The decision to hire a private investigator is a major one. Equally
important is your choice of who to hire. This article will help you to know what
to look for in a private investigator so that you can hire the experienced
and trustworthy professional that you deserve. Depending on the kind of case
you need investigated the individual or agency may have access to private or
very sensitive information so it is vital that you choose carefully. Some areas
or cities require all private investigators to register with the local police
department or a certain regulatory agency. Do a little research online to find
out if this is the case in your area. The contractor that you choose should
then be registered and in good standing with the local authority. There may
also be a local association of private investigators and it is a good sign if
your private investigator is a member. Some of these associations require that
their members pass a background check or that they receive training. Some
require a certification or a license to join. You can ask the association about
their membership requirements. Also be sure to ask how long your private
investigator has been a member.
A great way to decide whether a private investigator is the right fit for
you is to set up a face-to-face interview or consultation. This can also be
done over the phone but we recommend meeting them in person, you will be able
to get a better feel for the individual through clues like body language and
eye contact. So, what to look for in a private investigator at your
initial meeting? As in any interview punctuality is a good sign, if the
investigator is on time or early to your appointment this shows that he/she is
professional and is taking your case seriously. The candidate should listen to
your concerns and be able to answer your questions. They should be knowledgably
and experienced. You can ask if they have worked on cases that were similar to
yours. You should also ask about the specific steps they will take during their
investigation. Their answers should not be vague or confusing. Look for good
eye contact and confidence. Also a reputable private investigator should not
offer or agree to do anything illegal during an investigation. Any illegal
activity could not only render the evidence collected inadmissible in court but
could result in criminal charges for the investigator and possibly even for you
as a client.
Good communication between the client and the private investigator is
necessary to ensure the best possible outcome of the investigation. When you
are explaining the job make sure to discuss how you will be staying in contact
and how often you expect to be updated on the progress of the case. Also tell
the investigator if there are certain circumstances in which you expect to be
notified or contacted immediately. A true professional should clearly state
what the price for the investigation will be. If variables exist that could
possibly change your cost they should outline these in detail. If you will be
covering their expenses, for example, there should be limit that they are not
allowed to exceed without contacting you and they should be able to provide you
with proof such as reciepts or a time log. A written and explicit agreement is
the best way to seal the deal and protects both parties in case of a problem.
Having everything in black and white will eliminate any doubt of what is
expected from each of you. Now that you know what to look for in a privateinvestigator you are sure to make the right choice and obtain the best
possible results from this experience.
