Most people never expect to need a private investigator, and few know how to choose one. These steps help you pick a firm you can trust with sensitive information.
1. Confirm the license
Nevada law (NRS 648) requires anyone who conducts investigations in Nevada to be licensed by the Nevada Private Investigators Licensing Board (PILB). California requires a license from its Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS). Ask for the license number before you pay anything. Grate Detections holds Nevada PILB 1782, California PI 188095 and Arizona PI 1766007.
2. Ask how full-time the firm really is
Some investigators take a case once or twice a month on the side. Look for a firm whose people work cases every week. Meet the team on our staff page, and read about the owner on the Dustin Grate page.
3. Ask what you will receive
A good investigator can say, before the work starts, whether you will get a written report, photographs, video or court-ready documents. Grate Detections provides factual evidence of what you asked for, and our owner is certified as an expert witness in several jurisdictions.
4. Read the reviews
Search Google reviews for any firm on your list. Look for specific details, such as the kind of case and the response time, and read the criticism as well as the praise. Ours are on our reviews page and on Google: 137 reviews with a 4.99 average as of November 2026.
5. Match the firm to the job
One firm that handles investigations, process serving, drug testing and fingerprinting can keep your case in one place. See the full list of services.
6. Be careful with cheap, online-only services
Ask who the investigator is and where the firm is located. Our article on proof of value explains why. For pricing, read how much a private investigator costs in Reno.
Call Grate Detections at (775) 691-6527 any time, or send us a message.
Grate Detections LLC was founded on February 14, 2007 (Nevada Business ID NV20071246700). Dustin Grate has been licensed by the Nevada Private Investigators Licensing Board since 2002 (PILB 1782), and the firm is also licensed in California (PI 188095) and Arizona (PI 1766007).
Cases our clients describe
In their own words:
“Who knew I’d need the service of a private investigator? I sure didn’t. My car was missing after lending it to a relative. If I reported it stolen it, my relative would be charged with a felony and I wouldn’t be able to drop the charges because WE do not make the decision whether to prosecute- the state does. I didn’t want that to happen. I learned that the best way to find my car was to hire a PI. It would be the PI following the clues and leads. It was the best advice I found. I filled out the form on Dustin Grate’s website and I received an email immediately. I told Dustin what I needed. We kept in touch via text and phone. We shared information and in WAY less than 24 hours he found my car safe and intact. With the security contacts he has at the business he found it at, he arranged for a boot to be applied on my car so no one could drive off with it until I was able to pick it up. I appreciate all his professional help. I wouldn’t hesitate to use him again. I would definitely recommend his services to anyone who needs an experienced professional in his field and someone who has great local contacts. Thank you so much, Dustin.”
Deb O., Google review
“Grate Detections is the best private investigator in town. I am glad I hired him in 2021. He is honest, fast and accurate. Such a blessings he was referred by my custody lawyer I never had a regret to hired him it’s worth what you are paying for. If you are looking for an honest private investigator in town please see Dustin Grate at Grate Detections you will never be disappointed.”
Marilou S., Yelp review
“I’ve known Dustin personally for over 20 years. We worked together in law enforcement and most recently in a professional (civilian) matter. I’m an attorney in Colorado and occastionally need a great investigaor in Nevada. My law firm and I 100% go with Grate Detections when we have a Nevada investigaiton matter handled! I have referred them to people all across the country when they need a great investiagor. Simply put, Grate Detection is THE place to call! If you don’t use them, you are wasting time and money!”
Glenn B. F., Yelp review
What our clients say
“I hired Dustin to do a private investigation for custody issues. Dustin was responsive, quick to help out and easy to deal with. I was first skeptical using a PI, but it actually helped me during a long custody battle that worked in my favor. His people video taped my ex drinking wine in a casino, which she was not allowed to do with out kids and the courts ruled in my favor due to his surveillance. Would recommend and would use again. But keep in mind after his PI work is done it was a 200 dollar charge for the video and paperwork to go along with it.”
Daniel Martinez, Google review
“Incredible work, talented investigator. I have been burned by other agencies in the industry and I regret not making Grate Detections my first stop. Working with Grate Detections went seamlessly, I will only be using Grate Detections moving forward, highly recommend! If you need prompt service, and a competent investigator… look no further.”
MT U, Google review
“After initially hiring a different private investigator and receiving poor quality service I found Dustin at Grate Detections. From our very first phone conversation I felt like he was professional, competent and discreet. I had wasted a few weeks on the other investigator and was eager to have Dustin get started which he promptly did after sitting down together and lining out what I was looking for. He was excellent at communicating with me and always keeping me current on where my case was, as well as empathetic to my situation. He supplied me with the information I was looking for in just a few short weeks. I felt very well taken care of. If you want professional, timely, quality service, Dustin is your guy!”
Mandy Barnes, Google review
“Dustin was extremely professional and efficient. Very trustworthy and executes on his provided services.
Will recommend.”
Chris D., Yelp review
“Had a wonderful experience dealing with Dustin. He is a professional and very quick on getting you a response. He is trustworthy and knows exactly what to do and how to handle every situation. I definitely will recommend him and his company.”
Lisa B., Yelp review