensitive information that supports case outcomes.
Asset Searches
We conduct thorough asset searches to identify financial resources, property holdings, and business interests for legal proceedings. Our investigators utilize proprietary databases and fieldwork to trace assets across jurisdictions. This service helps clients establish financial accountability in divorce cases, debt collection, and corporate litigation.
Background Checks
Our comprehensive background investigations verify employment history, criminal records, and professional credentials for pre-employment screening. We access official records and conduct interviews to ensure accurate reporting. This service helps businesses mitigate risk and maintain workplace integrity through legally compliant processes.
Insurance Fraud
We investigate suspicious insurance claims through evidence collection, witness interviews, and surveillance. Our team identifies staged accidents, exaggerated injuries, and false property damage reports. This service helps insurers reduce losses while providing defensible documentation for claim denials and legal proceedings.
Witness Location
Our investigators use advanced research methods to locate witnesses, defendants, and missing persons for legal cases. We combine public records analysis with fieldwork to establish current contact information. This service ensures timely deposition scheduling and case progression through reliable subject identification.
People
Patti James
Founder/Chairman
Patti James established the company after working at major Houston PI firms. She became a Certified Legal Investigator in 1995 and Texas Board Certified Investigator in 1998. She served as Chairman of the Texas Private Security Board and currently leads the Texas Private Security Advisory Council.
Questions
What types of cases do you handle?
We handle civil, criminal, insurance fraud, and corporate investigations including surveillance, asset searches, and witness location services.
Are your investigators licensed?
Yes, all our investigators hold active Texas licenses and maintain national certifications through organizations like the National Association of Legal Investigators.
Do you serve areas outside Houston?
We provide services throughout the entire State of Texas from our Houston headquarters.
How do you ensure confidentiality?
We maintain strict confidentiality through secure communication channels, discreet investigative methods, and limited case team access.
Can you assist with urgent cases?
We offer emergency services by appointment for time-sensitive investigations requiring immediate attention.
How are findings documented?
All investigations produce detailed reports with photographic evidence, witness statements, and analysis formatted for legal proceedings.
Reviews (2)
A. Keller
May 25, 2021 Report
Patti is great at what she does! She works with integrity and the upmost professionalism. Highly recommended for all your investigational needs. She will personally give you a comprehensive run down on what she thinks will (and will not be) obtainable based off what each situation calls for rather than just make empty promises. She is very responsive and professional. If you find yourself needing a PI for any reason, Patti is the one!
Pamela Landry
May 22, 2021 Report
I was given Ms. James' name through as Associate in Pennsylvania since I needed help in Texas. Upon speaking with her and explaining my situation I felt very comfortable giving her so many details. The next day she was able to come back to me with so much information that I would have never found on my own. She was clear, organized and very much on tope of things that I needed to know. I will certainly use her in the near future if I need more information. Many thanks.