Benefits of working with

1) Request An In-person Meeting

When feasible, meeting your private investigator in person might help you decide if this person is a good fit for you and your case. Do they speak professionally? Do they listen when you speak? Can you trust them? A face-to-face meeting shows they want to make a connection with you and take time with you. In some cases, a virtual meeting may be your only option, when you live far away or safety is a concern. 

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2) Ask To See Their Private Investigator License

Private investigation firms are required to be licensed in the state they work in. Licensing by the state ensures the work they perform is legal and will be admissible in court. Most states have minimum requirements for experience, education, training, will check criminal records and require continuing education annually. Your PI should be able to show credentials and their status should be displayed on the state board website.

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3) No Contract, No Deal

Unfortunately, we live in a world where you can’t trust that companies will do what they say they will do. A contract is a written document detailing exactly what will be required by you as the client and what you can expect from the firm. This form will be notarized by you, and you will receive a copy for your records. If your PI says they are going to do something, make sure you get it in writing.

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4) Ask For A COI (Certificate Of Insurance)

Insurance in not only a valuable tool for the PI Firm but for you as well. If something goes wrong during the investigation such as a car accident while following a subject or a violation of rights during surveillance, a good insurance policy will help deflate the damages of a lawsuit. Receiving a COI directly from the firm’s insurance company will ensure the policy is current and coverage amounts are sufficient for any mishaps.

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5) Ask About Qualifications and Experience

You want to make sure your PI is qualified and has the experience to do the job you are paying them to do. They should be able to tell you about their education, training, certifications, job history and experience doing tasks that will make them excel while working on your case. Many PIs have prior law enforcement experience or military experience that give them a solid foundation for surveillance and working on criminal cases.

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6) They Should Belong To Professional Trade Organizations

Professional Trade Organizations are not required by state boards to receive a PI license but membership to these organizations shows the Private Investigator has a passion for his trade and is willing to go the extra mile to excel at their profession. Most offer training workshops, continuing education classes and access to industry leaders that can provide training and advice on cases. These memberships often weed out PI scammers.

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7) Get References

​The nature of private investigations is that the work is done discreetly, so don’t be surprised if you don’t find much online about the company you’re considering hiring. However, don’t hesitate to ask the firm for references from previous clients.

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8) Avoid Deals That Are Too Good To Be True

Shopping around for the lowest price can be dangerous. The low price investigators may be struggling to get business and low prices mean they can’t afford premium vendor services and the latest technology to work on your case. Premium prices express that the firm has earned a good reputation and provides premium service.

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9) Ask That Your Confidentiality Be In Writing

Confidentiality is key in sensitive cases such as yours. Don’t take the investigators word that he won’t say anything. Get it in writing in your Investigative Services Agreement Contract. This contract specifically holds the firm accountable if details are released without your consent.​

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10) Avoid National Firms

National firms are often based in one state and they advertise and hire a certain number of investigators to represent them in the remaining states. The pure size of this type of operation often leads to a lower quality product and many small details being missed. The price may be initially cheaper but the client often suffers when pieces of the puzzle go missing. Take the safer route, shop local and go with the smaller intimate companies that provide higher quality service.