Eugene Vidocq created the first detective agency in the world. What’s interesting is that he was a criminal turned policeman who hired former criminals as private investigators in his agency.
Well, set a thief to catch one. From time to time, people need to hire a licensed private investigator to help get to the bottom of things. They come in handy when you want facts before making a rash decision.
However, picking a private investigator who is right for your case is the challenging bit. Before you entrust someone with confidential information, make sure they are fit for the job.
Here are seven factors to consider when you are picking a private investigator.
1. Have a Payment Arrangement
Money is a critical topic when hiring someone to carry out a sensitive job as investigate something for you. Your private investigation budget should include the hourly rates of the detective.
It should also include other costs during the project. A licensed private investigator will have different charges for various services.
Review the types of services you want so you can get more info. Some jobs require more significant work than others. Thus, some private investigators ask for half the fee before they can start the job.
Make sure to have confirmed the person’s credibility before making any payments. Besides, ensure you understand what services you are paying for before any transaction.
Friction due to money issues can lead to poorly done jobs. Working with a flexible budget helps you cater to any extra costs that may arise during the investigation.
2. One-on-One Interaction
After shortlisting your options for investigators, it’s better to have a one-on-one meeting with them. This way, you will get to see how they handle calls and meetings. Besides, you can tell a lot about how they manage time during the interaction.
How professional they are during this process is a reflection of how they will handle your case. Moreover, one-on-one meetings with people always reveal more about their character. When picking a private investigator to work with make sure to trust your intuition.
How you feel around them will let you know whether you can trust them with confidential matters. Avoid working with someone who doesn’t listen to you.
If you are considering an agency then they should be prompt to assign someone to your case. Make sure the person will take a serious and sensitive approach to your case.
3. Check Reviews
Part of being a credible private investigator is being able to handle people’s affairs with discretion. Consult various people during this process.
Do this without spreading the word that you are looking for a private detective. This might sabotage the whole reason behind getting one. To add some confidentiality in this process, you can check for online reviews.
Testimonials from clients in the comment section will reveal most of what you need to know about the private investigator. If they have a reputable website then it’s a good sign that you should work with them.
Avoid getting your options from investigators on Craigslist. They are mostly unqualified people looking to dupe the public.
Besides, don’t shy away from asking what organizations they work for. If the agency can vouch for their work then you hire the person.
4. Check Licensure and Certifications
Before hiring a private investigator, get to know your state’s requirements for detectives. In most states, the private investigator needs to have a license and some training.
Make sure that the person has proper certifications. It does not matter whether they are working with an agency or are independent. In both cases, they need to have personal certificates proving that they are fit for the job.
Most clients forget to confirm the expiry date on the license. Operating with an expired license is even worse than failing to have one.
It’s alarming when the detective’s license has stayed for long without renewal. It could be a sign of being on probation or failing to meet proper requirements.
Hiring someone who is not licensed can cause unnecessary trouble in the future. The state might rule their actions during the investigation unlawful. Besides, there is no guarantee that you will get your money back in case of any trouble amidst the investigation.
5. Investigation Experience
The private investigation experience that your potential detective has plays a key role in your case. For instance, hiring a marital detective for a business case might not have the best results.
Carry a little investigation of your own before hiring a licensed private investigator. Consider whether the experience they have will come in handy in your situation.
If they have handled a million other cases like yours then your case should be a walk in the park for them.
6. Work Agreement
When hiring someone as a private investigator it’s wise to have a written agreement. The contract should highlight the terms and conditions of the case.
It should also include financial terms like when payment is due and in what amounts. Further, the contract outlines the obligations of the detective.
Avoid working with people who don’t require you to sign any age agreement in the initial stages of the case. You need to pick one who has taken the time to create a binding contract. A work agreement protects both parties.
7. Area of Operation
Hiring a licensed private investigator is expensive. Thus, you need to pick a detective who guarantees the best results after a short period. They can only do this if they know your local area well.
When going through your specifications for investigators focus more on a detective who is in your local area. They have a thorough understanding of the place and can easily seek cover during an investigation.
Picking a Private Investigator
Vetting various detectives can be a long and tiresome process. Therefore, focus on the above considerations when picking a private investigator.
Make sure to get one that fits in your private investigation budget. Visit this website for more personal security tips.
