| Much has been written about how to detect signs | | | | entirely dependent on the subject of the |
| of a cheating spouse, and even more on how to | | | | investigation and a number other variables. |
| catch a cheating spouse. However, in many cases, | | | | 3. Ongoing communication |
| the only way to get the answers you need is to | | | | One of the most important aspects of any |
| hire a private investigator. | | | | investigation is the dialogue between investigator |
| The very thought can be intimidating to many | | | | and client. The client almost always possesses |
| people, especially when one doesn't know what to | | | | critical information that the investigator can use to |
| expect. | | | | bring the case to a rapid close. Whether it's a |
| If you've never worked with a private | | | | business fraud investigation, or a cheating partner |
| investigator before, and all you know is what | | | | case, or anything in between, the client can act as |
| you've seen on TV or in the movies, you'll | | | | a second investigator by reporting observations |
| probably be surprised to learn that we don't work | | | | to the PI. Likewise, feedback from the PI to the |
| in dark offices, we don't wear trenchcoats, and | | | | client can often trigger a breakthrough. |
| we don't call women "dames." In fact, we're just | | | | An experienced investigator will be able to advise |
| normal business people, with experience as | | | | the client on how to communicate privately and |
| former police officers or investigators and the | | | | securely with the PI without compromising the |
| reason we are able to make a living in the field is | | | | investigation. |
| because we know how to get information in a | | | | 4. A complete and thorough investigation report |
| more efficient and effective way than most | | | | Professional PI's will almost always provide the |
| people. | | | | client with a detailed investigation report that the |
| Hiring a private investigator is simple enough. But | | | | client can use as needed. Reports will often include |
| knowing what to expect for the fee is just as | | | | video, still photos and other evidence gathered in |
| important as knowing what you want the | | | | the course of the investigation. |
| investigator to find out. Here are the top five | | | | Most reports will include an explanation of who, |
| things every client should expect from a private | | | | what, when, where and how. The question of |
| investigator: | | | | "why" is not always something an investigator can |
| 1. A firm contract | | | | answer. |
| A professional investigator will execute a contract | | | | 5. Advice on next steps |
| between the two of you. And the contract will | | | | Often, clients take the investigator's information |
| spell out exactly what to expect from the private | | | | and confront their cheating spouse with photos or |
| investigator, and an explanation of what the | | | | other evidence. This is almost always a mistake |
| investigators services will cost. Because an | | | | because the spouse can construct an explanation |
| investigation is a form of service, rather than a | | | | around the evidence. Investigators with |
| tangible product, it's often difficult to quantify the | | | | experience know that you never lay all the cards |
| exact nature of the services that will be delivered. | | | | on the table when confronting someone who may |
| But a good investigator can give you a rough idea. | | | | be inclined to lie. |
| 2. An estimated time table | | | | Investigators can and should offer guidance to |
| One of the toughest things to predict in the PI | | | | their client on how best to use the information |
| business is how long an investigation will take. | | | | gathered - not legal advice - but advice on what |
| Often, a client may have a better idea than the | | | | to do next. Often, the advice is limited to "hire a |
| private investigator. However, a good investigator | | | | lawyer," or "call the police." But the investigator's |
| will be able to ask the right questions in order to | | | | experience usually allows him or her to provide |
| make a rough prediction about when to expect | | | | insights to the client on how best to proceed. |
| results. In most cases, the timetable is almost | | | | |