Private investigator operates in Sisters

Vincent Salomone, P.I. Photo provided

Vincent Salomone, 48, is seeking clients for the first private investigations firm in Sisters, which he opened in January.

His equipment: three cameras, including one with 35-300 mm zooming capabilities; binoculars; special Internet access to public records; a video camera; his trusty dog, Sheila; and his calm, analytical personality prone to solving puzzles.

His expectations: a life that will not at all mirror "Magnum P.I."

"It is a lot more tedious and not at all as glamorous," Salomone said. "You have to dig around and get information from people who are not always willing to give it to you. You have to be tactful and search. You have to put all these pieces together to form a story as to what is happening."

Salomone currently works as a ranger for Oregon Parks and Recreation at Cove Palisades State Park, but hopes to transition to full-time investigative work once he builds clientele in Bend, Sisters and Redmond. He received his P.I. license in January when he passed the Oregon State Board of Investigator test, which covers privacy laws such as trespassing and classified records. An average P.I. earns $40 to $60 an hour, Salomone said.

Defense attorneys working at the Deschutes County Court system in Bend might hire Vincent Salomone Investigations because evidence for the defense is often overlooked in state cases since the police investigators work for the prosecution, Salomone said.

"If they (police) do a good job in looking for the truth, then I won't have to do much," Salomone said. "But many times, I'll be finding what the police missed and finding overlooked witnesses and information that could break a case."

Salomone also plans to perform surveillance, tracking and investigative work for divorce and abuse cases. With a new Sisters High School opening next year and local business growing, Salomone expects to serve a market for background checks for out-of-state employment applicants as well as for helping to recover assets due to bad checks.

He said his lighter work will include helping private clients find their long-lost love or family members.

Salomone worked 13 years as a tree inspector for the city of Portland and several years as a ranger, where he watched the Police Department track criminals charged with vandalism and theft. Those jobs and encouragement from a friend -- a private investigator in Beaverton -- inspired Salomone to pursue the career. He said he is not worried about danger.

"Danger is always a possibility, but realizing the danger and protecting yourself as you go into certain situations is key to keeping safe," Salomone said.

Salomone obtained a two-year degree in Park Management at Monterey Peninsula College in California. He graduated from a two-week Law Enforcement training program at the Oregon Park's Visitor's Services Academy.

As a member of the Oregon Association of Licensed Investigators, Salomone is listed among eight private investigators in Bend and two in Redmond.

Salomone plans to work out of his beautiful wood and brick house, which he purchased in 1999 on 10 acres of property. He is a parishioner at St. Edward's Catholic Church in Sisters and volunteers at the Humane Society.

Salomone moved to the Albany area in March 1980 from the Santa Barbara area of California. He visited Sisters often to ski, fish and backpack. He then moved to Portland and worked for the city for 15 years before moving to Sisters.

"The Central Oregon way of life is so superior to the fast and often rushed pace of most other areas," Salomone said.

"This is the place I really feel like I belong. The people here are so friendly and I have made so many good friends that this has just become my home."

Contact Vincent Salomone Investigations at 923-7366.