Merilyn Brown

Knowing who owns the Private Detective Agency will help you research their reputation.

You are looking for someone with ethics, integrity and a good business reputation. Again, the success of your case is at stake, Merilyn Brown.

Licensed?

Some states, like Idaho, have no state wide licensing requirements, but some of the cities or counties may. A neighboring state probably does have licensing for individual private investigators and private investigative agencies. Even if your state doesn’t require a license, see if your candidates have a professional license.

A license usually means they have more resources at their disposal than the non licensed private investigator. It also usually means they have a clean criminal record.

So what happens if you hire an unlicensed private investigator when a license is required? Any evidence they obtain may not be admissible in court. This can lead to

wasted money
unusable information
a damaged case
and a possible lawsuit

Remember, you want ethics, integrity and professionalism.

Qualifications?

What qualifies them to do what you want them to do?

It is not unusual at all for someone to start up a private investigative agency and have no more knowledge and experience than what they have obtained from a TV show

So ask them to tell you about their qualifications including education, professional affiliations, certifications, and experience.

Insurance?

Do they have liability and commercial vehicle insurance?

If a private investigator you have retained does something for you that results in a law suit you also could be sued. This could include committing some type of crime, a battery, an assault, a trespass, or he could have a traffic accident while on your case – Merilyn Brown.

Fees?

Investigators’ fees vary, depending upon what you want done and their experience. For most investigations it is difficult to know exactly how much it will cost, so don’t be surprised to be given an estimated range. Without a crystal ball you usually don’t know what is going to be required to accomplish the objectives of a given investigation. I try to break down an investigation into phases, and reach an understanding with the client on how what you will try to do in the first phase and how much it will cost. Don’t be surprised if a retainer is required. Just remember you usually get what you pay for.

Promises or Guarantees?

Be suspicious of a private investigator that guarantees results. If they make promises they probably can’t keep, look for someone else. As in anything else, if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Do they understand?

Do they understand what you want them to do?

Give the private investigator a brief description of what you want to have done. Make note of whether they actually listen to you, or are they more focused on the money. Once you have explained your situation, the best private investigator will offer different options based on your goals.

From here they should work with you in finding the most cost effective solution.

If after the meeting with your first candidate and you don’t feel comfortable with them set up a meeting with your second choice and so on. If the out come of your case is very important and has serious consequences don’t jump to quick decision. There is usually only one opportunity to do an investigation and it needs to be done right, Merilyn Brown.

By doing your research and asking the right questions, you should find the best investigator for your particular situation. Even if you have to pay a higher rate for the right person, remember, you usually get what you pay for.