There are a number of reasons you could be considering a private investigator, and usually it’s an issue that requires sensitivity and confidentiality. If you’ve found yourself in a PI’s office, you want to know that you’re prepared for the entire process. Here are the top six questions that you should ask your private investigator during your first interaction.
Are you licensed, insured and what’s your background?
Many private investigators began their careers as police officers, just like much of our team. However, some have been trained by an agency or self taught, and it’s important to know what their training entailed so that you’re comfortable with the skill level of the team and the results you will receive. The right training will ensure that your private investigator uses the most effective technology and understands the scope of your request. This will ensure that you receive the outcome you so desire. You should also ask to see a PI license. In Massachusetts, you can contact the State Police Certification Unit to ensure the license is active.
What are the types of cases you usually handle?
An excellent follow-up question is, have you ever handled a case like mine? While we can’t divulge specifics on past clients, the investigator should be able to make you feel comfortable that they have successfully handled multiple cases like yours in the past. You can also ask for work samples, which will have the client names and identifying details redacted, but will give you a good idea of what you can expect as a level of service.
Can you provide a list of references?
To take the previous question one step further, you can request a list of references from the investigator. This will include past client testimonials on the investigator’s due diligence, professionalism, and results. This is a great way to establish confidence in the PI’s track record.
Who will be handling my case?
In an office where there are multiple investigators, you want to know who exactly is handling your case. Sometimes there will be a couple of people working on the case, so it’s important to know the training and skill level of all involved, as well as who will be your primary point of contact. You will personally meet the investigators that will be assigned to your case.
What is your process, and do you use any “grey area” methods?
Every private investigator has their own skill set, and with that comes a slightly different process. This includes the tools they use, the reporting and documentation they’ll provide to you, and the level of communication you can expect as a client. You want to pay particular attention to how the PI intends on obtaining the information needed in your particular case. Since illegally-obtained information can drastically hurt your case’s credibility, you want to be assured that every step of the process will be above board.
What do you need from me?
The PI will go through all of the details of your case and what you’re looking to accomplish, and will generally ask a series of questions to understand the scope of the investigation. In addition to all pertinent information and documents related to the case, there are many cases where the client has hired a lawyer. If this is the case, we will want to speak with the attorney directly, to ensure we are obtaining the necessary information. We will also want to provide the attorney with the information directly to protect the chain of evidence.
If you’re ready to begin your investigation, give our office a call: 978-452-4388. Our team will answer these key questions – along with any others you may have – to ensure we can successfully solve your case.
