Your Ontario Private Investigator for Surveillance and Investigations
If you need a private investigator in Ontario, Bear Witness has been documenting the truth for California clients since 1996. Ontario is a city of about 178,000 people in San Bernardino County. Surveillance is our specialty, and every case is handled by a licensed investigator — never a call center.
From infidelity and custody cases to workers’ compensation fraud and litigation support, we keep our caseload small so every Ontario client works directly with the investigator in the field — and gets a clear answer, documented to the standard California courts expect.
Why Surveillance Is at the Heart of Every Ontario Case
Most investigations come down to one question: what is really happening? A private investigator in Ontario answers it with surveillance video, photos, and a written timeline.
Mobile Surveillance
We follow the subject by vehicle through Ontario and beyond, keeping distance and cover so they never know we are there.
Static Surveillance
Discreet observation of a home, workplace, or business from a lawful public vantage point, documenting who comes and goes.
Two-Investigator Teams
For careful or unpredictable subjects, two investigators trade off so the same car is never seen twice.
Like much of San Bernardino County, Ontario mixes residential neighborhoods with busy commercial corridors. We combine discreet residential positioning with mobile coverage on the roads in between.
Cases Our Ontario Private Investigators Take On
Whatever the situation, the work comes down to documenting the facts lawfully and clearly.
Personal Cases
- Nanny & daycare surveillance — observing caregiver conduct and advising on what in-home recording is legal.
- Runaways & missing persons — locating family members and loved ones who have left or lost touch.
- Infidelity & cheating spouse — documenting where a partner goes and who they meet, without them knowing.
Family Law Cases
- Child custody — parenting-time compliance, home conditions, and welfare concerns.
- Child support — documenting employment and income the other parent may not be reporting.
- Lifestyle investigations — showing how someone actually lives when income or need is in dispute.
- Divorce investigations — facts and evidence your family law attorney can use.
- Cohabitation — evidence of a supported spouse living with a partner, relevant to support.
- Child visitation — observing whether visitation terms are being followed.
Business Cases
- Business partner surveillance — verifying what a partner or associate is really doing.
- Workers’ comp fraud — documenting claimant activity across San Bernardino County.
- Employee theft — facts for Ontario employers before they confront anyone.
- Injury claims — verifying the extent of claimed injuries through lawful observation.
- Insurance defense — field work that supports a strong defense.
Law Firm Cases
- Surveillance — defensible surveillance your team can rely on at trial.
- Witness statements — locating witnesses and taking their statements.
- Records research — the records behind the story.
- Evasive subpoena service — service on people who don’t want to be found.
- Evidence gathering — facts collected to evidentiary standards.
- Court testimony — investigator testimony in California courts when needed.
What Sets Our Ontario Investigators Apart
Not every Ontario private investigator specializes in surveillance. Here is what makes Bear Witness different.
Absolute Discretion
Your case is never discussed with anyone outside the firm, and the subject never knows we were there.
Licensed & Veteran-Owned
A veteran-owned firm licensed by the California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services.
Direct Access to Your Investigator
One investigator from your first call to your final report, with updates along the way.
Honest Results
If nothing is going on, we tell you. A clear answer is the goal, not more billable hours.
Statewide Coverage
Coverage across Southern, Northern, and Central California, including all of San Bernardino County.
Court-Ready Evidence
Time-stamped video, detailed reports, and investigator testimony that stand up in court.
What Our Clients Say
Real reviews from Bear Witness clients across California.
“I first consulted with a few other investigation companies in the area, yet I remained skeptical about their service. But, after I talked over my case with James, I was pleased with the high levels of confidence and experience he conveyed. In the end, I am glad I chose Bear Witness to perform my surveillance investigation. Thanks for the video your company obtained. It was eye-opening.”
“I hired your detective agency to do a surveillance investigation in Orange County for a personal issue. I found your company to be professional & very helpful. Thank you for the updates, insight, and information you provided. You guys did a good job and I will recommend your private investigator company to others.”
“Thanks for the great investigation. This was my first time hiring a private investigator and you guys really made it a positive experience. The surveillance video and information your company obtained really helped me out in making a tough decision. I appreciate all your hard work and personal attention.”
Names and/or locations altered for client privacy. Read more client reviews →
Where Ontario Cases Are Heard
Ontario sits roughly 19 miles from San Bernardino, the San Bernardino County seat, where the main Superior Court of California, County of San Bernardino facilities are located.
Divorce, custody, support, and civil cases involving Ontario residents are generally filed in the Superior Court of California, County of San Bernardino. We document every case with that courtroom in mind: dated, time-stamped, gathered legally, and backed by testimony if needed.
Also Serving Near Ontario
Cases rarely stay inside one city limit. From Ontario, we regularly work:
Straight-line distances from Ontario.
Working With a Ontario Private Investigator, Step by Step
- 1
Free Consultation
Tell a licensed investigator what you know and what you need confirmed. Completely confidential.
- 2
Plan & Estimate
We build a plan around your subject’s routine in Ontario and give you a written estimate before any work begins.
- 3
Surveillance
Your investigator documents activity with time-stamped video and keeps you updated.
- 4
Report & Evidence
You receive a clear written report, photos, and video — plus testimony if needed.
Ontario Private Investigator FAQs
Do you also cover Eastvale and Upland?
Yes. Eastvale is about 5 miles from Ontario and Upland about 6 miles, and both are part of our regular coverage in Southern California.
How far is Ontario from the San Bernardino County courthouse?
Ontario is roughly 19 miles (straight-line) from San Bernardino, the San Bernardino County seat, where the main Superior Court of California, County of San Bernardino facilities are. Some matters are heard at branch courthouses; your attorney can confirm the location.
What does a private investigator in Ontario do?
We document facts for personal, family law, business, and legal cases — most often through surveillance, along with background research, people location, witness statements, and process serving.
Do you specialize in surveillance?
Yes. Surveillance has been Bear Witness’s specialty since 1996, and it is part of nearly every case we handle in Ontario and across California.
Is surveillance legal in Ontario?
Yes, when done correctly. California allows observation in public places where there is no reasonable expectation of privacy. Our investigators do not trespass, use hidden vehicle trackers, or record private conversations.
Can you document cohabitation for a spousal support case?
Yes. Under California Family Code section 4323, a supported spouse living with a partner can create a presumption of decreased need for support. We document cohabitation for you and your attorney.
Do you handle workers’ compensation and insurance claims?
Yes. We conduct claimant surveillance and claim investigations for employers, insurers, and defense counsel.
How is a Ontario investigation priced?
Surveillance is billed by time. After a free consultation, you get a written estimate before any billable work begins.
Can you serve someone who is avoiding service?
Yes. We locate the person first, then time service attempts around when they are actually there, and document service for the court.
Every case starts with a free, confidential consultation. Call 1(877)PROOF-24/7 to speak with a licensed investigator about your Ontario case.