How to Hire the Best Private Detective

Look for Detective Agencies with Private Investigator License

Apr 19, 2009 Shelley Aylesworth-Spink

Looking for a missing person? Trying to find an old friend or if your partner is true? Private detective agencies dot the yellow pages. Investigate them before hiring.

Following five key steps can ensure that you hire the right private investigator.

Ask Around About Private Investigators, Investigative Services and Stay Local

The best situation is for a close confidante to provide you with a referral for good investigative services. You do not want it widely known that you seek investigative services so your trustworthy friend should be someone who can keep this information between you.

Or, begin with your local yellow pages. Remember, this is just a starting point in your journey to hire a private investigator.

If you need information that can only be found in a community outside of yours, limit your search for a private detective where that investigation will take place. Having a local investigator search in his or her home community will save you money and increase the odds for results.

Check License Status as a Private Investigator

Most U.S. states require that private investigators have a license issued to conduct investigation services by the government.

The demands placed on applicants to receive a license are tough and include a rule that the licensee must have no criminal record and pass tests to determine their experience and skills. Some states, such as California, demand that applicants for a private investigator license have at least three years experience in law enforcement.

Ask each private investigator for their license number. Licenses for private investigators are public record so you can check the validity by calling your state’s licensing authority. Your state police or department of public safety know the contact information.

Check Private Investigator Insurance Coverage

Bonding and liability insurance coverage is critically important. Some states stipulate that private investigators must have insurance coverage up to a certain amount to provide investigation services.

Insurance coverage is also a good gauge of the private detective’s professionalism. Expect those with good experience and a healthy client list to have up to a million dollars in liability insurance.

Conduct an Interview

Spend at least an hour talking with a prospective private investigator. Ask what other types of certification he or she may have along with being licensed.

Find out what surveillance techniques they use and make sure you are comfortable with his or her approach. Ask the private detective how they got into this line of work. Follow your intuition with your general level of comfort with the individual.

Hiring a Private Detective

When you have narrowed your list and are prepared to hire a private investigator, contact your local Better Business Bureau or State Attorney General’s office to check on any consumer complaints. Ask the private detective if he or she provides and follows a confidentiality agreement.

The usual method of payment is an hourly rate of between $45 and $60 US plus expenses such as airline tickets, accommodations and long distance phone calls.

Some private detectives work for a flat fee and you pay a deposit. An experienced private investigator will give you an estimate about the final costs. Be prepared to pay even if the investigation does not yield the results you want.

Do your homework when you want to hire a private investigator by checking his or her license, business background and insurance, asking about surveillance techniques and experience. You will then have confidence that the investigative services you hire are handled professionally.

The copyright of the article How to Hire the Best Private Detective in Law, Crime & Justice is owned by Shelley Aylesworth-Spink. Permission to republish How to Hire the Best Private Detective in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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