This is a list of questions you should ask when hiring an investigator.
1. Are they licensed in the state where the investigation is to take place?
Many states require the licensing of investigators. In our tri-state area Tennessee
and Arkansas have licensing requirements. Mississippi does not. Licensing has raised
the standards of the private investigation industry. Licensed investigators have to
pass a criminal background investigation, pass a written test and in most states
receive Continuing Profession Education. Licensed investigators are regulated by a
state board. If you hire a non- licensed individual you run the risk of that person
being arrested for stalking or impersonating a license professional. In many cases,
non licensed individuals may not be able to testify in court. In this instance your
money has been wasted and your case jeopardized.
C.I.S. employs only licensed investigators.
2. Are they insured?
Investigative firms with insurance can, upon request, provide the client with a certificate
of insurance from their carrier. In many states investigators are not required to have
liability insurance or errors and omissions insurance. Uninsured investigators could leave
the clients completely exposed to financial and criminal liability.
C.I.S. maintains over one million dollars in liability and errors and omissions
insurance. A certificate of insurance will be provided to any clients making that request.
3. Are they experienced?
Many investigative firms advertise they handle cases in different fields. The problem
is that their advertisement may not define their experience. It would be difficult for
a firm to show proof of other completed cases but you can ask questions about how your
case would be handled. In some specialized fields the investigator should show a
certification in those areas, such as, fraud investigation, accident reconstruction
and fire cause and origin.
C.I.S. employs highly trained investigators. The investigator assigned to your case has
over ten years or more experience in that assigned field. Our lead investigator has over
29 years of combined law enforcement and private investigation experience.
4. How will you be charged?
Normally, investigative firms charge by the hour. Some firms will charge a flat rate on special cases.
Make sure you ask what the hourly rate covers. Some firms will give you an hourly rate that covers only
one investigator. There will be additional charges for additional investigators which would considerably
raise the first quoted hourly rate. You should ask about other charges, such as, mileage, copies, video
tapes, research and administrative fees. Do not hire a firm simply because they are the lowest bidder.
In many cases you get what you pay for.
C.I.S. charges an hourly rate based on the type of work requested. A retainer is requested before
the job is started. All hourly rate charges and expenses are charged against this retainer.
C.I.S. will not go over this retainer without the approval of the client. This allows the
client to have full financial control of the case.
5. Who is going to do the work?
Make sure the investigators being used is licensed and insured. Make sure the investigator
being used is licensed with the firm that you have contracted and not a sub-contractor.
Some firms that advertise they conduct your type of investigation may sub-contract the work
to another investigator. This practice could affect you when it comes time to have the investigator
testify. Since you had no control over the investigator they may not be available for your court appearance.
C.I.S. only uses their investigators. If a client requests a job outside the C.I.S.
territory investigators will work with the client to locate a qualified firm in the
area of the investigation.
6. Is the investigator available for information and updates?
Any investigative firm you hire should make it easy for you to leave messages. Communication
is very important in the investigative field. Situations change by the minute. You should
understand that investigators are not always in a position to return your call but they
should make every effort to make contact when possible. If an investigative firm acts too
busy to return your calls, they may be too busy to work your case.
C.I.S. provides all clients with a telephone number that is monitored
24 hours a day. Investigators make every attempt to keep the client informed of the progress of the case.