| Hiring a Private Investigator | | | | have a decade or more experience as a member |
| When hiring a private investigator company, the | | | | of a police or state security agency. A former |
| goal is generally to acquire information that is | | | | career in law enforcement promises a greater |
| unavailable through conventional channels, or that | | | | understanding of legal issues, and advanced tactics |
| is sensitive in nature. That is not to say that such | | | | of information gathering. |
| an investigator will break the law, just that they | | | | Appointments should be handled discretely by |
| will operate with the utmost discretion to ensure | | | | phone or in a secure office, with the additional |
| that your needs are met. | | | | option of data transmission by email if the client is |
| A legitimate investigator will be able to gather | | | | abroad. A good company will have agents |
| information (whether concerning private life or | | | | available to travel nearly anywhere on the globe |
| economical in nature) in a professional way | | | | to complete a mission. All projects should be |
| without compromising ethics or the privacy of the | | | | handled as individual cases, with clear separation |
| client. Since all information assembled is obtained | | | | between clients to avoid any indiscretion. |
| through legal means only, it can be used with | | | | Pricing should be on a per case basis, as each |
| confidence to promote the client's interests. | | | | project has its own particular requirements. A |
| Once such information is delivered, it can be | | | | clear plan should be presented to cover all aspects |
| handed over to lawyers or by other legal | | | | of the mission, and experts should be available for |
| representatives and used to support allegations | | | | consultation if needed. |
| (for example, when needed in a divorce or | | | | In summation: |
| wrongful termination suit), assist in handling debts, | | | | The ideal private investigator firm will guarantee |
| provide evidence in lawsuits, or satisfy burden of | | | | maximum discretion, above average competence, |
| proof in a court settlement. | | | | high quality results, excellent customer service, |
| Things to look for in a firm | | | | prompt response to any inquiry, and reasonable |
| A legitimate firm will outline the methods they | | | | prices. All clients should be treated as the number |
| intend to use to gather your information without | | | | one priority, and the latest technical advantages |
| hesitation or subterfuge. If they operate legally, | | | | should be applied to both strategic and tactical |
| there is no reason for a cloak and dagger type of | | | | maneuvers. If all of these conditions are met, the |
| attitude. The best firms employ investigators with | | | | firm has passed inspection with flying colors, and |
| a solid background of university education and a | | | | should be a good choice for any investigative |
| demonstration of practical knowledge. | | | | needs. |
| Ideally, the individual private investigator will also | | | | |