When it comes to the question of purchasing spy software, the most commonly asked question by people is “why do I need this when all this information is available for free?”

While it may be true much of the information is free, in the sense that it comes from public records databases, it really comes down to a question of how valuable is your time?

The whole concept behind detective software is instant accessibility to the information whereas you might otherwise spend days or weeks manually searching for it on your own, or you may not find it at all. Think of it as like driving across the US from Tampa Florida to Seattle in your car (manual searches) vs flying there in an airplane (detective software). Both methods of travel get you there but while one method it is excruciatingly slow and exhausting, flying gets you there a whole lot faster!

While some detective programs are merely a compilation of links to free search resources Ie: Bigfoot, etc., A very few others, particularly Net Detective have their own database which is compiled and updated frequently from literally millions of different sources, and this is accessed from their own “Search Wizard.” This is far more powerful, and offers a nice easy to use interface.

Detective software programs also offer helpful tips and information about how to do your own detective work.

Check out our review of some of the most popular detective programs.

Ex LAPD detective Mark Arneson who was moonlighting as a private investigator, was indicted for illegally digging up dirt on people from police databases to sell to celibrity private eye Anthony Pellicano.

The reason why P.I. work is so attractive to cops is because they already have the training and skills to do this kind of work, and P.I. work can be very lucrative, especially in LA and considering the fact that police salaries are historically some of the lowest in public sector employment. In some cases it can exceed a cop’s normal police salary. Arneson earned $189.000.00 from his sideline work for Pellicano.

The truth is, with extremely few exceptions, the vast majority of private detectives in Los Angeles or anywhere else, operate well within the law and their work is rather dull and mundane. PIs typically spend much of their time in front of a computer or looking over documents. There is however one famous private eye of dubious distinction.

Federal prosecuters accused Anthony Pellicano of illegal wiretapping, blackmail and threats to assist attorneys in high-profile cases.

A common complaint amongst private investigators is how cases such as this further perpetuates the myth that LA private I’s will do almost anything for a price. To most, it’s simply not worth the risk of getting locked up in the slammer. Some private detectives consider Pellicano a rogue.