The decision to hire a private investigator is often a difficult decision to make. A person usually has some suspicions about their partner cheating but doesn’t know how to confirm it. It’s a serious decision and the outcome of the investigation can be life-changing.

However, with knowledge of the investigation process and what is involved, the decision to hire a private investigator can be made a lot easier.

THE INITIAL PHONECALL

The initial phone call with a private investigator is usually free and should cover three main things;

1.Your Situation

The first thing you should do is explain your situation. Usually, a brief explanation is all they will need so there is no need to go into a huge amount of detail. The private investigator just needs to know the basic facts. The investigator will usually ask you some additional questions to get details of the information you probably haven’t thought about.

2.Your Objective

Once your situation has been established it is important to make clear what you want to achieve and your desired outcomes. For example, some people just want to confirm their partner is lying about where they are while other people want evidence of their partner meeting someone with photographic evidence of any physical connection with the other person.

Ultimately you will have some expectations so it’s important to communicate what you want to the private investigator.

3.Your Budget

The third thing you need to make clear to the private investigator is your budget and how much you want to invest in the process. Investigations can range from a few hours to a few days. With your budget in mind, a good private investigator should tailor the investigation to suit.

The cost of hiring a private investigator is more affordable than most people think (although prices do range). Like any professional, charges are generally by the hour however a good investigator will know how to achieve your objective in a short period of time to keep the costs down. If there is a need to extend surveillance the investigator should advise you throughout the job of the additional costs and obtain your authorisation. Although this will increase the cost, this money well spent if it gets you the answers you need.

When it comes to cost, be wary of investigators who charge at the lower end of the spectrum, such as $40 per hour, because like any professional you get what you pay for. They are usually new to the industry and their experience could be limited. Although they have a lower rate they could potentially cost you a lot more in the long run due to their inexperience. For example, they may not get you the answers you need which would be a total waste of money.

THE INVESTIGATION PROCESS

The typical way an investigation operation takes place is as follows;

Setting up the File

A good private investigator should have a procedure for establishing a file to refer to. They should require you to complete a form with the details of the person that is to be investigated and any other relevant information. You should also provide photos of the person you wish to be followed.It’s very important that you ensure that all information provided and obtained is confidential. A good private investigator should issue you with a formal confidentiality policy detailing the proper security measures to ensure that your communication to them through email or phone remains confidential. Always check if their website has a privacy policy.

Initial Payment

To commence the investigation, a private investigator may require a deposit. This deposit may be refundable if surveillance does not go ahead. Always check if there is a cancellation fee as some companies do not disclose this up front. On this note they should inform you of all costs and charges and ensure that you understand all future costs that could be incurred. It is important that you obtain a schedule of fees and charges so there are no surprises.

The Surveillance

A typical investigation involves following a person from the place and time as agreed between you and the private investigator. The investigator should report back to you by phone as often as you require. This way you get to know what is happening real-time. They will inform you where the person is, what they are doing and who they are with.

You can then choose to continue the investigation if you want more evidence or to stop the investigation if you have already discovered what you wanted.

The Evidence

After the investigation is complete the private investigator should provide you with a detailed written report, including photos of what occurred, as well as any video footage. You should ensure that any photos and videos are time and date stamped leaving no question as to when the events occurred. Once again you should ensure that the report and photos remain confidential. Some private investigators destroy this information so it never gets into the wrong hands.You can then use this evidence to make decisions about your future.

SHOULD YOU HIRE A PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR?

This question is easily answered if you simply ask yourself;

• “Do I want to confirm my suspicions that my spouse is cheating on me?”
• “Do I want to stop worrying and get answers?”
• “Do I want these answers now?”
• “Do I want to move on with my life?”

If the answer is YES to any of these questions then you should hire a private investigator sooner rather than later for your own health and well-being.

CAN I DO IT MYSELF?

It’s nearly impossible for a person to follow their own spouse. The average person doesn’t have the skills necessary to carry out a private investigation themselves. Private Investigators are professionally trained in specialised investigation techniques and have years of practice. There are many techniques and skills to successfully follow someone without being noticed.

If you try and do it yourself you will more than likely come unstuck. Whether it’s losing them while you’re driving behind them or simply being noticed. Even with a disguise, they will recognise your mannerisms, the way you walk and probably the poor following skills which will give you away.

This is a job best left to the experts…

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