How to Hire a Private Detective
In a challenging civil or criminal case a private detective can be your best asset. A private detective is different from a police detective. A private detective is interested in protecting and helping their client. A police detective is focused on solving a crime. Follow these steps to select a private detective for your next civil or criminal case.
- Go online and do some research. Do an online search for private detectives. Narrow your search by city and state. Image is important so check their website. Does their website look professional or does it look like a very amateur website. Check the blog on the website to see what others have to say about the detective agency. Contact any of the references listed on their website. See how long they have been in business as a detective agency. Check the credentials of the detectives. It is important that a detective has experience either as a former military police officer or retired police officer.
- Ask for a referral. If you are involved in a civil matter, (i.e. divorce) ask your attorney if he can recommend a private detective. The police department may also use private detectives so you may want to contact them for a referral. Investigate the referral to insure that there are no complaints on the detective with the state attorney general's office.
- Look for an experienced agency. You need to select a private detective agency that has several years of experience. A good detective relies on many contacts in the field. It typically takes years to build a strong network of reliable contacts.
- Check their technology. Check their computers are they new or do they look old and outdated. Check to see they have the latest GPS technology, best listening devices, non invasive spy cameras and monitoring devices. Ask if they have a technician on staff. All the technology in the world doesn't help unless it is functional and they know how to use it.
- Match your personal style. It is important the detective matches your personal style. If you are always on the right side of the law make sure your detective is also on the right side of the law. If you tend to take risks to achieve results you will probably want a detective that is willing to take risks to get results.