When you need the services of a private investigator, how do you distinguish between good and bad candidates? Don’t waste your time and money blindly choosing someone who may not be able to do the job. By following these guidelines, you will be able to find the best private investigator for your case, whatever the need.
1: Get a referral.
Ask someone you know and trust—your attorney, a friend, or a co-worker—if they’ve ever hired a private investigator and what their experience was. If they had a good experience, you should still check them out. If they had a bad experience now you know who not to hire.
2: Check with the Better Business Bureau.
Do a search on the BBB website or call your local BBB office. Look for candidates who have BBB accredited businesses. Even if a private investigator does not have a reputable business, they will have a rating and this should help you decide if they are someone you want to consider.
3: Do an internet search
If you have identified some potential candidates, do internet searches using the company name and the names of the principals.
If you now have the names of the directors, do an internet search using their names. Put quotes around your name, run the search, and read any article that comes up. You can find both negative and positive information.
If you don’t have good candidates yet, or are looking for more options, do an internet search using the words “Private Investigator”, “Private Detective”, “Private Investigation Agency” or “Private Detective Agency” along with the city in which you need the services, or at least the nearest major city.
Take a look at the websites of the private investigators listed.
4: Telephone Interview
Call the candidates and make sure you cover all of the considerations listed below.
5: Initial consultation
Set up an initial consultation with your top prospect and determine if he or she is the best private investigator for the job.
During each step of the process, keep these questions in mind:
First impression?
Do they present themselves professionally on their website, over the phone, and in person? How well do they communicate? They must appear professional, eloquent, and credible to others handling your case, such as witnesses, your attorney, a judge, or a jury. The success of your case is at stake.
Where and who?
Are they actually in or near the geographic area where you need services? Who is going to do the work?
Many “national companies” will advertise as if they can provide services anywhere. In reality, what they usually do is subcontract the work to someone in the area. Why investigate the background of a private investigator if they are just going to pass your case on to someone else?
Experience?
Do they have experience in the type of case you are requesting their services for?
The best private investigator will be able to obtain better and more profitable results. Even if their rates are higher, you get what you pay for.
Be suspicious of people who offer services at unusually low prices or without a down payment. They may not be qualified for the job or have a history of serious cases.
Owners?
Knowing who owns the Private Detective Agency will help you investigate its reputation.
You are looking for someone with ethics, integrity and a good business reputation. Once again, the success of your case is at stake.
With licence?
Some states, like Idaho, do not have statewide licensing requirements, but some cities or counties do. A neighboring state may have licenses for individual private investigators and private investigative agencies. Even if your state doesn’t require a license, see if your candidates have a professional license.
A license generally means that they have more resources at their disposal than the unlicensed private investigator. It also usually means they have a clean criminal record.
So what happens if you hire an unlicensed private investigator when a license is required? Any evidence they obtain may not be admissible in court. This can lead to
- wasted money
- unusable information
- a damaged box
- and a possible lawsuit
Remember, you want ethics, integrity and professionalism.
Ratings?
What qualifies them to do what you want them to do?
It is not uncommon for someone to start up a private investigation agency and have no more knowledge and experience than they have gained from a television show.
So ask them to tell you about their qualifications, including education, professional affiliations, certifications, and experience.
Sure?
Do they have liability and commercial vehicle insurance?
If a private investigator you have hired does something for you that results in a lawsuit, you could also be sued. This could include committing some type of crime, a battery, an assault, a trespass, or you could be in a traffic accident while on your case.
Fee?
Investigator fees vary, depending on what you want to do and your experience. For most research it’s hard to know exactly how much it will cost, so don’t be surprised if you get an estimated range. Without a crystal ball, there is often no telling what it will take to achieve the goals of a given investigation. I try to divide an investigation into phases and come to an agreement with the client on how the first phase will be attempted and how much it will cost. Don’t be surprised if a retainer is required. Just remember that you usually get what you pay for.
Promises or Guarantees?
Be wary of a private investigator who guarantees results. If they make promises to you that they probably can’t keep, find someone else. Like anything else, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
They understand?
Do they understand what you want them to do?
Give the private investigator a brief description of what you want them to do. Take note of whether they really listen to you or are more focused on the money. Once you have explained your situation, the best private investigator will offer you different options depending on your goals.
From here, they should work with you to find the most cost-effective solution.
If after the meeting with your first candidate and you don’t feel comfortable with him, schedule a meeting with your second choice and so on. If the outcome of your case is very important and has serious consequences, do not rush to make a quick decision. There is usually only one chance to do research and it has to be done correctly.
By doing your research and asking the right questions, you should find the best investigator for your particular situation. Even if you have to pay a higher rate for the right person, remember that you usually get what you pay for.
For a printable PDF checklist of what we’ve just covered and answers to more questions, visit www.custeragency.com.
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