When the need arises hiring a private investigator can be a complicated and troubling process. Justin Hodson a California Licensed Private Investigator was interviewed to educate the public on the right way to hire a private detective. Justin Hodson is Vice President and Director of Gailey Associates, Inc based in Orange County and Los Angeles, California. Mr. Hodson also serves on the Board of Directors for the California Association of Licensed Investigators.
Mr. Hodson affirms there is a list of things to check before hiring an investigator. The list is as follows:
1. Are they licensed? Most states have licensing laws that require a private investigator to be licensed. In California, the requirement is 6000 hours of investigative experience and to pass a 200 plus question test.
2. Are they insured? A company or investigator that is insured shows the compnay is practicing good business and might be more reliable than an investigator who might not be insured.
3. How long have they been in business? An investigator who is established and has been in a business for a while shows that they are doing something right. In the investigations field if you are a bad investigator, you will not last long.
4. Who do you work for? Ask the investigator for some examples of clients they have worked for in the past.
5. Have you handled a case like mine before? Often an investigator may have not worked on a case similar to your case. Ask the investigator his/hers experience with your type of case.
6. Get a time frame for completion? Investigators will procrastinate. Get a time line for completion and hold the investigator up to it.
7. Who is working on my case? Request from your investigator if he is working you case or is he going to give it to an employee or sub-contract it out to another company.
Mr. Hodson advises to do your homework before hiring an investigator. Investigators are not cheap. You can expect to pay anywhere from $65 to $200 an hour for an investigator. In most cases you will have to sign an agreement and pay a retainer before any work is done.
To speak with Justin Hodson he can be contact at Gailey Associates, Inc (714) 622-1900. Their website is http://www.InvestigatorForYou.com
