ABOUT JAMES RAE INVESTIGATIONS
James Rae Investigations provides professional investigation, open-source intelligence and analytical services to individuals and businesses across the UK.
The business draws on a background in professional investigative and regulatory work, including complex evidence review, investigative interviewing, digital material and the analysis of information to identify relevant facts, relationships and lines of enquiry.
That experience has shaped the principles behind James Rae Investigations: understand the question, investigate objectively, maintain clear records and ensure that findings reflect the evidence rather than assumptions.
Our approach is structured, discreet and evidence-led. Every investigation begins by understanding what you need to establish, identifying appropriate and lawful sources of information, and carefully assessing the information identified. Where appropriate, findings are cross-referenced and considered in context rather than simply presented because they appeared in a search result.
We believe a good investigation isn't measured by how much information is collected, but by whether that information helps answer the questions that matter.
EVIDENCE-LED. OBJECTIVE. TRANSPARENT.
WE FOLLOW THE EVIDENCE — NOT ASSUMPTIONS.
OUR INVESTIGATIVE PRINCIPLES
CLEAR OBJECTIVES
LAWFUL RESEARCH
Before investigative work begins, we seek to understand exactly what the client wants to establish. Clearly defined objectives help keep research focused, relevant and proportionate.
Investigative enquiries are undertaken using lawful and appropriate research methods. We will not accept instructions requiring unlawful access to private accounts, systems, communications or information.
PROPORTIONALITY
VERIFICATION & ANALYSIS
More information does not automatically mean a better investigation. Research should be appropriate to the objective and proportionate to the circumstances.
Where appropriate, potentially significant information is cross-referenced and considered alongside other available sources. Information is analysed in context rather than presented simply because it appeared in a search result.
CLEAR REPORTING
Findings are presented clearly and objectively in the format agreed at the outset. Where a written report is provided, we aim to distinguish between established information, reasonable assessment and matters that cannot reliably be determined.
TRANSPARENCY
Clients should understand what work has been agreed, what they are paying for and what they can expect to receive. Where the scope of an investigation may need to change materially, this should be discussed before substantial additional work is undertaken.
WHAT WE WILL — AND WILL NOT — DO
Professional investigation requires boundaries.
James Rae Investigations will consider each instruction individually and reserves the right to decline an enquiry where the purpose cannot be satisfactorily established or where the proposed activity would be inappropriate.
We will not knowingly undertake investigative work intended to facilitate harassment, stalking, intimidation, unlawful discrimination or other unlawful activity.
We will never knowingly obtain information through hacking, unauthorised access, deception or other unlawful means.
We do not offer unauthorised access to private accounts, devices, communications or databases.
We do not promise that every investigation will produce the answer a client hopes to receive.
What we can promise is a professional approach to the work that has been agreed, clear communication about relevant limitations and an objective assessment of the information identified.
MORE THAN SIMPLY FINDING INFORMATION
An enormous amount of information is now publicly available online. But finding information is only one part of an investigation.
The investigative process may involve identifying appropriate sources, conducting structured research, distinguishing between people or organisations with similar details, cross-referencing information, establishing timelines, identifying relationships, assessing inconsistencies and determining what information is actually relevant to the question being investigated.
TURNING INFORMATION INTO EVIDENCE.
The aim is not to produce the largest possible collection of information.
The aim is to turn relevant information into useful investigative findings.
CLARITY THROUGH INVESTIGATION.
CONFIDENCE THROUGH EVIDENCE.
Whether you are trying to understand who you are communicating with online, locate someone, research the background of an individual or business, or make sense of complex digital information, the starting point is the same:
What do you need to establish?
Tell us about your circumstances and we will assess whether James Rae Investigations can assist.