Anyone who has decided to hire a private investigator has specific reasons for doing so. It could be to track down a long lost relative, or to find out if a spouse has been unfaithful, or it could be business-related. Whatever your reason, you should always be thorough when looking for your own private eye.

The guys over at Infoguys share a few tips and tidbits on what to look for when checking out possible investigators for your case.

The first thing to consider is licensing. There are many qualifications required for licensed private investigators, which make them more reliable and credible than those who are simply “freelancing.” Licensed private investigators have to reach a certain minimum age requirement, they should have a clean criminal history, and should have a good amount of credible experience on the field. These licensed PIs don’t simply earn the title, they also need to be recommended by at least three trusted names in the investigative field.

Although the next requirement is already included in licensing, anyone looking to hire a PI should look at the candidate’s experience. We’re all very familiar with the adage, “Experience is the best teacher,” and that is true in the field of private investigation. You don’t want your case ruined by a bumbling newbie in the field, right? While there are beginners who can do the job, it’s always better to go with someone who’s been on the field for a long time.

Don’t forget to ask your potential investigator about his specialty. It will help determine how much knowledge he will have about the case you’ll be presenting to him. It’s very rare to find a PI with a specialty, though, because today, it’s better to be knowledgeable about different fields than to tie yourself down to just one. Just the same, inquire about his experience in the kind of case that you have, and ask how he’ll go about the investigation.

Entrusting cases to a virtual stranger is no easy task. That’s why background checks and references should be included in your list of things to consider when you’re looking for your PI. However, getting background information on private eyes don’t involve normal background check procedures. This is because the M.G.L. has mandated a confidentiality agreement between investigators and their clients, which indicates that private investigators should never disclose information about their past clients. The best way to conduct a background check on these roving PIs is to call up the State Police Certification Unit. There, you can find out if anyone has ever lodged a complaint against your PI candidate.

Now that you know what to look for, you’re well on your way to hiring your amazing private eye!

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