Know When and How You Should Hire A Private Detective

Are you looking for an old friend? Do you want to find out if your spouse is cheating? Do you need to check out a tenant or employee?

A good private investigator can help you find the information you need. However, as with any expert you want to hire, whether it’s a doctor, lawyer, or insurance broker, you want to be sure you get the best for your money. Look for a licensed private investigator with experience, a good reputation, quality business ethics, and verifiable references.

You might begin your search for a private investigator by asking your friends, business associates, or lawyer for a referral. This will give you the inside scoop. Take the opportunity to ask questions specifically related to your needs.

Go online and check your state’s associations of private investigators. Most have websites with a list of their membership. You can also check with the many national private investigators’ organizations for a referral in your area. One such organization is the National Association of Investigative Specialists. Your state’s legal organizations such as affiliates of the American Trial Lawyers Association or the state defense bar usually provide a directory of investigators.

Insurance companies frequently use private investigators, especially for surveillance and background checks. Your own homeowner’s insurance company is an excellent resource for recommending an investigator. Speak to a claims representative. With a few inquiries, you should be able to find out which investigators your insurance company uses and whether they can meet your needs.

Check the Internet and Yellow Pages for listings of private investigators, but remember that these are paid ads. If you select an investigator from these listings, ask for references. Make sure the investigator is licensed, as most states require licensing. If you’re going to court, make sure the investigator has courtroom experience. An untrained or inexperienced investigator may not know the laws well and do something illegal during an investigation. This could cause you problems.

In any case, when you speak to an investigator, find out if he or she has done work in the area in which you need help and ask about the outcome of the investigations. Also, ask to see examples of reports for cases similar to yours.

When speaking to a prospective investigator, gauge your comfort level. You want an investigator that is not only good, but one that you feel comfortable communicating with. Once the investigation begins, good communication will be critical. Also, be open minded, as your investigator may have new ideas that you haven’t thought of that are worth exploring. That is one of the main reasons for hiring an investigator.

Before speaking to an investigator, know your budget. Expect to pay a retainer fee up front. If a private investigator doesn’t ask for a retainer fee or offer a reasonable hourly rate, it doesn’t mean he or she is better or worse. You want to hire a competent investigator, not one who is hard up for work. A good private investigator can be your best resource for assistance.






 

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