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