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