EP 46: Locked in a Bank: High-Stakes Tales and Hard Truths from the PI Trenches

In this episode of The Miami PI Chronicles, hosts Francois McKinnon of McKinnon Investigative Group and Oscar Santa Maria of Optimum Investigations pull back the curtain on the unpredictable—and often surreal—world of private investigation.

Francois kicks things off with a jaw-dropping story: getting accidentally locked inside a bank vault with a client and duffel bags full of cash and other valuables. From there, the conversation spirals into the strange modern hazards of surveillance, including the bizarre rise of "action selfies"—because apparently, standing still with duck lips is out.

But it's not all war stories. The duo delves into the business of being a PI, sharing smart, practical strategies for marketing an investigative firm in a competitive field. They also explore the legal gray zones that every investigator needs to navigate: filming inside homes, digging through trash, and handling digital evidence while maintaining a proper chain of custody. The recurring theme? Know your federal, state, and local laws—or risk serious consequences.

Whether you're an aspiring investigator, a true crime enthusiast, or just curious about the hidden world behind the headlines, this episode blends wild anecdotes with insight from two seasoned pros.