Verify the private investigator is properly licensed

In North Carolina, the Private Protective Services Board (PPSB) issues licenses and investigates complaints related to the actions of private investigators. To verify if the person you are speaking with is licensed, visit the PPSB’s Active Licensees and Trainers page where you may search by licensee name, company name, licensee ID or city.

You should also consider checking to see if the investigator you are considering has a history of substantiated complaints. You may do that by reading the PPSB’s Grievance Committee reports.

Understand they are operating a business

Investigators depend on income from clients to make a living. Because of this, some investigators make promises they cannot fulfill just to get you to sign the contract. You will not receive quality work product from these types of investigators. Avoid investigators who use pushy sales tactics to secure your business. Verify the contract contains clear pricing information prior to signing. As a side note, if a private investigator insists you sign immediately, find another private investigator. Ideally, you want one who will recommend you wait a minimum of twenty-four hours before allowing you to sign.

Research the private investigator’s experience

Not all investigators have the training and experience necessary to handle your case. For example, if you are looking for a criminal defense investigator, you should not hire a private investigator who specializes only in child custody. Ask the private investigator to explain their experience working investigations related to your needs. Ask for references from previous clients (note: this will require time for the investigator to obtain approval from the previous clients due to confidentiality agreements). You can also ask for the names of attorneys with whom the investigator has worked.

Learn about the private investigator’s formal education

While having a college degree does not necessarily correlate with the quality of the investigator’s work product, it does demonstrate the investigator is capable of thinking critically, analyzing data, managing deadlines, etc. Ask to see a copy of the investigator’s college degree and verify its validity with the university.

Observe the private investigator’s communication style

Does the investigator speak unprofessionally or discuss inappropriate topics unrelated to your case? This is the person you are hiring to speak with others on your behalf. You want someone who will make a good impression. Speak at length with the private investigator to get an understanding of how this person communicates with others. Your private investigator may testify in court on your behalf. Ask the investigator about their experience with courtroom testimony.

Look into the private investigator’s community involvement

Learn about the investigator’s community involvement. Ideally, you will hire someone with a history of volunteering and helping others. Ask for a list of current and prior volunteer roles as well as references from well-known members of the community.