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