Looking for an old friend?  Want to know if your spouse is 
cheating?  Need to check out a potential tenant or employee?

A good private investigator (PI) can help you obtain these 
answers.  And as with any expert you hire—a doctor, a lawyer, 
an insurance broker—it benefits you to take the time to ensure 
you’re hiring a professional who has experience, quality 
reputation, and good-business ethics.  Below is a checklist 
that will help you find just such a private investigator:

1.  Ask friends, business associates, your lawyer for a 
    referral.  Word of mouth gives you the inside scoop, 
    and the opportunity to ask questions specific to your 
    needs.

2.  Check your state’s private investigator associations, most 
    of which have web sites that post their membership directory.

3.  If you can’t find a private investigation association for 
    your state, there are multiple national PI organizations 
    that refer investigators, such as The National Association 
    of Investigative Specialists 
    (http://www.pimall.com/nais/dir.menu.html).  Also, check 
    your state’s legal organizations—for example, affiliates 
    of the American Trial Lawyer’s Association or the state 
    defense bar—which typically have a directory of recommended 
    investigators.

4.  Insurance companies use PIs constantly.  Especially if your 
    needs fall into surveillance and background checks, an 
    excellent resource is your own homeowners insurance company. 
    Ask to speak to a claims representative.  With a few 
    inquiries, you should be able to pinpoint which investigators 
    your insurance company uses, which is a good referral.

5.  Check Internet and Yellow Pages for private investigator 
    listings, but remember these are paid-for ads.  Ask for 
    references; check if the PI is licensed (most states require 
    a PI to be licensed, a few don’t); if you’re going before a 
    judge and jury, ask if the PI has courtroom experience.  
    NOTE: An untrained investigator may not know the laws and 
    end up doing something illegal during an investigation—which 
    causes you problems.

6.  Before you speak to an investigator, decide what’s in your 
    budget.

7.  When you speak to an investigator, ask if he/she has done 
    the type of work you’re seeking.  More important, ask them 
    the outcome of that type of investigation.

8.  Ask to see examples of reports they’ve produced for similar 
    cases.

9.  Gauge your comfort level while speaking to the investigator. 
    Good communication will be critical after the investigation 
    begins.  Also, be open minded—your investigator may have new 
    ideas that are worthy of exploration.

10. Expect to pay a retainer up front.  Just because a PI 
    doesn’t ask for one (or even a reasonable hourly rate), 
    doesn’t mean he/she is better at what they do.  You want 
    to hire someone who’s competent, not hard up for work.

Remember, a good private investigator can be your best resource!
 

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