Today we’d like to introduce you to Ken Childs
Ken, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
When I was 20 years old I was working in a bar in Old Town Pasadena. I was trying to do the community college and work etc. it wasn’t working. As I was weighing my options, I ended up meeting a group of investigators. This was a very scary situation. I was at the bar early for a Sunday Morning Football game. There weren’t a lot of people but there was a young woman by herself. A person came in (suspected gang member) with tattoos on his face and neck “cut here”. He was already drunk and went right for her. I was able to cut him off and before I knew it a physical altercation ensued. I was able to throw him in a choke hold and drug him out into the middle of the street.
The group of men were so impressed with me that they offered me a job on the spot! I literally started the following morning at 3:30am!
From there I honed my skills with a few other companies and eventually opened my own “Paramount Investigative Services”
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Like any small business, I’ve faced my share of ups and downs. The investigative industry is constantly evolving, and staying ahead requires adaptability. One of the biggest challenges right now is the rapid shift in how people consume information online. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok have completely changed the way businesses connect with clients, and keeping up with those trends while maintaining a professional and credible presence is a balancing act.
Another significant shift is happening within our governing body “BSIS,” which has recently changed its stance on enforcing unlicensed activity. Outwardly, their stance is the same however, they do not investigate unlicensed activity nor do they send out fines if someone has been turned in. This means more unqualified individuals will operate without oversight, creating challenges for licensed professionals like myself. It’s an interesting time, to say the least, but challenges like these push me to stay involved with our local associations to ensure that we continue providing the highest level of service to my clients.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I take immense pride in the brand we’ve built and the depth of expertise we bring to the table. We specialize in surveillance, particularly in cases of insurance fraud, workers’ compensation fraud, child custody disputes, and, of course, infidelity investigations. Surveillance is an art, and with 26 years of experience—plus my partner’s five years of hands-on training under me—we’ve refined our techniques to deliver results where others fall short.
Beyond uncovering the truth, I also work closely with attorneys, offering investigative tactics they may have never considered before. Whether it’s identifying inconsistencies in a fraud claim or gathering evidence for a high-stakes custody battle, we know what works.
What sets us apart is not just our experience, but our relentless commitment to getting answers for our clients. We’ve seen it all, done it all, and know how to adapt to every situation. At the end of the day, our job is about uncovering the truth, and we take that responsibility seriously.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
Unfortunately, fraud is growing at an alarming rate, and much of it is being fueled by the state’s increasingly lenient stance on fraudulent claims. Workers’ compensation fraud, in particular, has become nearly impossible to prosecute, and personal injury claims have become so frivolous—and expensive—that they’re reshaping the legal system. Attorneys and insurance companies are struggling to keep up, which makes professional surveillance more critical than ever.
At the same time, the rise in social media-driven “investigators” on TikTok and Instagram is a major concern. More and more unlicensed individuals are jumping into the industry without the proper training, experience, or legal knowledge. Not only does this put clients at risk, but it also threatens the credibility of the profession as a whole.
With the rising cost of living and financial pressures mounting, fraud will continue to increase, and so will the number of unqualified people trying to profit from it. Over the next decade, I expect to see a growing need for licensed professionals who understand the complexities of surveillance. The industry is changing fast, but those of us with real experience and ethical standards will continue to stand out.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://licensed-investigator.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/private_investigator_la
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ParamountInvestigativeServices/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/LicensedPI/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcn_5i8iJvmXGOLu1PHAQqg
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/paramount-investigative-services-pasadena-5
