You’ve decided to consult with a private investigator, but you’re uncertain how to select the right one – someone you can trust with your valued personal information and hard-earned money, not to mention personal problems. There are several important considerations.
Honesty and integrity are paramount. You will likely provide your investigator with substantial personal information and financial records. You will pay him in advance, or at least provide a healthy retainer, and trust him to complete the assignment to your satisfaction. You will have to trust him when he tells you that a couple of more nights of surveillance are needed, and trust that he is truly working in your best interests and not taking advantage of you. You will trust that he will provide the evidence he claims to have acquired (and you have paid for), and that he will appear in court, willing and able to articulate the facts and findings of his investigation.
So how do you find this person?
My first recommendation is to get a recommendation. Your attorney may have experience with a good investigator, or perhaps a trustworthy friend knows someone who knows someone. Remember to be cautious in your search so that your spouse isn’t tipped off to your efforts. Absent recommendations, you’ll have to take your chances with the Internet or your local phone book.
Then what?
Most states have licensing requirements, which should at least weed out convicted criminals. If you are in one of these states, simply interview a few licensed and insured investigators. Ask what they believe would be the best course of action for your problem, what type of equipment they use, and what you can expect in the way of evidence. Ask about their background and experience. Then follow your instincts and select one who is intelligent, articulate, and interested in helping you with your situation.
What if you live where there are no state licensing requirements?
In Colorado, Idaho, Mississippi, Missouri, South Dakota, and Wyoming, private investigators are not licensed by the state. This means there are no government-verified criminal history checks. There is not a department or entity to gather, process, and record complaints; no standard of training, experience or education; and no requirement for investigators to have at least a basic knowledge of the law. Proceed with caution!
As stated before, interview potential investigators and ask about their background and experience. Find out how they would handle your situation, and follow your instincts and first impressions. Your investigator should be professional, open, and accessible. He is a businessman and should present himself as such.
Select an investigator who has an established business or one with prior (verifiable) law enforcement experience. Not that a young, relatively inexperienced investigator won’t do a good job – he might do an outstanding job! However, you better do your homework in unlicensed states to be certain you don’t compound your problems.
Another decision may be whether to hire a local investigator or a national firm. The national firm will likely subcontract your case to a local investigator, someone you could have hired yourself, usually at a lower rate. The positive aspect of the larger firm is that it should be diligent in screening the local investigator. A national firm will ascertain if the investigator has the proper training, equipment, and experience to handle the task; it will be careful in guarding its reputation. However, this article should assist you in handling the screening yourself.
Finally, discuss your options and goals in detail with the investigator. If you are unable to establish good, open lines of communication at this point, you need to explore other options.
