For most people, the idea of hiring a private investigator is something we think about only in movies or TV shows.
But for those in need of an eye to uncover the truth, a private investigator, phoenix, can be a valuable resource.
Whether you’re investigating a cheating spouse, keeping tabs on your teen’s behavior, or looking into employees who may be stealing from your business, hiring a private investigator can help you find answers.
But how do you know what kind of PI to hire?
Define your goals
Before you even begin talking with potential investigators, determine what it is you want to accomplish by hiring one.
Once you have defined your goals, share them with the investigator during your initial meeting. The more specific you can be about what you hope to achieve by hiring an investigator, the better.
Does the PI have a license?
The first thing you should always find out about any potential PI is whether they have a license to operate in their state or jurisdiction.
Many states require that PIs be licensed, which means they would have had to pass the licensing examination and meet other requirements set by their state.
If they don’t have a license, you could potentially end up with someone who isn’t qualified to do the job.
This could be especially problematic if your case involves legal proceedings, such as divorce, because evidence gathered by an unlicensed PI may not be admissible in court.
Do Your Research
You need to do your research when hiring a private investigator.
You wouldn’t hire a plumber who doesn’t have any experience with plumbing, so why would you hire an investigator who has no experience?
You mustn’t just contact the first investigation company that pops up during your Google search.
Make sure they have experience in the type of case you are bringing them.
It’s also essential that they have experience with local and state laws so that they don’t end up breaking the law while investigating your case.
Terms Of Service
Ensure that you understand what the investigator will be doing for you during your case.
Will they perform surveillance? Will they interview your spouse? Will they be meeting with people at bars?
You need to know exactly how far things will go after signing on with an investigator so that there aren’t any surprises later on down the road.
Bottom Line
Keep in mind that a private investigator may work for the plaintiff or defense, depending on the type of issue.
After reading the suggestions provided above, you should understand what to look for in such a professional.
While hiring an attorney can be costly, hiring a detective can prove equally expensive.