Being a private detective goes far beyond the fantasies portrayed in cinema or literature. Indeed, such a professional undertakes comprehensive investigations on behalf of their clients while providing advice when needed. A detective can be hired for personal matters such as divorce, child custody, the disappearance of a loved one, or neighborhood disputes. It can also involve issues related to the professional realm, like uncovering fraud, breach of trust, or industrial espionage, for example. What are the tips for choosing the right private investigator for your needs?
The profession of a private detective is strictly regulated by the Internal Security Code. Companies and independent professionals who conduct surveillance missions must possess authorization and approval. Both of these documents are issued by the National Council for Private Security Activities (CNAPS).
Before selecting a private detective, you must ensure that they hold these documents and that they are perfectly valid. Other information (such as the authorization number) must be mentioned on your professional’s business documents. This number should appear on their website, advertising reviews, quotes, contracts, and invoices. Before the initial contact, be sure to verify the validity of your detective’s authorizations.
The best private detective is the one who can accurately and quickly uncover all the information you need. Therefore, they should be based in your region or the area relevant to the upcoming investigations. This ensures that they are familiar with the investigation territory and can adapt to the local environment. Whether it’s an investigation into a missing relative or uncovering an economic fraud scheme, mastering the terrain will be one of the main assets of your private investigator.
When selecting your private detective, don’t forget to inquire about their specific skills. There are generalist agents who can handle various types of investigations, but most detectives specialize. Keep in mind that an excellent family investigator may be less proficient when it comes to a case of financial fraud. On the other hand, some companies provide their clients with a dynamic team composed of different profiles.
In any case, feel free to communicate with your agent to get an idea of their skills. You can also check their professional experience and areas of training to make an informed decision with confidence.
If your private detective suggests the use of illegal methods, you should know that it’s in your best interest to refuse. First, evidence obtained illegally is inadmissible in court, and possessing such evidence can expose you to legal action. Examples of illegal techniques include the use of trackers on vehicles without the owner’s knowledge, installing spyware (commonly known as bugs) on electronic devices, and using microphones to record normally private conversations.
In the event that your detective proposes the use of such methods, even at an enticing price, you should firmly reject the offer. Note that a competent and certified agent would not engage in such practices. However, if such a situation were to arise, it could indicate a lack of professionalism on the part of the agent, and it would likely be best to avoid them.