Screen Your PI

There are there a few basic steps you should use to “qualify” the hiring of a private investigator.in essence you need to do a little investigating of your own. Basic backgrounds are helpful, such as verifying the state investigator’s license, in the states where it is required. Insure it is valid and many states allow you to review any discipline actions taken against an agency. Bear in mind, a disciple action in of itself does not mean the agency is bad. What was the violation? Was it an administrative oversight? How long ago were the violations reported? Was corrective action taken?
Check to ensure the investigation agency insured and for want amount. Is the amount minimal required in that state?
Generally, insurance companies or worker comp funds require at least 2 million dollars in errors and omissions and liability. This helps insulate the client from frivolous litigation and minimize serious financial hits if things go very bad.
There are state private investigation associations in almost all states. Ascertain if the agency you would like to hire is a member and if so, in good standing. If you want take the “extra” step and call the local chapter to possibly find another private investigator who knows the one you are considering hiring. Along the same lines, ask the investigator you would like to hire for references. Make the call and ask about how ethical and professional the investigator acted and would he hire him again.
Finally, discuss the rates and expenses the agency will charge. Mileage, how much per mile? Tolls? Over night stays in a hotel if needed. Will your assignment require the rental of tech equipment? Will these be put forth in a contract?
Another informal aspect is the ease of contacting your investigator and how responsive he or she is to returning your telephone calls.
All of these mini standards will assist you, but not guarantee, satisfactory results or efforts. As I said before, similar issues are confronting you when you are seeking services from a lot of other professions such as doctors and lawyers.
www.globalpinetwork.com does some of these checks on the clients behalf, but ultimately, the choose squarely falls on you, the client to make a selection.