What should you look for when hiring a private investigator (P.I.) or private detective? Is it a good social media presence, a legitimate physical office, or good recommendations from past clients? Those are close but not exactly defining characteristics. Let’s look at these five traits of an expert P.I.
They’re Licensed
To hire a P.I., it is important to ensure they have the proper license and qualifications. To ensure they are legitimate, check to see if they have a valid license and are at least 21 years old. This document guarantees they have at least a high school education.
They’ve Got a Full Review of Services
Suppose you need to find information on a divorcing spouse or collect evidence from an accident on your property. In that case, hiring a P.I. with expertise in both areas is best. This investigator can use their skills and knowledge to gather the necessary information and evidence.
Your potential P.I. must also have essential services like:
- Missing person cases.
- Criminal defense.
- Litigation support.
- Matrimonial cases.
- Theft.
- Police liaison.
- Social media investigation.
- Death investigation.
- Polygraph testing.
They Need Experience
If you are looking for an investigator, it is worth investing in someone with experience in the field. An inexperienced PI may cost less, but they may need to gain the skills necessary to complete the task effectively. Some states, like North Carolina, require three years of experience or 3,000 hours of investigative work.
They Charge Fairly
Finding a private detective should not be taken lightly. Doing your research to compare prices and services will help you make sure you get the best quality for your money. Don’t be tempted to go with the cheapest option, as this could result in you not getting the best service. Instead, request quotes from multiple investigators and use these to gauge a fair price for the investigation. The standard industry rate is between $40 to $200 an hour, with an average of $99 to $150 an hour.
They’ve Got to Be a Good Match with You
It’s important to find an investigator who you are comfortable with. Look for someone who has the following qualities: friendliness, creativity, passion, persistence, and trustworthiness.
- Friendliness: A P.I. should be friendly and approachable to make people feel comfortable around them when gathering information during an investigation. This eases suspects being investigated to feel less threatened, making it easier for the PI to gain their trust.
- Creativity: Being a P.I. can be challenging, as roadblocks often prevent an investigator from completing their job. They need to be aware of these potential issues and have strategies to overcome them without breaking the law.
- Passion: Investigators should have passion for their work, even with long hours.
- Persistence: Investigating a case requires a lot of hard work and dedication. Investigators must stay persistent and not give up, even when things become difficult.
- Trustworthiness: Trust that your PI will guard your data with discretion.
Wrapping Up
A private detective must be licensed, experienced, and amicable enough toward clients and potential suspects. Having these five traits will ease the investigation process and lead you to the desired results you’ve been looking for.
Hire a Private Eye from Quinn & Associates
Our professional agency provides licensed, expert private investigators in Southern California and Arizona who are skilled in surveillance, undercover, and other related tasks to reach the root of the problem. Inquire now at (866) 652-4480!