Business Booming For Private Investigator Company As Budget Cuts Hit Sacramento Law Enforcement

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) - A very old profession is making a comeback: the private investigator.

One private investigator has started running an eye-opening ad campaign in Sacramento.

It's no secret law enforcement budget cuts have changed the playing field and the game plan is changing for some crime victims.

They strike the keys and work the phones, busier than ever. It's all because of what's happening on Sacramento-area streets.

Law enforcement cutbacks are good for this business.

"The name of the company is Shadow Company," said Lou.

That explains why this guy is choosing to remain in the shadows. The name is Lou, and what does he do?

"Private investigator," said Lou.

You know, think "Moonlighting", "Rockford Files" and "Magnum P.I."

This company is opening eyes by taking out radio ads offering services to crime victims fed up with police budget cuts.

"Because of massive cutbacks to law enforcement and you call on them they're sometimes unable to respond and take reports," the ad said.

The ad has been running for a couple of months and business is up.

"Probably at least 60 percent," said Lou.

They take on all sorts of cases.

"Everything from fraud to family law to domestic," said Lou.

From property crimes to spousal shenanigans, the man behind the mask is making his move, but is quick to point out one detail.

"We're not crime fighters, but we're just assisting," said Lou.

Sacramento police declined to be interviewed for this story but told us they would welcome any information on a case from a private investigator. However, they wouldn't go out of their way to share information with them.

More citizens are going out of their way, says the Shadow Company, to break open that piggy bank to help break the case.

"There are people out there who are willing to pay a few extra dollars to get the results," said Lou.

So far the results of their radio blitz are clear.

"Shadow Company is here to help," said Lou.

They are more than just a little eye-opening.

The shadow company reiterated to CBS13 several times, they aren't trying to replace law enforcement, and say your first call should always be to police; but then, of course, they'd like you to make one more call.