A professional investigator can sometimes make the difference between winning or losing a case. Due to the fact that quality investigators can be a rare find, you may notice yourself searching far and wide for a reputable investigative services company. Your case is important and so should be the decision of the private investigator you choose to assist in that case. Read this blog further to learn more about what attorneys should consider before hiring a private investigator.

How Do I Find the Right Private Investigator?

Your best source of information will often be your colleagues. Speak with other attorneys, especially those with the same legal specialization. They will be able to point you in the right direction to a reputable private investigator with which they may have had a positive experience with. Furthermore, you can find a local private investigator by searching online for individual private investigators or those who work with a security company.

Does The PI Work with A Security Company?

Why is it helpful that the private investigator you hire works with a security company? Reputable security companies ensure and are required to hire investigators who are educated and have had training in the field. Their employees will have to undergo the needed training and will be required to obtain the proper licenses depending on their level of expertise. You will find most investigators who are employed by security companies have had extensive of law enforcement or legal experience prior to become a private investigator.

Is The Private Investigator Licensed?

Simply put, private investigators should be licensed. In fact, Private investigators are required to be licensed in most states except Mississippi, South Dakota, Wyoming and Alaska (Source). If you are an attorney not located in the states above, then it is essential you only hire a licensed private investigator.

What Is Their Level of Experience?

When talking to a potential private investigator for hire, ask about their area of expertise. How long have they been in the field and what type of jobs have they done? Their type of work and experience is important to see if they are the right fit for your needs. Without proper assurance, it’s typically a red flag for a Private Investigator to have done “everything”. Therefore, it’s important to not only analyze their experience but also what their specialty is.

Are They Well Referred by Others?

It’s one thing to be referred by other attorneys who were pleased by the work provided. However, private investigators may or may not be able to provide you with references or testimonials as they sometimes handle sensitive or delicate situations. Clients have a right to their confidentiality and may not want to provide a reference or testimonial. Therefore, the most common source for referrals would be from other attorneys or from analyzing the amount of experience the investigator has. Additionally, you can talk with the security company they work for to see if they are a right fit for your case or not.

What Is the Initial Consultation and Contract Process?

Before hiring a private investigator or a security company for that matter, be sure they offer an initial consultation that is organized and lays out the intended process. This will ensure you can get to know one another, what type of work you are needing to be done and what they will do to help your case. As you get to know one another, you’ll be able to assess if the private investigator will be a good fit for your case, will keep you updated throughout the process and will adhere to what was laid out in the contract. 

Your private investigator should have a written contract for your protection as well as for his/hers. It should clearly and concisely outline exactly what the investigator will do and how much the services will cost. For this reason, make sure the investigator understands exactly what you want to achieve and what needs to be accomplished. Of course, always get a copy of the contract.

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

USI’s Investigations and Consulting Services is built on discretion, integrity and professionalism to ensure that every case, large or small, is handled accurately and timely. We provide cost-effective, efficient investigative services for a diverse range of clients including law firms, corporations, insurance companies, small businesses, government entities and individuals.

USI’s Investigations Division provides comprehensive investigative services including:

• Attorney’s Services
• Criminal/Civil Investigations
• Background Checks
• Executive Protection
• Fraud and Theft Investigation
• Physical Security Assessments
• Threat Assessments
• Undercover Operations