Frequently Asked
Questions

Investigation costs vary by case type. Surveillance and infidelity cases are typically billed hourly with a retainer; background checks and asset searches are often flat-rate. Thor Secure provides a clear scope and estimate during a free consultation before any work begins — no open-ended retainers without your approval. Learn more about our PI services.

Yes. Hiring a private investigator is completely legal in Pennsylvania. Licensed PIs are authorized to conduct surveillance, background investigations, and evidence gathering within the bounds of state and federal law. Thor Secure operates as a licensed private detective agency under the Pennsylvania Private Detective Act of 1953.

Yes. Licensed PIs in Pennsylvania may conduct mobile surveillance in public spaces — following a subject, photographing or recording activities visible from public areas, and documenting behavior patterns. They may not trespass on private property or record in areas where a person has a reasonable expectation of privacy. Pennsylvania is also a two-party consent state for audio recording. See our full guide: What a PA Private Investigator Can Legally Do.

No. Accessing someone's cell phone data, location data, or communications without consent or a court order is illegal under federal and Pennsylvania law. Licensed investigators do not perform unauthorized phone tracking. Evidence gathered through illegal means is inadmissible and exposes the investigator and client to serious liability.

Timelines depend on the case. A targeted activity check may require one to three days. Ongoing documentation — workers' compensation fraud, child custody — may run several weeks. We scope every case individually and give you a realistic timeline before beginning.

Absolutely. All consultations and case details are held in strict confidence. We never share client information with any third party. Discretion is the foundation of every investigation we conduct.

A bodyguard reacts to threats. Executive protection professionals anticipate and eliminate them before they occur. EP agents conduct advance work — route surveys, venue assessments, threat analysis — before a principal ever arrives. Thor Secure agents come from law enforcement and military backgrounds where proactive threat mitigation was the standard, not the exception. Learn more about our EP services.

Cost depends on threat level, detail size, duration, and operational requirements. We scope every engagement individually and provide a clear estimate before deployment. See our full breakdown: Executive Protection Cost Guide.

Executive protection is appropriate for corporate executives, board members, high-net-worth individuals, public figures, attorneys handling sensitive cases, and anyone facing a credible personal threat. Needs can be ongoing, event-specific, or triggered by a threat communication, contested litigation, or high-profile appearance.

Thor Secure agents are trained and qualified under Pennsylvania's Act 235 Lethal Weapons Training Act, which authorizes armed carry in the course of professional security duties. Armed or unarmed configurations are scoped based on threat environment and client preference.

Camera count depends on your property size, layout, entry/exit points, and coverage objectives. We conduct a free on-site assessment to determine the right configuration for your property and budget. Most small commercial properties need 4–12 cameras. See our commercial camera guide.

In most PA municipalities, no permit is required for standard security camera installation on privately-owned property. Cameras must capture only your property or publicly visible areas — not private spaces on neighboring properties. We ensure every installation is compliant with applicable guidelines.

Retention depends on your storage configuration. Most systems we install are configured for 30–90 days of continuous recording. We size storage to your requirements — including insurance provider requirements for commercial properties — during the assessment.

Proprietary systems (ADT, Vivint, Ring) lock you into specific hardware and monitoring contracts. Cancel and the system may stop functioning. Non-proprietary systems use open-standard hardware you own outright — no forced contract obligations. Thor Secure installs non-proprietary systems only. Learn more in our camera guide.

For most small businesses, yes — across multiple dimensions. Cameras deter theft and vandalism, reduce insurance premiums, document incidents for claims and police reports, and protect against fraudulent liability claims. A properly designed system typically pays for itself within the first year through reduced losses and insurance savings.