Private investigators can be used for a wide variety of services. Private individuals might hire a PI to track down a person, locate assets, or find out information about a loved one. Attorneys often hire private investigators to help them conduct supplementary research that can be used in court. Even insurance companies utilize private investigators to aid in fraud investigations. No matter what the situation, someone hiring a private investigator wants to be sure that they’re choosing one of quality. We’ve compiled a list of tips to help you find a quality private investigator that is both reputable and equipped to do the job right.

Character Traits To Look For

Upon meeting a private investigator for the first time, consider what your overall impression of them is. Are they more concerned with money and payments than your needs? 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 your need for discretion. 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 target of investigation discovers the PI and confronts them. A professional private investigator would never disclose his/her client’s name. A good PI cares about protecting the client, so if surveillance fails, the client won’t suffer 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. However, when you work with a quality private investigator, they will know in which situations it is appropriate to disclose their surveillance.

How Have They Been Trained?

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.

Can They Testify In Court?

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 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."

Do They Understand Human Nature?

Understanding what drives people to act in certain ways is incredibly helpful for a profession in private investigation. A private investigator must know how to anticipate people’s actions, how to question them, and how to strategize based on what they learn. While years of experience in studying people may not compensate for a private investigator skilled with technology, a good “people sense” will ultimately make a private investigator more effective in gathering and relaying information.

Tips to Prepare for an Initial Meeting With a Private Investigator

Many people wonder what they should bring to an initial meeting with a private investigator. In short, it’s best to bring all relevant documents and information, and be prepared to summarize your basic needs. For instance, say "Brian" wants to have a surveillance conducted on his wife,  "Emma." For his consultation, Brian should provide an accurate description of his wife (bring a picture) and her car, as well as any significant addresses, such as her office, local hangouts, friends' houses, etc. It will be incredibly helpful if you can provide a 24-hour scenario detailing what her typical day-to-day life is like.

Don't worry too much about acquiring all the details, as this is just the first step toward hiring someone. Ultimately, you're just gathering information about service, fees and the investigator. The investigator will walk you through the process as well as what he or she needs to do the job correctly.

The initial consultation shouldn't involve any costs, which will allow you to make the most informed decision, rather than choosing a subpar PI to avoid spending money on another consultation fee.. Be sure to give yourself time to evaluate your needs with the new information you have gathered from a consultation. If you decide to use a particular agency, be sure to schedule a follow-up meeting to initiate the process. You can then provide additional information at that time.

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

While many of us want to see the good in people, the world does have its 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.