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Checklist for Hiring a Private Investigator |
Investigation Article Index |
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by:
Colleen Collins
Looking for an old friend? Want to know if your spouse is
cheating? Need to check out a potential tenant or employee?
A
good private investigator (PI) can help you obtain these
answers. And as with any expert you hire—a doctor, a lawyer, an
insurance broker—it benefits you to take the time to ensure
you’re hiring a professional who has experience, a quality
reputation, and good-business ethics. Below is a checklist that
will help you find just such a private investigator:
1.
Ask friends, business associates, your lawyer for a referral.
Word of mouth gives you the inside scoop, and the opportunity to
ask questions specific to your needs.
2.
Check your state’s private investigator associations, most of
which have web sites that post their membership directory.
3.
If you can’t find a private investigation association for your
state, there are multiple national PI organizations that refer
investigators, such as The National Association of Investigative
Specialists.
Also, check your state’s legal organizations—for example,
affiliates of the American Trial Lawyer’s Association or the
state defense bar—which typically have a directory of
recommended investigators.
4.
Insurance companies use PIs constantly. Especially if your needs
fall into surveillance and background checks, an excellent
resource is your own homeowners insurance company. Ask to speak
to a claims representative. With a few inquiries, you should be
able to pinpoint which investigators your insurance company
uses, which is a good referral.
5.
Check Internet and Yellow Pages for private investigator
listings, but remember these are paid-for ads. Ask for
references; check if the PI is licensed (most states require a
PI to be licensed, a few don’t); if you’re going before a judge
and jury, ask if the PI has courtroom experience. NOTE: An
untrained investigator may not know the laws and end up doing
something illegal during an investigation—which causes you
problems.
6.
Before you speak to an investigator, decide what’s in your
budget.
7.
When you speak to an investigator, ask if he/she has done the
type of work you’re seeking. More important, ask them the
outcome of that type of investigation.
8.
Ask to see examples of reports they’ve produced for similar
cases.
9.
Gauge your comfort level while speaking to the investigator.
Good communication will be critical after the investigation
begins. Also, be open minded—your investigator may have new
ideas that are worthy of exploration.
10.
Expect to pay a retainer up front. Just because a PI doesn’t ask
for one (or even a reasonable hourly rate), doesn’t mean he/she
is better at what they do. You want to hire someone who’s
competent, not hard up for work.
Remember, a good private investigator can be your best resource!
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About The
Author
Copyright
2005, Colleen Collins
Highlands
Investigations & Legal Services, a product of two
logically related sets of background and
training—-attorney and information specialist--offers a
unique blend of investigative and writing/research
skills. To learn more about our services, go to
http://www.highlandsinvestigations.com |
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