Hiring a private investigator can be an overwhelming task, but when you have the right questions and properly prepare for your first meeting with a PI, you will be able to find a quality investigator. This initial meeting provides crucial insight into a personal investigator’s personality and how they operate. A preliminary meeting will ensure the PI has your best interest in mind and will provide optimal results. Here are some tips for preparing for your first meeting with a PI.
Make A List Of All Issues You Want To Discuss
It is important to start any business meeting by getting all your questions answered. Alleviating concerns about working with the private investigator should be addressed during the first meeting. Before you sit down with the potential investigator, make a list of questions, concerns, and ideas you want to discuss. Some important questions to consider adding include:
- What do you look for in _____ cases?
- Do you have experience handling these types of cases?
- How involved will I need to be in the case?
- How do you ensure confidentiality?
- Do you have past examples of successful investigations?
- What resources do you use to gather information?
- What is your hourly rate?
Research Their Credentials And Ask About Their Qualifications
Before meeting with a private investigator you should look into their credentials and qualifications. Write these down so you can ask questions and allow the PI to describe what they learned from the training or schooling. While you may have vetted these qualifications before scheduling the meeting, getting a personal look at how the PI implemented these teachings into their business can help you feel more comfortable working with them.
The private investigator should also have proper licensing for the state they are practicing. Having a private investigator license ensures that they have gone through the proper training required to look into people’s personal histories, finances, and more without legal ramifications.
Gather Information To Present To The Private Investigator
Depending on the type of case you are bringing to a private investigator, it can be beneficial to bring in small pieces of evidence and information to your first meeting. For example, if you suspect infidelity from a partner, you should bring in anything that has caused you to suspect this (screenshots, locations, credit card statements, social media posts, videos, etc.). For other types of cases, you may not have any evidence to present which is why you need the assistance of a private investigator. This will also need to be discussed during the first meeting with a PI.
Discuss Confidentiality
One of the most important aspects of private investigations is keeping your identity and other aspects of the investigation confidential. While some sensitive information will need to be revealed in order to provide results, confidentiality should be practiced by the PI when communicating with others. Asking a PI about how discretion and how your information is handled in their firm can bring peace of mind. A trusted private investigator should be able to detail how they will treat your information, how they keep it safe from those they are investigating, and who has access.
Ask Them About Their Plan Of Action For Your Case
Every case is different, which is why it is important to learn about the PI’s investigation process for cases like yours. Ask the private investigator about their investigative methods like surveillance, background checks, interviews, and more. Even if you have questions about the process, PIs have the expertise needed to gather the proper information and understand what methods will be most effective. Be open to their expertise and collaborate together to get the best evidence.
Private Investigations From Our Experts
St. George Private Investigators is skilled in many different case types, which means that we can get you optimal results in no time. Our PIs are willing to meet with you before you start to work with us and we dive into your case. Hiring the help of a private investigator helps to boost your case toward a resolution. No matter what type of case you are dealing with, we will focus on gathering the truth without too invasive techniques. Before hiring our team, learn more about all of our services or schedule a meeting with our team. We will be happy to answer all of your questions and alleviate your concerns about PI’s.