When looking for Private Investigator Services, most of the time people ask someone they trust for a referral; this person could be a friend, attorney , or professional associate. People can check one of the Professional investigator Associations that monitor licensing status, customer feedback, and overall performance.
It will be in your best interest to hire an investigator in your local area so that travel and lodging expenses can be mitigated. You can also find them on Private Investigator Directory; there are so many local PI directories on internet, where you can find local Private Investigator Agency very easily.
Before choosing any Private Investigator Agency, verify the investigator’s license status. The requirements to obtain such a license are usually quite rigorous and demand that the licensee has no criminal record.
Remember, it is illegal for a person in any state to act as a private investigator without a license and it's also illegal for a consumer to engage the services of an unlicensed person to provide investigative services. If the person refuses to give you their license number, I recommend stopping all dialogue immediately, reporting your findings to the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services, and starting your search over.
State licensing does not require insurance to be licensed unless armed; most investigators will carry insurance sufficient to cover all aspects of their business.
Start by looking for online references to the investigator. You can often learn a lot from a simple Google search that may yield information about past cases, successes, blunders, and areas of expertise.
Many investigators specialize in a particular area of investigation yet lack comprehensive knowledge or training to hand all investigations. Ask about special certificates or training that the investigator has achieved or been awarded. Conduct a good interview with the investigator to include asking them about specific experience handling cases similar to yours.
Check with your local Better Business and the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services consumer portal to make sure there aren't consumer complaints against the investigator or his agency.
Once you’re decided on an investigator, be prepared to post a retainer and engage in a written contract. The professional investigative services range between $70-$150 hour depending on the level of expertise required, risk, and responsibilities. It's always a good idea to ask for a cost estimate prior to engaging services.