10 Things You Should Know Before Hiring A Professional Investigator

You may be wondering if you need a professional investigator. A professional investigator can help you find the answers you need and get peace of mind. They have the skills and resources to find information that is hidden or difficult to obtain.


You may be feeling overwhelmed, scared, or frustrated. That's why hiring a professional investigator may be the best decision you ever make. They can take away the stress of finding answers and give you back your life. In this blog post, we will go over 10 things you should know before hiring a professional investigator.

1. Make Sure They Are Licensed and Insured

Before you hire a professional investigator, there are a few things you should know.


First and foremost, make sure they are licensed and insured. This will protect you in case anything goes wrong during the investigation. Second, ask for references. A reputable investigator will be able to provide you with a list of satisfied clients. Finally, be sure to ask about fees. Many investigators charge by the hour, so it is important to know how much you will be expected to pay.


By taking these precautions, you can be sure that you will be hiring a qualified and reputable investigator.

2. Ask for Referrals

If you're considering hiring a professional investigator, there are a few things you should keep in mind.


First and foremost, it's important to ask for referrals. Talk to friends, family, and colleagues to see if they have any recommendations. Once you have a few names, take the time to research each one. Look for reviews online and check with the Better Business Bureau to see if there have been any complaints filed against them.


Also, be sure to ask each investigator for a list of references that you can contact. The more information you have, the better equipped you'll be to make a decision.

3. Get an Estimate in Writing

When you are looking to hire a professional investigator, it is important that you get an estimate in writing. This will ensure that both parties understand the cost and terms of service upfront.


Be sure to ask how their fee structure works, as some investigators may charge per hour while others may offer flat-rate prices for discrete tasks. Make sure to ask about any additional fees that may be incurred for services such as background checks, surveillance equipment, or other investigative tools.


Finally, it is important to confirm the timeline of the investigation and make sure you understand what type of results are expected.

4. Beware of Scam Artists

Unfortunately, there are scam artists posing as professional investigators. While it’s important to trust your instincts when hiring a professional investigator, you should also take the time to do some research.


Check for reviews on websites such as the Better Business Bureau, and ask around for referrals. Additionally, make sure that any potential investigator is licensed, insured, and has a good reputation. If they cannot provide proof of any of these things, it’s best to look elsewhere.

5. Check Their Specializations & Experience Level

It is important that you check the experience level of any professional investigator you may hire. A reputable investigator will be able to provide evidence of their previous work, including successful cases and satisfied clients.


If they cannot provide this information, it may be a sign that they are inexperienced or not as qualified as they claim to be. Additionally, if you feel uncomfortable with the investigator’s methods or qualifications, it is best to move on and find someone else.

6. Check Out Their Credentials

It is important that you check the credentials of any professional investigator before hiring them. This can include things like background checks, licensure, and insurance. A qualified investigator should be able to provide proof of all these documents upon request.


Additionally, it’s a good idea to ask for references from past clients who were satisfied with the investigator’s services. A reputable professional should be able to provide a list of satisfied customers. Taking the time to check credentials and references is essential for ensuring that you are hiring a competent and qualified investigator.

7. Be Clear About the Investigation Objectives

When you're considering hiring a professional investigator, it's important to be clear about your objectives for the investigation. This will help you determine what type of investigator you need, what services they should provide, and how much you're willing to budget for the case.


For example, if you're trying to gather evidence for a civil suit, you'll need an investigator who specializes in civil cases and has experience gathering evidence and testimony. On the other hand, if you're trying to track down a missing person, you'll need an investigator with experience in skip tracing and surveillance.


Once you've determined your objectives, you can start interviewing potential investigators to find the right fit for your case.

8. Understand Your Rights and Responsibilities

Before you hire a professional investigator, it is important to understand your rights and responsibilities.


First and foremost, you have the right to privacy. This means that the investigator cannot track your movements or listen in on your conversations without your consent.


However, you also have the responsibility to ensure that you are not breaking the law. For example, if you are being investigated for a crime, the investigator cannot use illegal methods to gather evidence against you. In addition, you must be honest with the investigator and give them all relevant information.


If you withhold information or mislead the investigator, they may be unable to help you. By understanding your rights and responsibilities, you can ensure that the investigation is conducted legally and effectively.

9. Ask About Report Formats and Turnaround Times

Hiring a professional investigator can be a great way to get answers to your questions. However, there are a few things you should know before making the decision to hire an investigator.


First, be sure to ask about report formats and turnaround times. Many investigators provide standard report formats, but some may be able to customize a report to meet your specific needs. Turnaround times can vary depending on the complexity of the case, but most investigators can provide a timeline for when you can expect results.


Additionally, be sure to ask about confidentiality and what type of information will be shared with you. Some investigators may be able to provide information on a case-by-case basis, while others may require that all information be shared upfront.


Asking these questions upfront will help ensure that you hire an investigator that is right for you and your case.

10. Get a Second Opinion if You’re Not Comfortable With the Investigator and Their Services

Finally, it’s important to remember that you are not obligated to hire the first investigator you interview. If you’re not comfortable with the individual or their services, don’t hesitate to look for a second opinion.


For example, if an investigator seems too eager to take on your case or doesn’t answer your questions clearly, then it’s probably best to look for another option. Additionally, if you don’t feel comfortable with their investigative methods or fee structure, then it may be time to move on.


Ultimately, the decision is yours and it’s important to make sure that you hire an investigator that you trust and feel comfortable with. Taking the time to do your research can help ensure that you make the right decision for your case.


The bottom line is that finding a professional investigator can be a complicated process, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By understanding your objectives, researching potential investigators, and asking the right questions, you can find the best investigator for your case.  Be sure to get a second opinion if you’re not comfortable with the investigator and their services, as this can help ensure that you make the right decision.


If you’re in the Bristol, Johnson City, Greeneville & Elizabethton, TN areas and need a trusted professional investigator to help you solve your case, contact
Precise Intel today. Our experienced team of investigators will work with you to ensure that your needs are met and that you get the information you need. Let us help you get the peace of mind you deserve.  Contact us today for a free consultation.  We look forward to working with you!

February 28, 2024
Are you wondering if your partner is cheating on you? Do you want to find out the truth, and get the evidence you need to confront them or take legal action? If so, you may need the help of a private investigator. In this blog post, we will share the top 10 reasons to use a private investigator for infidelity cases, and how Precise Intel, a private investigators company based in Bristol, TN, can help you with your case. Whether you want to save your marriage or relationship, end it, or get justice, Precise Intel can provide you with the professional, confidential, and discreet services that you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation and a quote.
April 14, 2023
Despite advances in vehicle safety, vehicle crashes remain a leading cause of death and serious injury across the globe. Crash reconstruction is a technique used to investigate the circumstances of a crash to determine the cause and sequence of events that led to it. It involves collecting evidence from the scene of the crash and combining it with data from the performance of the vehicles involved in the crash. Using this information, experts and law enforcement are then able to pinpoint the cause of the crash and take preventive measures to stop similar crashes from occurring in the future.
March 7, 2023
With the prevalence of technology and the internet, cybercrime has become a pervasive threat to organizations and individuals alike. Cybercrime is defined as any illegal activity conducted over the internet or digital networks and can result in severe and damaging consequences such as financial loss, identity theft, and data theft. In this guide, we are going to provide some simple-to-follow dos and don’ts for both organizations and individuals to help defend against such digital attacks. In particular, both organizations and individuals should familiarize themselves with the potential risks associated with cybercrime and take precautionary measures to protect themselves and their data. This can include but is not limited to, the installation of reputable antivirus software, restricting access to sensitive information, and staying up-to-date on any changing digital threats.
February 17, 2023
Professional investigators nowadays no longer rely solely on traditional methods such as magnifying glasses and surveillance tactics to solve cases. Instead, they have access to an array of powerful, advanced tools, such as social media. Social media is arguably one of the most useful resources available to these professionals, helping them to uncover evidence and uncover details which may have otherwise gone unnoticed. From gathering intelligence to tracing down witnesses and verifying alibis, social media provides a plethora of advantages that can help investigators in their sleuthing. Additionally, social media can be used to track the movements of suspects, their contacts and even key documents or evidence. With its potential for aiding investigations, it is no wonder why many modern professionals rely so heavily on this technology to solve even the most complex of cases.
January 21, 2023
Unsolved cases pose an immediate threat to public safety and justice. A lack of evidence or leads to suggest who's responsible can mean years, or even decades, of unanswered questions and a sense of unease in the community. Private Investigators (PIs) provide an invaluable service in assisting law enforcement to track down offenders and bring closure to criminal investigations. With the right resources, skill, and care, investigators are capable of uncovering evidence and leads that can move the needle on investigations that have gone cold. This blog post will discuss the ways Private Investigators can help solve unsolved cases. From conducting surveillance to interviews and investigations, PIs have a wide array of capabilities that can be applied to identify perpetrators and bring charges in a variety of hard-to-solve cases.
January 12, 2023
Searching for a reliable and knowledgeable team to investigate cybercrime can be daunting. With so many options available, it’s important to make sure you are choosing the right experts to handle your case. The right cybercrime investigation team should have experience in investigating computer systems and, as well as an understanding of the laws surrounding such crimes. Additionally, your team should have the resources to investigate cyber crime cases quickly and with discretion. To help you make an informed decision, here are some key factors to consider when selecting a cyber crime investigation team.
January 5, 2023
Private investigations have changed over the years. Aided by new technology and research tools, private investigators are now able to investigate open and unsolved cases in far more effective and efficient ways than ever before. For both the PI and their clients, the use of modern technology offers great benefits and the potential for success with cases that may have otherwise gone unsolved. In this blog post, we will explore the various ways in which technology can benefit those who employ a private investigator to help them solve open or unsolved cases. Technology has become an integral part of private investigations in recent years. Often, the most successful investigative strategies rely on available technology, tools, and research methods. For investigators tasked with solving unsolved cases, technology can be a major aid in uncovering the facts and minimizing case closure times. Here are some of the ways private investigators may employ technology to investigate open cases.
December 31, 2022
Background checks are an integral part of the hiring process for many organizations. Having a thorough background check gives employers the assurance that they are making the right decision when it comes to hiring new employees. With the increasing importance and prevalence of personal background checks, it is essential to understand their purpose and how they can be effectively implemented in any organization’s hiring process. In this blog, we will discuss why it is important to conduct personal background checks and how they can be used to ensure the safety of all involved in the hiring process. We will also go over some tips on how you can ensure you are conducting your own background checks properly and efficiently. By understanding the importance of personal background checks, you will be able to make better-informed hiring decisions and ensure that everyone in your organization is treated with respect. Background checks are important for many reasons, but the main one is security. Background checks provide employers with information about an individual’s past that can help them determine if they are a suitable fit for a particular position.
December 20, 2022
Accidents on the road can be quite dangerous, resulting in serious injury or even death in some cases, so it is important to fully understand the circumstances behind them. That is where crash reconstruction comes in; this process is employed to analyze the data and evidence associated with a crash in order to determine its cause, as well as any other relevant information. Experienced crash reconstructionists use a variety of scientific techniques to gain an in-depth understanding of the course of events that led up to the crash, the sequence of the crash itself, the forces created in the crash, and the behavior of vehicles and their passengers both during and after the crash. This kind of information is incredibly valuable to insurance companies, legal representatives, and even the police, which is why it is so important to bring in a professional crash reconstruction expert when needed. In this blog, we will delve into the world of crash reconstruction, exploring everything you need to know about it. From what it really is to when to call in a professional, we will provide you with all the information you need so you can get a better understanding of what reconstructing a crash is all about.
December 14, 2022
Ever since the inception of the internet and associated technologies, online criminals have been using personal data for nefarious purposes, like identity theft and fraud. With the amount of personal data available to hackers today, digital safety has become more important than ever. Therefore, it is essential to be aware of how to protect yourself from these cyber criminals. Here is an in-depth guide to keeping your personal data safe from prying eyes.
More Posts