How To Choose A Private Investigator

Jan. 8, 2013 - PRLog -- When you have determined that you need assistance with a criminal or civil investigation, litigation support services, or you need assistance locating a missing person, a professional licensed investigator is the way to go. But how do you decide which one? A quick internet or phone book search will reveal dozens of private investigators and private investigation agencies. It is crucial that you find one that produces quality work at a fair price and who will be there for you if your case goes to trial months or even years later.

The majority of professional investigation agencies have invested in good quality websites that will provide a wide range of information about their services. You should use your favorite internet search engine to search for a private investigator or private investigation agency in your area. Then take a look through the results that you have found, and ask yourself the following questions:

·         Is the website professionally designed and free of spelling, grammar and punctuation errors?

·         Does the website give you information about the investigators' experience, training, and capabilities?

·         Is the company locally owned and operated, or is it a national company?

·         Does the investigator or agency have a local office location?

·         Does the investigator or agency make unrealistic promises?

·         Are its owners involved with professional associations and investigative industry groups?

·         Do the owners have specialized training, education or experience?

·         Do any of the agency's investigators teach classes or write articles?

·         Is the investigator or agency considered to be an expert by their peers and the community?

Next, find out if the investigator or agency offers a free initial consultation. Ask yourself whether the person that you speak with during the consultation is compassionate, professional and knowledgeable. Most likely, your impression from their website will be consistent with your impression from the telephone conversation that you have with them. Then schedule an appointment to meet with them at their office.

When you arrive for your meeting, look for indications that the agency is well-established, professional and reputable. A clean, well-maintained office is a sign that the owner is willing to invest in the company and is financially stable. Ensure that the investigator or agency is licensed and insured. Also, memberships in professional organizations and civic groups are good indications of their commitment to quality business practices and professional development.

Finally, you should assess the investigator or agency representative that you meet, as you would any business professional:

·         Do they dress, speak and conduct themselves in a businesslike manner?

·         Do they treat you with courtesy and respect?

·         Are they interested in helping you, or just in how much money they can make?

·         Do they answer questions that you ask honestly and completely?

·         Do they promise you too much or are they careful to give you realistic expectations?

·         Are they organized, efficient, on time and attentive?

·         What about them impresses you or concerns you?

Remember that you are the customer; you are interviewing the investigator to determine if you want to hire him or her to handle an important matter. Once you’ve made your decision, the investigator or agency should provide you with a written contract, answer any questions you have about it and work with you to decide on an investigative strategy that fits within your budget. Once you’ve made your decision and have an investigator on the case, trust your decision and let the investigator handle matters from that point forward, with proper direction and oversight from the designated case attorney.

Thomas Haverty is the Director of Investigations for Strategic Investigative Services in Fresno, CA. Mr. Haverty has been previously recognized for his dedication and service by the California State Senate, the US Department of Justice Federal Bureau of Investigation, and various civic organizations. Mr. Haverty is also the South Valley District Director for the Professional Investigators of California, Inc. (PICA).

For more information, visit http://www.BestFresnoInvestigators.com.