If you want to locate an old loved one or find a long-lost relative, a private investigator may be necessary. There are definite occasions when you should hire a private investigator, such as when you have lost something valuable or when you suspect your spouse is cheating on you. These are just some of the services a good detective can provide.
Finding the right and qualified private investigator to get the job done and well can take a bit of work. However, it is important to note that the nature of the profession does not remain the same across the board. A little due diligence before making a hiring decision can pay off in the long run. Be sure to review resumes, visit company websites, contact references, and verify licensing credentials before entering into any agreement or contract. To guide your decision, here are a few suggestions in making sure you hire the ideal and qualified private investigator.
The Ultimate Guide to Finding a qualified Private Investigator:
How to know if he/she is a qualified private Investigator? Make sure the certifications they offer are licensed
When you want to hire a private investigator it is important to note that most institutions or agencies in South Africa have regulations that certify applicants who desire to become a qualified private investigators. This ensures that applicants become licensed and qualified private investigators before practicings. It is essential that you hire and pay someone who is skilled at what they do and who is licensed. The following is a list of recognised institutions whereby most qualified private investigators are accredited from:
PSiRA – Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority
SAIPI – South African Institute of Professional Investigators
IIASA – The Institute of Internal Auditors South Africa
ACFE – The South African Chapter of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE SA)
Make sure to verify an investigator’s license with the relevant state licensing agency. See a physical copy of their license. Confirm that the license was issued by the appropriate state agency, check the expiration date, and verify the name. If they claim membership in any recognised private investigator association, check for feedback and get recommendations from them. Typically, associations and professional agencies are able to check reputations.
Check if they are insured
Check whether the private investigator is properly insured (e.g. liability insurance, bonding, etc.). An investigator may become injured, suffer damages, or damage someone else’s property while working. Damages can also be incurred indirectly. Check that they have the right kind of insurance for the work you want them to do, depending on their specialty and what you’re asking them to do.
Check for References
Referrals can be requested. Get direct feedback from the detective’s references about their performance, reputation, ethics, ease of doing business, results achieved, and outcome of the case.
Ask them for their Resume and Case portfolio
Ask the private investigator you are considering hiring for your job to provide you with their resume or personal case history portfolio. Examine their work history to determine whether they have relevant experience for your situation. Find out if they have experience in the military, police, law enforcement, government agencies, crime scene specialists, etc. Look for degrees in criminal justice, criminology, and forensics. In addition to special training, you should also look for continuing education credentials.
You can also ask the agency or individual you are considering to provide you with examples of their work, such as client reports, newspaper articles, and success stories. A qualified private investigator will readily be able to market his/her expertise.
Consult a close friend or family member who is a trusted person about your case with the detective
If you are talking to an assumedly qualified private investigator, it is always recommended that you have a person whom you trust like your best friend, a family member, or an elderly person whom you can seek advice from to accompany you or simply be with you. There are a lot of scammers out there and so always put your protection first and never make payments before the matter. Consulting a family or friend keeps you safe and whatever the severity of your case is, it adds support to not going through a sensitive situation alone. It is helpful to have someone you trust as a witness to keep the details of the deal and transaction on hand in case anything goes wrong.
Agree Upon a Pricing and Fees based on case situation
Understanding the cost of hiring a qualified private investigator is crucial. Before hiring a private investigator, establish your budget upfront. Make sure you know the requirements for a retainer, hourly fee, flat fee, expense reimbursement, etc. Get an idea of a fair price by asking someone who has used a qualified private detective before. Agree on the services you would like the private investigator to provide and on the results you expect. Having a clear understanding of expectations improves the chances of both parties being satisfied with the results. Additionally, signing a contract is always a wise decision.
It is also important to note that some professionals will charge a “no-hit fee” if they fail to locate the person you’re looking for. Among private investigators who have extensive experience, this is standard practice while they conduct the investigation.
Discuss the investigation’s methodology
Learn about the techniques, methods, and information sources used by a qualified private investigator. Beware of unethical or unbelievable claims. Many private investigators will not reveal their methods, but make sure to avoid doing business with those who openly suggest breaking the law.
Check out their website and social media accounts
You can find out more about the investigator through his/her social media presence. Check out their social media profiles. Take a look at their posts and see what types of topics they are discussing or commenting on. Is the information they are sharing helpful? Are they considered an expert in their field? Are they using profanity, engaging in online arguments, etc.?
The most common mistake people make is not conducting background checks, but doing so can reveal a lot about an investigator’s character. You can also check their website. Do they have one? Is the site a good one that provides accurate information? It is recommended to look at their website before making a phone call. You can find links to the website in the Private Investigators Directory. If the website doesn’t exist, or if the link to the website is broken, the company may be out of business.
Many detectives do not have an office and do not necessarily require one to do their job. By visiting their office, you can gain confidence in the legitimacy of their business and perhaps the quality of the services offered. Business with unprofessional people is not worth it. Don’t do business with someone you don’t like or have a negative gut feeling about. Doing business with a person you don’t like is never a good idea. We at Investi-Centre, gather the evidence that you need to support your case. Whatever your case may be, serious or maybe just ill gut feelings and suspicions on a certain matter. A qualified private investigator is what you need. Talk to us today or visit our website and let us see how best we can assist.