How One Private Investigator Is Surviving The Pandemic

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Boulder-based private investigator Barry Bortnick works for Ross Investigators. Bortnick, a former newspaper reporter and onetime spokesman for the Colorado Trial Lawyers Association, explains how he’s surviving the pandemic. 
 
Obviously everything has changed. What’s been the biggest upheaval for you as far as work goes?
 
At present I don’t too see much upheaval. Half the work we do can be done online with interviews or background checks etc. Only issue is if you feel worried about interviewing or meeting people in person. But I don’t have much worry about that. I'm healthy, live a healthy lifestyle, keep my distance. 

How are you managing to do your work if you can‘t even leave the house, let alone travel?
 
Again, a good chunk of my work can be done virtually.  If I need to meet clients in person, I ask how they feel about it. Just meet the client and practice social distancing. 

How strictly do you think PIs are taking the stay at home orders? Do you leave the house for any work-related reason?
 
Good question. I'm staying at home for the most part but also going to locations to photograph accident sites and to speak with witnesses.

Do you consider your work “essential” and therefore feel you do actually have to go out in public to do your job?
 
Yes. Legal work is essential so working for lawyers on ongoing cases is essential. Not vital but essential.

Are there any work-related tasks you feel would be unethical at this time? Would you serve an elderly person, for example?
 
Serving papers to anyone would seem unwise at this point. Not only would people be very reluctant to answer doors or speak to strangers, it’s also a risk most PIs wouldn’t take.