Choosing a Private Investigator
Posted by Guard Security Agency on Saturday, February 18, 2012
When you are looking to hire a private investigator services, there are several factors which you may want to look into before signing a contract.
- Confidentiality: It goes without saying that your privacy should be the top concern if you are a paying client. From the initial consultation to the investigative work, it is important to do research beforehand to ensure your private investigator will keep all aspects of the case confidential.
- Competitive Rates: You will want to look around to compare and contrast the rates of several agencies. Keep in mind that the lowest price does not necessarily mean the best service - this is a field where you do get what you pay for. If you choose a lower tier agency, there is a good possibility that they will not give you an accurate quote and continue to bill for several hours of work without results. Even worse, they may get caught while providing their services, something that you do not want.
- Qualifications: What is the background of the person/company you hire? If you want top quality work, ensure that the investigators you hire are licensed. Many PI's do their work part-time, and are not properly qualified. This could result in mediocre results for a steep price. If you are looking for superior services, you will need an investigator that has superior qualifications.
- Special Services: Some detective agencies consider themselves a do-it-all outfit, while others focus on specific cases. While the former may be useful, it's generally a better idea to hire someone who specializes in a certain type of investigative work. These types of cases may include, but are not limited to, infidelity and cheating spouses, child custody, background checks, intellectual property theft and surveillance.
- Responsiveness: Not only do you want top notch results, but if you are paying a premium you will also want top quality service. The investigator you choose should respond quickly to e-mails and phone calls, work with the clients individual needs, and provide the best possible service instead of focusing on how much money they will get from the client. A great private investigator knows that the reputation of their company is build on client satisfaction. Client testimonials are a good means for determining the quality of service provided by the investigator agency.
- Location: While you may want to choose a detective that is across the country based on their reputation, you will surely pay an exorbitant amount due to the travel time required. Your best bet is to do the research beforehand to find a quality private investigator that is within a 120 mile radius of your location.
- Confidentiality: It goes without saying that your privacy should be the top concern if you are a paying client. From the initial consultation to the investigative work, it is important to do research beforehand to ensure your private investigator will keep all aspects of the case confidential.
- Competitive Rates: You will want to look around to compare and contrast the rates of several agencies. Keep in mind that the lowest price does not necessarily mean the best service - this is a field where you do get what you pay for. If you choose a lower tier agency, there is a good possibility that they will not give you an accurate quote and continue to bill for several hours of work without results. Even worse, they may get caught while providing their services, something that you do not want.
- Qualifications: What is the background of the person/company you hire? If you want top quality work, ensure that the investigators you hire are licensed. Many PI's do their work part-time, and are not properly qualified. This could result in mediocre results for a steep price. If you are looking for superior services, you will need an investigator that has superior qualifications.
- Special Services: Some detective agencies consider themselves a do-it-all outfit, while others focus on specific cases. While the former may be useful, it's generally a better idea to hire someone who specializes in a certain type of investigative work. These types of cases may include, but are not limited to, infidelity and cheating spouses, child custody, background checks, intellectual property theft and surveillance.
- Responsiveness: Not only do you want top notch results, but if you are paying a premium you will also want top quality service. The investigator you choose should respond quickly to e-mails and phone calls, work with the clients individual needs, and provide the best possible service instead of focusing on how much money they will get from the client. A great private investigator knows that the reputation of their company is build on client satisfaction. Client testimonials are a good means for determining the quality of service provided by the investigator agency.
- Location: While you may want to choose a detective that is across the country based on their reputation, you will surely pay an exorbitant amount due to the travel time required. Your best bet is to do the research beforehand to find a quality private investigator that is within a 120 mile radius of your location.
Private Investigator Services
Investigative Agency Specialties
- Spouse Infidelity: Are you worried that your spouse is lying to you? Has your husband or wife become distant and guarded? If you have suspicions that your significant other is cheating on you behind your back, it may be necessary to hire an investigator to give you the evidence that you need to bring you the truth. Often a client's gut feeling is what prompts them to acquire the services of a private investigator, as they are unable to obtain the proof themselves. It's important to try and keep level emotions during the process of investigation, because any tips that you are suspicious may make the investigation more difficult and increase the price of the services.
- Alimony and Co-habitation: Alimony investigations may help to save you thousands of cedis, due to co-habitation with a new significant other. Alimony payments must be made after divorce, but if it can be proved that the circumstances have changed due to co-habitation, alimony payments may be greatly lessened. Co-habitation cases may need extensive work for proof, but when factoring in the potential long-term savings, it is an investment that is well worth looking into.
- Child Custody: The court appointed primary custodian is not always the best suited parent for child custody. Whether they are participating in illegal activities, dating a person with a criminal record, dropping off their kids to a babysitter to go out, or showing a general disregard to the care of the child, a private investigator can help provide the evidence you need to prove your case in court. Because these types of investigations require proof of a series wrong-doings or misbehavior, they may be more in depth or involved then other cases.
- Fraudulent Insurance Claims: If you think that a worker or employee is reporting a fake injury to collect compensation, you may want to commence an investigation for proof.
- Alimony and Co-habitation: Alimony investigations may help to save you thousands of cedis, due to co-habitation with a new significant other. Alimony payments must be made after divorce, but if it can be proved that the circumstances have changed due to co-habitation, alimony payments may be greatly lessened. Co-habitation cases may need extensive work for proof, but when factoring in the potential long-term savings, it is an investment that is well worth looking into.
- Child Custody: The court appointed primary custodian is not always the best suited parent for child custody. Whether they are participating in illegal activities, dating a person with a criminal record, dropping off their kids to a babysitter to go out, or showing a general disregard to the care of the child, a private investigator can help provide the evidence you need to prove your case in court. Because these types of investigations require proof of a series wrong-doings or misbehavior, they may be more in depth or involved then other cases.
- Fraudulent Insurance Claims: If you think that a worker or employee is reporting a fake injury to collect compensation, you may want to commence an investigation for proof.