Licensed investigators in Maine perform surveillance, background checks, civil litigation support and digital-forensics work. Confirm state licensing, insurance, references and written scope of work. Verify any association memberships or firm names before hiring.

The appeal of the private investigator

Say "private investigator" and many still picture Sherlock Holmes. Real-world investigators in Maine are not fictional detectives, but licensed professionals who blend surveillance, interviewing and modern forensics to solve problems for individuals and businesses.

What Maine investigators do today

Modern Maine private investigators handle a mix of traditional and digital work: surveillance, background checks, asset searches, process serving, witness interviews, skip tracing and civil-case evidence gathering. They also increasingly perform digital forensics, social-media research, email tracing and cybersecurity-related investigations when authorized by law.

Many firms advertise services for civil litigation support, insurance-fraud investigations, child custody fact-finding and corporate due diligence. Some investigators offer polygraph testing and computer-forensics services through certified partners or in-house experts; availability and admissibility vary by case and jurisdiction.

Licensing and credentials (verify before you hire)

Maine requires investigators to be licensed; clients should confirm credentials and active licensing before hiring anyone to work on sensitive matters. Ask for a license number, proof of professional liability insurance, documented experience and references. Verify the license with the appropriate Maine state licensing authority or department. 1

Professional associations can be useful starting points to find vetted investigators, but membership alone does not replace state licensing or reference checks. The Maine Licensed Private Investigator's Association (MLPIA) is one named organization historically associated with the state's investigative community; confirm current status and membership lists before relying on them. 2

Choosing an investigator: practical checks

  • Confirm state license and insurance.
  • Request a written estimate and an engagement agreement that defines scope, fees and confidentiality.
  • Ask about digital-forensics capabilities and chain-of-custody procedures if electronic evidence is involved.
  • Get references and ask about prior relevant cases.

Safety and ethics

Licensed investigators often have law-enforcement or military backgrounds and operate under state laws and professional ethics. They must avoid illegal activity (e.g., unauthorized computer access or trespass). A good investigator explains legal limits and documents methods used to gather admissible evidence.

Examples and local firms

You will find a range of small local firms and regional agencies in Maine. The original article named several firms (Atlantic Security and Investigative Services, ASIS; Durost Investigations; Calderbank Investigations) as examples; verify any firm's current status and reviews before engaging them. 3

Bottom line

Maine private investigators combine investigative tradecraft with modern digital tools. Verify licensing, scope, insurance and references, and get a clear written agreement before work begins.
  1. Confirm current licensing authority and verification process for private investigators in Maine (which state agency handles PI licensing).
  2. Verify whether the Maine Licensed Private Investigator's Association (MLPIA) is currently active and maintains an up-to-date membership directory.
  3. Confirm the current operating status and business details for the named firms: Calderbank Investigations, Atlantic Security and Investigative Services (ASIS), and Durost Investigations.
  4. Verify rules on polygraph testing availability and legal admissibility in Maine courts.

FAQs about Maine Private Investigator

Do private investigators need to be licensed in Maine?
Yes. Investigators working in Maine should be licensed; always ask for a current license number and verify it with the appropriate Maine state licensing office.
What services can a Maine private investigator provide?
Common services include surveillance, background checks, asset searches, process serving, skip tracing, witness interviews, civil-case evidence gathering and digital-forensics or social-media research when lawful and authorized.
Are polygraph tests admissible as evidence in Maine?
Polygraph admissibility varies by jurisdiction and case type. Polygraph exams are offered by some investigators or partners, but whether results are admissible in court depends on rules of evidence and agreements by the parties.
How do I vet a private investigator or firm?
Confirm state license and insurance, request references and a written engagement agreement that spells out scope, fees and confidentiality. Ask about digital-forensics procedures and chain of custody for electronic evidence.
What should I avoid asking an investigator to do?
Never ask an investigator to commit illegal acts such as unauthorized computer access, trespass, theft or impersonation. Ethical investigators will refuse and explain legal alternatives.