Seven Things to Consider When Hiring an Investigator

1. Check with the licensing body in your jurisdiction to ensure the investigator is licensed and they are affiliated with an agency, which is also properly licensed. To locate the regulatory authority in your jurisdiction, try an Internet search using the terms “private investigator license” and the name of your province or state.
2. Be wary of agencies that claim to do it all. Most agencies that put forward such claims are rarely good at everything, and typically expert at nothing. Many areas of investigation require a working knowledge of applicable legislation, case law, and procedural insight so be certain anyone you hire has that knowledge.
3. Ask the agency you are considering if their investigators are actually employees or sub-contractors. Watch out for descriptors that suggest and agency has a “roster of investigators.” Many agencies like to promote that they have a large number of investigators. However, this could mean their investigators are private contractors and the agency may not have as much knowledge as they should, about the investigators’ competence or quality of work, particularly in specialized areas of investigation.
4. Some investigation firms will advertise multiple offices over a wide geographic area, but in many cases these are post office boxes or virtual offices in key centres to give the perception of a big operation. Always confirm with a prospective agency where they are physically located and how you will be charged for travel expenses.
5. Don’t be fooled by acronyms like SIU (Special Investigations Unit). Window dressing like this suggests something special or some level of heightened expertise that may not be true. In the end an investigative agency either does proper, well informed, and expert investigations…or they don’t.
6. Question prospective investigators on their experience in the type of investigative work you need. Consider asking for references and case examples of similar work they have done and ask to see the resume of the investigator assigned to do your work. The investigator should have a thorough working knowledge of any applicable legislation and its application.
7. Require the person or agency you are considering to provide proof of adequate insurance related to the provision of investigative services. Should someone working on your behalf later be questioned for their conduct, such as a possible breach of privacy, you will want the reassurance that you’re protected from possible future claims.

Following the steps above will protect you from hiring unlicensed or unqualified investigators and ensure you hire an investigator with expertise and competency in the area you require.