As we step into the new year, you may be requiring the services of a private investigator. However, there are a few things that you need to look at before you enter into a contract with them. We’ve compiled a list of 5 things to look for in a Private Investigator, to ensure that you can hire them with a greater level of confidence.
1. Licenced and Trained
In order to operate as a private investigator, you need to have the correct licencing and training. And, although the licences and requirements do differ in each state, it’s important to ask them before you hire, as some agents operate without a licence. Your private investigator needs to have passed their police checks, undertaken the correct studies and courses and are certified to be doing what they do. Before you hire your private investigator, you should always ask to see their licence, to ensure that you aren’t liable for any potential risks.
2. Experienced in the Task at Hand
If you’re looking to hire a private investigator, it’s important that you not only find one who has experience, but one that has experience in the specific field required. For example, if you or your business/law firm requires to skip tracing, but the investigator has never performed such a task, you may have to look elsewhere. Before hiring, we recommend that you ask your investigator about their experiences in this particular field or matter, and even about the results they’ve received. This will give you a better understanding of whether or not they’re the team for you.
3. Contactability
Each investigator will have a preferred method of communication and contact, and depending on the task at hand, this method of contact may vary. The reason being that if you’re requiring surveillance to be done on a partner, you may not want emails going to a shared account. Asking for a preferred method of contact will alleviate frustration as different agents will use different methods. Depending on the specific line of work required, your investigator’s level of contact may vary, so it’s important to be patient as they work to obtain results.
4. Transparency
Your investigator needs to be open and honest about every aspect of the process, even if the desired results aren’t obtained. Regardless of whether more time is required, more information is needed or if they simply can’t fulfill the task, you as the client need to be made aware in the appropriate timing and manner.
5. Fair Pricing
Before engaging with your Private Investigator, commit to a price in writing. This includes any potential extra costs and charges after a job is complete. If there are potential additional payments that may have to occur, this should be made clear to you before the investigation commences, not amidst it. We charge as per the court scale of costs and are always upfront with what it will cost you.
Before you hire your private investigator, it’s important to have a conversation and ask the important questions. Call us on 1300 849 007, and let’s have a conversation and initial consultation to see how we can help you… or check out this page.