San Rafael Private Investigator Services, Built Around Surveillance
Looking for a private investigator in San Rafael? Bear Witness Private Investigators is a California-licensed firm (PI #18755) that has specialized in surveillance since 1996. San Rafael is a city of about 61,000 people in Marin County, and it is part of our regular coverage across Northern California.
Whether you suspect a cheating spouse, need evidence for a custody or support case, are dealing with a questionable workers’ compensation claim, or represent a client who needs court-ready surveillance, our San Rafael investigators plan each case around the subject’s real routine and document it with time-stamped video.
Why Surveillance Is at the Heart of Every San Rafael Case
Most investigations come down to one question: what is really happening? A private investigator in San Rafael answers it with surveillance video, photos, and a written timeline.
Mobile Surveillance
Experienced drivers who anticipate turns and freeway exits, so your subject is documented from stop to stop.
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.
Every San Rafael surveillance plan is built around where your subject actually lives, works, and spends time — not a generic template.
What Our San Rafael Private Investigators Handle
Whatever the situation, the work comes down to documenting the facts lawfully and clearly.
Personal Cases
- Nanny & daycare surveillance — documenting how a caregiver treats your child, within California privacy law.
- Infidelity & cheating spouse — documenting where a partner goes and who they meet, without them knowing.
- Runaways & missing persons — locating family members and loved ones who have left or lost touch.
Family Law Cases
- Child visitation — observing whether visitation terms are being followed.
- Child custody — facts that help a court decide what is best for your child.
- 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 support — documenting employment and income the other parent may not be reporting.
- Lifestyle investigations — documenting spending, activities, and lifestyle relevant to support claims.
Business Cases
- Business partner surveillance — verifying what a partner or associate is really doing.
- Workers’ comp fraud — documenting claimant activity across Marin County.
- Injury claims — documenting physical activity relevant to personal injury claims.
- Insurance defense — field work that supports a strong defense.
- Employee theft — quietly confirming suspected theft so you can respond with facts.
Law Firm Cases
- Witness statements — finding and interviewing the people who saw what happened.
- Evidence gathering — court-ready documentation for litigation.
- Evasive subpoena service — serving witnesses and parties who are avoiding service.
- Court testimony — credible testimony from the investigator who did the work.
- Surveillance — surveillance your client’s case can stand on.
- Records research — public and court records research to support your case.
Why San Rafael Clients Choose Bear Witness
Choosing a private investigator in San Rafael comes down to experience, discretion, and evidence that holds up.
Licensed & Veteran-Owned
California PI License #18755, veteran-owned and operated, held to the standards set by BSIS.
Court-Ready Evidence
Time-stamped video, detailed reports, and investigator testimony that stand up in court.
Surveillance Specialists
We specialize in surveillance, so your case gets investigators who do this every day.
Honest Results
We report what we observed — no stretching thin evidence to justify a case.
Direct Access to Your Investigator
One investigator from your first call to your final report, with updates along the way.
Absolute Discretion
Confidential from the first call; covert in the field.
What Our Clients Say
Real reviews from Bear Witness clients across California.
“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.”
“Thank you for all your help. You guys were really great! I will definitely refer your private detective agency to all my friends & colleagues in need.”
“James, thank you for stepping in and helping out our law firm! You came highly recommended to us by a colleague as the go-to-guy for all things surveillance. Good communication skills & excellent work!”
Names and/or locations altered for client privacy. Read more client reviews →
San Rafael Cases and the Marin County Courts
San Rafael is the Marin County seat, so the main Superior Court of California, County of Marin facilities are close by.
If your San Rafael matter ends up in the Superior Court of California, County of Marin, documentation quality decides whether the evidence helps. We keep chain-of-custody records and write reports in plain chronological order.
Also Serving Near San Rafael
Cases rarely stay inside one city limit. From San Rafael, we regularly work:
Straight-line distances from San Rafael.
Working With a San Rafael 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 San Rafael 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.
San Rafael Private Investigator FAQs
Do you also cover Greenbrae and Larkspur?
Yes. Greenbrae is about 2 miles from San Rafael and Larkspur about 3 miles, and both are part of our regular coverage in Northern California.
What does a private investigator in San Rafael 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 San Rafael and across California.
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.
Is surveillance legal in San Rafael?
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.
Do you handle workers’ compensation and insurance claims?
Yes. We conduct claimant surveillance and claim investigations for employers, insurers, and defense counsel.
Is everything I tell you confidential?
Yes. Your case is handled by your assigned investigator and never discussed with anyone outside the firm.
What if the investigation finds nothing?
You get an honest report that says so. A clean result still answers the question.
How do I verify your license?
Look up PI License #18755 on the California Department of Consumer Affairs license search.
Ready to talk to a private investigator in San Rafael? Call 1(877)PROOF-24/7 for a free, confidential consultation.