Checklist for Hiring a Private Investigator

Looking for an old friend? Want to know if yourinquiries, you should be able to pinpoint which
spouse is cheating? Need to check out a potentialinvestigators your insurance company uses, which
tenant or employee?is a good referral.
A good private investigator (PI) can help you5. Check Internet and Yellow Pages for private
obtain these answers. And as with any expertinvestigator listings, but remember these are
you hire-a doctor, a lawyer, an insurance broker-itpaid-for ads. Ask for references; check if the PI is
benefits you to take the time to ensure you'relicensed (most states require a PI to be licensed,
hiring a professional who has experience, a qualitya few don't); if you're going before a judge and
reputation, and good-business ethics. Below is ajury, ask if the PI has courtroom experience.
checklist that will help you find just such a privateNOTE: An untrained investigator may not know
investigator:the laws and end up doing something illegal during
1. Ask friends, business associates, your lawyeran investigation-which causes you problems.
for a referral. Word of mouth gives you the inside6. Before you speak to an investigator, decide
scoop, and the opportunity to ask questionswhat's in your budget.
specific to your needs.7. When you speak to an investigator, ask if he
2. Check your state's private investigatorshe has done the type of work you're seeking.
associations, most of which have web sites thatMore important, ask them the outcome of that
post their membership directory.type of investigation.
3. If you can't find a private investigation8. Ask to see examples of reports they've
association for your state, there are multipleproduced for similar cases.
national PI organizations that refer investigators,9. Gauge your comfort level while speaking to the
such as The National Association of Investigativeinvestigator. Good communication will be critical
Specialists ( Also, check your state's legalafter the investigation begins. Also, be open
organizations-for example, affiliates of theminded-your investigator may have new ideas
American Trial Lawyer's Association or the statethat are worthy of exploration.
defense bar-which typically have a directory of10. 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 andbetter at what they do. You want to hire
background checks, an excellent resource is yoursomeone who's competent, not hard up for work.
own homeowners insurance company. Ask toRemember, a good private investigator can be
speak to a claims representative. With a fewyour best resource!