How to Hire A Private Investigator

    ALPHARETTA, GA, April 13, 2022 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Inquest Solutions, a nationally recognized firm specializing in litigation, insurance, corporate, Federal government support and more, provides tips to hire a private investigator.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for and employment of private investigators is expected to rise by 13 percent between now and 2030, which is accelerated growth when compared to other occupations. This could be due to an increased need for thorough background checks for employment purposes, heightened security concerns as well as continued lawsuits.

In 2020, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that there were approximately 33,700 private investigators actively working in the United States. However, this figure likely doesn't account for the number of investigators working pro bono or shadowing law enforcement officers, and may also not include the number of investigators working in states that do not yet have licensing laws for private investigators. Currently, there are five states that do not require a license to practice as a private investigator, including Alaska, Idaho, Mississippi, South Dakota and Wyoming.

Additionally, many niche investigative professionals and firms have emerged in the past few years, in fields like forensic accounting, wrongful death, infidelity investigations and more. Social media has also been a catalyst for private investigators, as it can be used to engage in unsavory practices.

Why You May Hire a Private Investigator

Private investigators are often hired by corporations to obtain information, conduct background checks, determine the cause of an accident, and a variety of other services. In the corporate world, private investigators may be of service during the hiring process to learn more about an applicant's history, investigate any losses within the company, or investigate any injury claims that may have happened on company property. Private investigators (PIs) may be used in insurance claims to verify claimant claims in a wide range of contexts, to handle slip and fall workers' compensation claims and more. Law firms and government entities also utilize PIs to investigate individuals and serve them, search for any hidden assets, and place surveillance on federal or state employees.

Much like another service, it's important to do your due diligence in order to find the right people for the job. This is especially true for private investigators, as they are responsible for handling extremely sensitive information. It's important for companies to feel confident in their hire, and exercise caution before moving forward with a firm or candidate. Use some of the tips and tactics below to conduct your search and hire a reliable, experienced private investigator.

Set Up an In-Person Meeting

When hiring a private investigator in any field, it's crucial to gain a clear understanding of their qualifications to ensure the investigator you are hiring can effectively suit your needs. Prior to signing any contracts and moving forward with next steps, it's important to schedule an in-person meeting. This will allow you to assess the investigator's professionalism, discretion, and trustworthiness. The conversation should include detailed questions about their prior experience, and any specialties or unique skill sets. Be sure to come prepared with the following questions to determine whether or not you will be moving forward with hiring them.

Request Proof of License and Insurance

During your meeting, ask to see their pirate investigator license, and confirm that their license is valid in your state. Most states require a valid license to operate as a private investigator, and in order to qualify as a private investigator the individual must be at least 25 years old and have at least five years of experience serving as a police officer or investigator. They must also have a high school diploma, and have a U.S. citizenship or residency. It's also important to confirm that the private investigator is insured, as it's required in order for them to work. Doing so also protects you from being held liable in the event a private investigator is hurt or injured during the investigation. This also allows you to file a claim against the firm handling your case should there be an issue with the investigation, therefore offering you an extra layer of protection.

Confirm the Investigator Has Been Independently Vetted

You will also need to confirm that the investigator has been independently vetted, as the private investigation industry may not be regulated to the same extent across the country or across the world. Because the investigative industry is not consistently regulated, many businesses have begun to operate as facilitators in private investigative cases, meaning they agree to take the case and pass it along to an additional third party without undergoing a thorough vetting process. This can be extremely detrimental both to your case and to your information and privacy, as it limits the control you have over the case and the parties that have access to your information. To avoid this from occurring, it's recommended that clients insist upon only discussing their cases with the private investigators who will be directly working on it.

Consider a Convenient Location

While searching for an investigator, clients should also prioritize location. Hiring a local investigator offers a number of benefits, including local intel and knowledge that can help you discover the right information, and fast. Local investigators can also eliminate the need for additional travel expenses, and be more efficient overall. InQuest Solutions offers fully vetted partners in all 50 states, guaranteeing you'll find an expert near you to help deliver the results you need for your personal life or business.

Evaluate Price Range

Another factor to consider when hiring a private investigator is pricing. Costs may vary dramatically based on experience, and in most cases companies will get what they pay for — which is why it's not always wise to select investigators with the most affordable rates. With business matters on the line, it's more important to hire a professional with proven results than to save money. The most important thing to consider is their track record, their skill set and their confidence in delivering the results you need. In order to find a PI who has years of experience, specialized skills and continued results, be prepared to spend more. This will also give you peace of mind when considering the security of your sensitive information.

Ask for Prior Work Examples

An experienced private investigator should come prepared with examples of their work. This may include videos, photos, reports, and more. These documents are extremely important as they are often used in court proceedings, which is why the quality and accuracy of this work is so pivotal. Take time to analyze the example work the investigator presents, as it's typically a good indication of the efforts you would typically receive from them on a case. There is a very small margin of error when it comes to this field of work, as any false information can damage the credibility of the party who hired the private investigator. With that being said, clients should meticulously review any work samples to check for details and accuracy.

Perform Online Research

In today's digital landscape, information is readily available and plentiful. Private investigative firms should have an online presence that provides prospective clients with a snapshot of their work and services. Be sure to check websites for a full list of services, client testimonials, and other background information that could be pivotal during the discovery process. Given that client testimonials on the firm or independent investigator's website may be biased, it's also a good best practice to search for additional reviews and feedback on third party websites to confirm that the information you're gathering is fully accurate. Keep in mind that a search for a private investigator is typically a private one, therefore we would advise against polling others for recommendations publicly on social media.

Find a Reputable Firm to Work With

The best way to ensure you are hiring a respected, top-rated private investigator is to work directly with an investigative firm. InQuest Solutions can help you find the most qualified investigators to bring you the results you need in a wide range of disciplines. Contact us and submit a new case request, and a representative from our case management department will contact you within 24 hours of your request.

InQuest Solutions
Alpharetta, GA
5665 Highway 9
Suite 103-192
T. 888-968-4474
F. 888-835-0227

About InQuest Solutions
InQuest Solutions offers the gold standard for investigative and fact-finding matters. Insight Solutions provides top-rated professionals to address investigative needs in the following industries and areas:

Surveillance/Activity Checks
Claimant/Plaintiff Background Investigations
Social Media Investigations
Hospital and Clinic Canvass
Fact Investigations
SIU Services/Management
Courthouse Record Searches
Subrogation
Witness and Claimant Interviews
Jury Pool Research

InQuest Solution's staff of highly qualified professionals specialize in worker's compensation, general liability, medical malpractice, health, disability, and automobile liability. InQuest Solutions and its fully vetted partners are licensed and qualified to provide investigative services in all 50 states. Let InQuest Solutions assist you in hiring the right private investigator for your unique circumstances. Contact us today.

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