Top 5 tips on hiring private detectives

 5 Tips when hiring a private detective

Is the detective experienced?

Ask the detective how much professional training and experience they have and how they came to be a private detective. Many detectives, likes those at Magnum Detectives, are ex- law enforcement or military and bring with them skills from their previous profession.

What field of investigation do they specialise in?

You may need to hire a detective with specialist skills, for example in surveillance, tracing people or fraud.  Others may have more experience of matrimonial enquiries, personal injury and work place absence.  Think about your situation and the types of skills you will require.  Also ask if all work will be completed in house or outsourced, it’s important to know who’ll have access to your confidential information.

Is the detective vetted?

Ask your detective about their professional affiliations and memberships.  Some, although not all, private investigator bodies strictly vet members and have equally strict ethical codes.

Is the detective local?

Many detective investigation agencies appear to offer national coverage.

 Check the investigator’s website and look for a physical address and if you can, verify that address by other means, for example does the investigation company appear in other directories listing the same address.  Also ask to meet the investigator.

Does the investigator have proper insurance?

Professional indemnity insurance is part and parcel of running a  legitimate business, so ask your investigator about their cover.

Choosing the best investigator for you

Ask if the investigator you are speaking with will be handling your case personally.  This is an  important point because many investigative agencies are what’s known in the trade as ‘facilitators’.  Facilitators are companies or individuals who appear to offer investigative services across the breadth of the country.