If you have doubts about your partner’s business trips or have a long lost sibling that you want to track down, then you might be considering hiring a private investigator. But before you do so, make sure to have a read of this.
If you are going to pay good money for help getting to the bottom of your husband’s odd behavior or the whereabouts of your missing friend, then you want the best person for the job. Don’t just hire any private investigator, make sure to do your research first.
For our top tips for choosing a private investigator, have a read of this.
- Choose an experienced investigator
Arrange a consultation with the private investigator and enquirer about the type of training they have had. As well as, how long they have been a private investigator for. Don’t choose a private investigator who has been in the industry for less than three years. Opt for someone with as much experience as possible.
Some private investigators are ex-military or use to work in law enforcement, and so have extra skills they can rely on.
- Pick a specialist
Don’t go for a private investigator who works in all fields of investigation. Instead, opt for someone who has specialized in the field that you need, such as people who have gone missing, for example.
Think about your specific situation and the type of skills you require. Do you need someone who is willing to travel abroad? Do you need someone who can track a family member down in a matter of days? Think about what your requirements are, and make sure the investigator can fulfill them.
- Make sure the investigator is legitimate
Before hiring a private investigator, it is important to check that they are legitimate and vetted. It is also important to check that your private investigator is insured, fully trained and does not have a criminal record.
- Choose someone who is local
You will find it much easier to correspond with the private investigator if they are locally based. So, it is important to check this beforehand. Use their website to see the address that their business is registered to – if it is not local then it is important to check this with them.
Before hiring a private investigator, arrange to meet with them in person, to discuss the case and your requirements. If they are reluctant to meet, it might be a good idea to look elsewhere for a legitimate private investigator.
- Questions to ask your investigator
Before signing on the dotted line, there are a few important things you should ask your investigator.
Find out whether they will be handling your case personally. It is important to check this because many private investigator companies sub-contract their work to local investigators. If this is the case, you may want to seek a more local investigator to help you with your search.
You may also want to ask what the policy is if they are unable to uncover or find anything for you. Do you still need to pay the full price? Or, what is the policy regarding this?