Checklist for Hiring a Private Investigator

Looking for an old friend? Want to know if your spouse is cheating? Need to check out a potential tenant or employee?

A good private investigator (PI) can help you obtain these answers. And as with any expert you hire-a doctor, a lawyer, an insurance broker-it benefits you to take the time to ensure you're hiring a professional who has experience, quality reputation, and good-business ethics. Below is a checklist that will help you find just such a private investigator:

1. Ask friends, business associates, your lawyer for a referral. Word of mouth gives you the inside scoop, and the opportunity to ask questions specific to your needs.

2. Check your state's private investigator associations, most of which have web sites that post their membership directory.

3. If you can't find a private investigation association for your state, there are multiple national PI organizations that refer investigators, such as The National Association of Investigative Specialists (http://www.pimall.com/nais/dir.menu.html). Also, check your state's legal organizations-for example, affiliates of the American Trial Lawyer's Association or the state defense bar-which typically have a directory of recommended investigators.

4. Insurance companies use PIs constantly. Especially if your needs fall into surveillance and background checks, an excellent resource is your own homeowners insurance company. Ask to speak to a claims representative. With a few inquiries, you should be able to pinpoint which investigators your insurance company uses, which is a good referral.

5. Check Internet and Yellow Pages for private investigator listings, but remember these are paid-for ads. Ask for references; check if the PI is licensed (most states require a PI to be licensed, a few don't); if you're going before a judge and jury, ask if the PI has courtroom experience. NOTE: An untrained investigator may not know the laws and end up doing something illegal during an investigation-which causes you problems.

6. Before you speak to an investigator, decide what's in your budget.

7. When you speak to an investigator, ask if he/she has done the type of work you're seeking. More important, ask them the outcome of that type of investigation.

8. Ask to see examples of reports they've produced for similar cases.

9. Gauge your comfort level while speaking to the investigator. Good communication will be critical after the investigation begins. Also, be open minded-your investigator may have new ideas that are worthy of exploration.

10. Expect to pay a retainer up front. Just because a PI doesn't ask for one (or even a reasonable hourly rate), doesn't mean he/she is better at what they do. You want to hire someone who's competent, not hard up for work.

Remember, a good private investigator can be your best resource!

Subscribe to Highlands Investigations & Legal Services, Inc. free quarterly e-newsletter, which provides leading-edge legal, forensic, investigative articles, and more. All subscribers are automatically eligible for free gift drawings. To subscribe, go to http://www.highlandsinvestigations.com.

Colleen Collins, Highlands Investigations and Legal Services, Inc.

Highlands Investigations & Legal Services, a product of two logically related sets of background and training--attorney and information specialist--offers a unique blend of investigative and writing/research skills. To learn more about our services, go to http://www.highlandsinvestigations.com

Wood Dale Chicago prom limo .. Lockport Chicago limo O’Hare
In The News:

Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents
Internet browsers are useful, but they can be dangerous. Clicking on malicious links can direct you to dangerous websites that steal information or infect your device.
Apple's latest iOS update introduces advanced artificial intelligence capabilities, which may be capturing and analyzing sensitive information.
Breach site confirmed 56,904,909 Hot Topic users' data leaked online. Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson says the company's silence makes matters even worse.
Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson discusses how an innovative Easy-Way kit turns standard strollers electric, simplifying navigation for parents.
Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson talks about T-Mobile being hacked in broad cyberattack on global phone and internet companies.
Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson shows you how to add, customize and manage widgets for quick access to apps and info from your iPhone home screen.
Wrong Google searches can not only compromise your device and personal data. They can also bring law enforcement to your doorstep. Hackers are targeting Google searches.
China's Shanghai Kepler Robotics has developed a new humanoid robot that can carry up to 35 pounds per hand for commercial applications across various industries
Checking your hearing has gotten easier with the new hearing test feature in AirPods Pro 2. You can take reliable hearing tests using your iPhone or iPad.
Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.
Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson explains how a VPN — virtual private network — works and how running it can slow down the operation of your device.
The WalkON Suit F1, an exoskeleton developed to help people with disabilities, can actually walk over to a person in a wheelchair, solving a major problem.
ClickFix, a new scam targeting computer users, is on the rise in the U.S. The scam prompts its targets to click on a link to fix a problem.
Skydweller is the world's largest unmanned solar-powered aircraft that can stay airborne for weeks, and even months, without refueling.
The U.S. government said it is investigating after People's Republic of China hackers targeted commercial telecommunications service providers in the U.S.
Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.
Scammers are using increasingly sophisticated ways to lure unsuspecting victims, and some are impersonating an email help desk or support team.
You can unsend or edit your iMessages with the latest iOS updates. Kurt the CyberGuy explains how you can save yourself some potential embarrassment.
Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson says there’s been a rise in cybercriminal services using hacked police and government emails to send subpoenas and data requests to U.S. companies.
Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson discusses how Axiom Space and luxury designer Prada are collaborating on NASA's Artemis III spacesuit design.
Voice assistants may cause confusion across devices. Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson offers some solutions to fix it.
Shameless scammers trick veterans into giving personal info or cash. Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson explores five common scams.
Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson helps you honor our heroes with these powerful podcasts, audiobooks and documentaries this Veterans Day.

The 7 Keys to Business Success

Do you run a business that seems to run you?... Read More

Checklist for Hiring a Private Investigator

Looking for an old friend? Want to know if your... Read More

The Top Ten Ways to Stop Procrastinating Now

10. Procrastination Condemnation - Lose the Labels! All those things... Read More

10 Tips for Effective Proofreading

Proofreading may not be terribly fun, but it's one of... Read More

Ten Tips on Delegating Work

One way to manage your time more effectively is to... Read More

10 Ways to Develop A Free Agent Attitude

Whether you are self employed or you work for someone... Read More

The Benefits Of Helping An Online Business Newbie

Do your remember when you first ventured out in the... Read More

Top 10 Steps to Build Your Professional Practice Now!

1. Examine everything in your office from the view of... Read More

Top Seven Reasons to Publicize your Business with Articles

Do you want to be #1-10 on Google and other... Read More

Learn to Improve Sales - 10 Ways to Get More Business Starting Today

You need sales and you wanted them yesterday. Here are... Read More

7 Steps Toward a Better Website

Creating a website is one thing, making it better is... Read More

Surviving When Clients Arent Rolling In

As the holiday season starts to settle in, the workload... Read More

7 Reasons You ARE Your Own Best Product, or Lessons From the 2004 Presidential Election

The 2004 election is over--at least in the minds of... Read More

10 Things To Do When Business Slows Down Over The Holidays

I'm sure you've seen it happen every year: your business... Read More

Media Training: Seven Ways to Instantly Improve Your Media Interviewing Skills

Imagine if you were going to address a stadium full... Read More

10 Marketing Tips For Your Business

Here are a few ideas to get you started, all... Read More

Why Dont They Just Get It Done: 7 Performance Tactics for CEOs

Buckling under the weight of chronic corporate restructuring, and frustrated... Read More

The Hidden Power Of Understanding: A Secret To Building Massive Momentum In Your Business

You're busy with your business today, aren't you?You're pushing your... Read More

Ten Ways to Manage a Rapidly Growing Business

While some new business owners face the issue of not... Read More

Bookkeeping Techniques For Morons

Please don't think I am calling you a "moron" to... Read More

Top Ten Tips for Participating in Online Business Expos

Are you ready for a BASH? Have you ever been... Read More

10 Budgeting Tips for Business People and Small Companies

It is possible for small companies and individual business people... Read More

Top 10 Items For A 21st Century Toolbox!

Skilled workers of every age have prized their tools. I... Read More

#1 Key To Select Right Business Partner

Having business partner or planning to start a business with... Read More

7 Money Saving Tips to Decrease Home Business Expenses

We all know that running a home business is highly... Read More

Antigo wedding limo ..