Private investigators can be very useful for attorneys. They have the ability to conduct the surveillance and research that attorneys do not have time for. They also have the experience and expertise to provide unique insights into any people, assets, or companies under investigation. PI’s can conduct interviews and research that will often reveal new information that can be very valuable to attorneys. If you’re an attorney looking to hire a private investigator, we’ve compiled a list of tips to help you hire the right person for the job.

1. Verify Their License

A majority of states require that any person working as an investigator must be licensed. So, any prospective investigator you interview must be able to provide you with a copy of his or her license without any hesitation.  Consider this: you wouldn't hire an unlicensed realtor, doctor, or contractor, right? Many individuals give unlicensed investigators too much leeway, assuming that since investigators are often required to work in the shadows, their businesses dealings will run in the same vein.

Overall, you want to seek out a private investigator who has an established business presence and an up-to-date license to practice, which confirms that he or she has met their state's particular standards for licensing. All of our private investigators have experience with either the military or through the state police and are up to date on all licensing.

2. Check Up on Their Insurance

The private investigator you hire is working on your behalf as an agent. For this reason, if he or she damages someone's property, suffers in an accident, presents false information, it's crucial that they have insurance to cover any losses. Without the proper insurance coverage, the liability then falls to you, the client. 

You don't want to be exposed as a client, which is often something to avoid in many private investigation cases. It's best to use common sense and confirm insurance coverage before hiring a private investigator. Producing proof of insurance coverage should be just as easy for your private investigator as providing a copy of their license.

3. Inquire About Their Ability to Testify

Investigators who have a background in law enforcement will understand the system and how to work within it. An investigator must be able to produce evidence or other legal materials that will hold up in court. Additionally, an investigator must be prepared to testify in support of the evidence. Make sure the investigator you choose has a strong background in the law. Ask if he or she is prepared to come to court if the situation requires it. If you have the time, ask the investigator if he or she has ever testified in a similar case.

Remember, if your situation ends up in the court system, your case will be that much stronger if your private investigator is skilled at testifying and presenting the information he’s uncovered.

To be considered an expert and eligible to testify, a private investigator will be asked a series of qualifying questions by the judge that may focus on his background, education, experience and anything else that may determine if he's an "expert."

4. Ask About Their Training

When finding a private investigator, it’s important to look into their background and training. Do they have a history in law enforcement? Have they been properly trained by an agency? Or are they simply a hobbyist who’s read a lot of detective novels?

When you find an independent contractor, it’s important to ask for references. You’ll want to look into their skills to make sure they are up to the task. In addition to learning about their training and previous jobs, you should inquire about previous cases to find out if your case is within their area of expertise.

When you use an agency to hire a private investigator, this inquiry work is done for you. It’s important to look into the agency to make sure they are reputable. However, if the agency is reputable, they will hire experienced, knowledgeable private investigators. Additionally, a quality agency will provide training to ensure that their PI’s are knowledgeable in the latest technology and surveillance techniques and have the right tools and skills to do the job.

5. Assess Their Character

Upon meeting a private investigator for the first time, consider what your overall impression of them is. Are they overly concerned with money and payments (remember, your needs come first)? Do you get the sense that you can trust him/her? What are their thoughts on confidentiality? Has this person shown an ethical nature?

Though private investigators are not legally held to an attorney-client or doctor-patient level of confidentiality, a good private investigator will honor this. He or she should never surrender an informant or information, and will keep private everything shared between the two of you.

Some people express valid concerns that their identities may be revealed if a private investigator is confronted by the person being investigated. A professional private investigator would never disclose his/her client’s name. This is meant to protect the client, so if surveillance fail, they won’t have suffered any repercussions as a result of the investigation.

There are some instances, however, when a private investigator may want to inform a subject that he or she is being investigated, like in a case of pre-employment screening. This technique discourages applicants who have something in their backgrounds that would disqualify them.

6. Understand the Required Payment

A majority of PI's have an hourly rate. In many cases, mileage fees and other expenses will also be included in the invoice, plus most investigators or investigative agencies will require a retainer when dealing with an individual. Simply, be sure to discuss billing specifics when you speak with a prospective investigator. 

Also, it stands true that you get what you pay for. While pricing is important, it's important not to let pricing be the determining factor in hiring a professional investigator. Unlicensed, inexperienced, or unprofessional investigators often offer discounted or "bargain" priced work, but it can destroy your investigation. As  before, hiring investigators who operate illegally will only jeopardize your case and expose you to civil liability and criminal prosecution.

United Security Incorporated | Private Investigators in CT, NY, MA, NJ and PA

While many of us want to see the good in people, the world does have it's fair share of dishonest and fraudulent people. We recognize that there are situations that call for professional guidance and assistance when individuals and companies are concerned about the truth.

Whether our private investigators are working to help an attorney gather evidence, investigate investment scams or follow a suspected unfaithful spouse, our clients rely on us to minimize the risk and gather clear objective evidence. In today's world, it's definitely better to be safe than sorry, and get the facts.