So you decided to hire a private investigator? You have made that step and now hope to find out the truth. One question, do you really know who you hired?
If I had a dollar for every time I hear a story about some private investigator who either messed up a case or worse compromised an investigation because of either lack of experience or due to unlicensed activity. I would be a millionaire by now.
Do you want the right result? Have you suffered enough and are you willing to have another set back? Then do your homework and ensure you have hired the right private investigator.
Most private investigators I know have the proper experience and licensing requirements. However, not all do and we do have our bad apples.
The reason I wrote this article and made it a part of my web-site is because I felt I had an obligation to the public. An obligation to protect and serve the innocent from unlicensed and unscrupulous individuals and agencies.
It is your benefit not only to read the agencies entire web-site but check out their licensing requirements. Its very easy in the State of Florida every investigative agency is required to an A license to operate. Click on this link and type in the name and you should see the status of the license. In addition, the owner of the company whoever that may be should also be licensed and it will be prudent that you search them as well. Click on this link to be do.
One of the most interesting things I notice in the internet is that there are some agencies advertised in the net that are not the one doing your case. What do I mean? I will inform you. The state of Florida requires any company providing investigative services in Florida to be licensed. However, unknown to you an advertiser may state they provide coverage nationwide. Great, the only thing is that they are not licensed in the state.
They hire a sub-contractor at half the cost you probably paid and that is who is performing your surveillance, investigation, or whatever investigative assignment you may have paid for. The sub-contractor may be licensed but do you know him? Have you spoken with him? No, he is a silent party that may have not been your choice if you met them directly. I suggest that if you have a possible need for an investigator in Florida find out if the company is licensed in Florida and if they are going to do the investigation. If you pay for the brand you should get the brand not the generic.
I suggest you look to see if any of the owners are Florida Certified Investigators a designation given by the Florida Board of Certified Investigators. Information into that designation is listed here http://www.flacertinvestigator.com/ Do the principles have academic degrees or other designations such as CFE (Certified Fraud Examiner). These are the things that set mediocre investigators from professional investigators.
Another important thing is to search State Corporate Records to verify if they have an active corporation. Follow the next link http://www.sunbiz.org/corinam.html which searches by name of corporation.
The main point of this article is for you to be diligent as you have suffered enough. Why do business with an amateur or an agency that will deceive you? Do the necessary searches and ensure they are licensed, insured, and have the proper education and experience. Remember, you pay for what you get. You may pay $10 to 20 dollars less an hour and that may be the difference between achieving success or another setback.
Should you have any questions regarding this article feel free to call me as I am at your disposal.