Inside Probity Investigations: A Conversation with Lead Investigator Todd Redding
How a Seasoned Professional Helps Clients Navigate Life’s Most Difficult Truths
When uncertainty clouds your personal or professional life, finding someone who can deliver clarity—without judgment—is invaluable. That’s why I sat down with Todd Redding, Lead Investigator at Probity Investigations, a firm licensed by the Georgia Secretary of State since 1995 and now serving clients across Georgia, Florida, and beyond. With over 36 years of experience and more than 10,000 cases logged, Todd brings a rare blend of expertise, empathy, and discretion to every engagement.
What follows is our conversation—unedited, honest, and focused on what really matters when you’re searching for answers.
Me: Todd, thanks for making time. Let’s start broad: What do you like most about your job?
Todd: Honestly? It’s the opportunity to help people figure out the truth. Our agency faces unique challenges trying to accomplish specific objectives for our customers, but passion for helping others overcome seemingly impossible obstacles—that’s a blessing. We create a unique bond when our clients feel there’s no one else to turn to. That trust means everything.
Me: That’s powerful. I know confidentiality is critical in your line of work, but can you share a recent job you’re particularly proud of—without breaking client trust, of course?
Todd: [Laughs] All of our case work is strictly confidential and never discussed outside the client without expressed permission. But I can tell you this: we’ve successfully investigated police officers, doctors, lawyers, military spouses, politicians, professional athletes, and public figures. One case that stands out involved a professional athlete who had been hiding an affair for years. These individuals are tough to catch—their lifestyles are typically protected by layers of security. For three years, our agency tracked and documented virtually every move without ever being discovered. The evidence allowed his wife to confront the situation and, in this case, reconcile their marriage. That outcome—truth leading to healing—is why we do this.
Me: Incredible patience and precision. What types of cases do you handle most often?
Todd: The majority of our work centers on the discovery process. A wife or husband may be curious if their spouse is cheating. A parent may be questioning inappropriate behavior when their child is in another adult’s care. We’re experts in installing and locating hidden devices—cameras, audio recorders, vehicle trackers, cell phone applications. If you think someone is spying on you, no matter the location, call us. We can very easily locate the equipment or software. Often, we also coach clients on how to find clues about behavior—and usually, that advice is free.
Me: That coaching element is interesting. What do you wish customers knew about your profession before they reach out?
Todd: Two things. First: it doesn’t take prior law enforcement experience to be a great private detective. That’s why we employ agents with varying professional backgrounds—doctors, contractors, entrepreneurs, musicians, prior military. What matters is attention to detail, patience, and a heart for others. Second: protect your digital footprint. If you browse online, erase your history. If you call from your cell, clear your call log. And never use your home landline to contact an investigator—those calls can be traced. If your spouse has monitoring devices installed, you could compromise the entire investigation. You, the client, are our best resource. If you get caught, we get caught.
Me: That’s practical advice many wouldn’t consider. Speaking of considerations—how is your pricing structured? Is there a retainer?
Todd: Like most agencies, we require a minimal initial retainer fee—think of it as a deposit. We draw from that using our hourly rate, which ranges from $125 to $175 per hour depending on case complexity. In most cases, there are no travel time or mileage costs. Our billing is simple: each week, clients receive an itemized statement of services provided and are expected to pay any balance prior to the end of the next calendar week. Special pricing applies for court appearances or equipment rentals—like GPS trackers or hidden cameras. We also offer criminal background checks for $125 each, with results returned within 24 hours.
Me: Transparency matters, especially during stressful times. What questions do customers most commonly ask you?
Todd: Great question. Here are the big ones:
“What do I get when I hire your agency?”
A professional friend who understands what you’re going through—available 24 hours a day at no extra charge. Someone to help you overcome emotional stress and make clear decisions. Our advice is priceless: counselor referrals, legal referrals, objective-focused judgment for your immediate situation.
“Is it legal to track the vehicle my spouse is driving?”
Depending on the state you reside in, most likely yes. Tracking vehicles and assets is one of our most economical ways to learn a person’s whereabouts.
“How long does an investigation take, and how much does it cost?”
Ah, the million-dollar question. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. If an agency provides a specific quote, it better be for specific, defined objectives. We like to identify objectives, windows of opportunity, and a budget so clients receive real value. The important thing to remember: we have all the necessary tools at our disposal—computer-equipped vehicles, spy cameras, GPS trackers, specialized software, and a database with over 2 billion records. Most agencies can’t afford that level of capability.
Me: That database stat is striking. How do you stay current with evolving technology and legal standards?
Todd: All of our agents are required to maintain 16 hours of continuing education each year to remain compliant with State of Georgia regulations. Most are also weapons certified and undergo strict qualification training annually. Staying sharp isn’t optional—it’s ethical.
Me: If you were a customer, what “inside secret” would you want to know about hiring a PI?
Todd: Most consumers aren’t aware how a private detective can save them time, money, and emotional challenges. A great PI can help you determine the best course of action before investing thousands in attorney retainers and court costs. More importantly: only a licensed private detective can legally follow someone and document their activities in most jurisdictions. Know the laws before you DIY—and end up in jail.
Me: Strong warning. What advice do you have for someone looking to hire a provider like you?
Todd: Before jumping to conclusions or letting emotions control you, get sound guidance. Finding out the facts before confronting your spouse or influencing family and friends is critically important—to your reputation, your relationships, and your peace of mind. Call us first. It’s free, strictly confidential, and you have nothing to risk and everything to gain. We have a proven process for uncovering meretricious relationships. Call us before hiring an attorney. Our advice is always free. We can handle the discovery process and mediation at half the cost.
Me: That’s a compelling value proposition. Finally—why does your work stand out from others in the field?
Todd: We specialize in affair discovery services and behavior monitoring. We don’t claim to be a generic “full-service” agency, though we’re licensed to provide all investigative services. Every field agent on our team is a veteran licensed private detective, each with more than 15 years of service. You won’t find another agency with this level of specialized experience dedicated to helping others through the discovery process. The emotions are overwhelming to go it alone. Don’t make a mistake in getting the wrong help. Call us for free advice anytime.