How to Hire a Private Detective

There may come a time in your life when you need to hire a private detective. Whether you need to find a missing witness, find out if a spouse is cheating on you, or if a claimant is committing insurance fraud, a private detective can help you get to the bottom of it in a professional and discreet manner. But first, of course, you'll need to hire a private detective. But you should take time to learn a little about any detective you intend to hire before you commit.

The easiest way to find a good private detective is to rely on word-of-mouth. Ask around! You'd be surprised how many friends or family members have worked with a private detective for personal or professional reasons. If none have, speak with an attorney. They may be able to name a detective or firm that they've worked with before, or otherwise make a useful recommendation. If even that doesn't work, try doing a search online. There are a number of databases you can use, such as the Maryland Investigators & Security Association, that can help narrow the search down a little.

After you have a name or two, I strongly recommend that you do a little investigation of your own before contacting them. Do an online search and see if they have any reviews (positive or negative), and check out their webpage if they have one. You'll want to make certain that they are properly licensed. Most webpages will have the private detective's license number. States differ on their licensing requirements, but in Maryland, you can contact the Maryland State Police Licensing Division and double-check a detective's license number. I've caught more than one fraud, myself, by confirming their license number.

After you've got the contact information for a private detective, reach out to them. Many private detectives prefer you to fill out a form on their webpage, but if they list a phone number, you could simply call them, as well. You'll want to arrange a meeting with them if you haven't spoken with them before. Trust is absolutely essential in this line of work, as there is likely a lot of confidential or personal information that they will be handling on your behalf. Meet with them if you can, but at least have an extended phone conversation to see if you can build a good rapport. Make sure to ask first if they're billing for the conversation; most detectives will offer free consultations, but you never want to be surprised with a bill that you didn't expect!

During this initial conversation, make sure you find out if they're licensed, if you haven't already, and in what state. If you expect your case to travel across state lines, a private detective may need to be licensed in both states. Ask them their background and experience, and how long they've been doing what they're doing. And, of course, make sure to ask them if they practice any legally "grey" methods of obtaining information. You absolutely do not want a private detective to break the law on your behalf. That could be harmful both to your case, and, legally, to you. The challenge lies in finding the perfect area between above-the-board legal methods and strictly forbidden illegal methods. For your own protection, make sure you and your detective establish exactly what you find acceptable during this consult. Please remember, also, that private detectives are not lawyers. If you ever have even the slightest question or uncertainty about the legality of a proposed action, speak with an attorney.

Once you've established that a private detective is right for you, make certain to set the terms of the investigation. You want to ensure that they can actually produce the results that you're looking for. Make certain that your expectations are well known from the get-go. If you want a written report, or video evidence, or for a detective to testify in court, let them know.

You will also need to determine your budget and find out the cost of the private investigation. Ask not only how much you will be charged, but whether it is a flat rate or a breakdown based on work done and hourly services provided. The price quote will depend on a great number of factors, including location, type of work being conducted, the amount of training and experience the detective may have, and other logistical concerns. Prices will likely vary from case to case, as any reputable detective agency will tailor each investigation for their client's individual needs.

Hiring a private detective may seem like a daunting task, but you'll want to make sure you get it right the first time. Hire a detective you trust to get the job done in a confidential, discreet manner. You'll rest much easier knowing that your case is in the right hands!