Like anyone you hire for any job, be it a private investigator or a company to clean your house ( in essence - they both see your dirty laundry!) you should know what to expect from the outcome of the work. Since private investigations in not quite as common as house cleaning, here we are providing you with the basic information and questions, you need to know and ask, in order to hire a qualified private investigator.
* Ask if the initial consultation is without charge (it should be) and how long to expect. 1 hour, 30 minutes, etc.
* Ask for length of experience in the field and the background of the principles in the firm. You want to make certain that the firm you retain has experience in the area of your case. This will cut down on the hours billed and the results may be more favorable and comprehensive if the firm is experienced.
* Ask to see the retainer agreement and be sure to read it thoroughly. Like any contract, you need to read it and be certain of what you are signing. It will become a legal and binding agreement between you and the firm.
* Ask the hourly rate per agent and what other fees to expect. Fees from firms can vary significantly. Normally the more experienced a firm, the higher the fees.
* Ask for a reasonable estimate of the total cost. "Estimate" being the key here. In many cases it is difficult to determine the total fees before the case is concluded, but an experienced investigator will be able to provide a reasonable estimate. They should also consult you and ask for approval to continue if fees exceed any amount contracted.
* Ask for if the firm has related experience in the case you need investigated. Now is not the time to pay for training an inexperienced firm.
*Ask for experience and background using photography, video and audio equipment if it relates to your case. This equipment can be very technical in nature and may make or break a conclusive investigation. If can also be very costly to the investigation so it is important to know if the firm is experienced in using such equipment.
* Ask what, if any, other resources might be available by the firm. For example, are there attorneys or counselors available if needed or referrals to other sources. You will also want to know what outside experts are available should they be needed for your case.
* Ask about court appearance time. You need to know how court appearances will be billed and conducted for your case. Also ask about previous court testimony. If court testimony is going to be required you want to make sure you have a competent investigator on the stand.
* Ask to see the firms license and the license of the individual investigator assigned to your case. You can also check (and should) with Arizona Department of Public Safety online to make sure that the firm and investigators have licenses in good standing. Arizona and California require licensing for private investigators.
These are the basics. More questions may come up in your particular case so be sure to ask them all and be confident and comfortable with the answers you receive. If you are not, then find a new firm. Hiring a private investigator is a very personal experience and you need to feel confident and secure in your decision.
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About Us
- Papago Investigations and Consultants
- D.W. Tschudy is the principle and founder of Papago Investigations (PICA) and Consultants of Arizona and California (PICCA). For more than 22 years PICA has been providing professional services in investigations, forensic science, forensic computer recovery, financial fraud investigations, forensic accounting, litigation support, polygraph, counterintelligence, electronic eavesdropping detection/wiretap detection, voice analysis, custom video surveillance systems and consulting services around the world. D.W. Tschudy’s credentials include retirement from law enforcement as supervisor of detectives, US patent holder for Conceal Carry and a published author in the field of investigations. Mr. Tschudy has certified expertise in the areas of felony crime investigations, fingerprints, evidence collection and protection, security evaluation and threat assessments, interviews and interrogations, financial crimes investigations, drug investigations, arson, fraud, and loss prevention. With offices in Scottsdale Arizona and Venice California, PICA and PICCA offers professional services in all areas of investigations throughout the United States and around the world.