The noir or neo-noir genre is one of the most popular genres of fiction there is, and a very common protagonist of these stories is the private detective, stalking through the shadows in search of the truth, no matter the cost. Most of us have read them and loved them, but detectives are not confined to fiction and actually exist in real life, serving a variety of purposes. They are a viable, excellent option for people who need professional, discreet investigation, but finding and hiring one is a process that may be a bit opaque at first glance. Do not worry; this little article will give you the basics of hiring an investigator.
Your Needs
Before you can find a detective, it is important that you lock down your needs and what you will task them with. Are you looking to gather evidence for a legal case, or are you trying to find a missing person? Perhaps you are looking for some discreet surveillance work? Figure out exactly what you need, and then you can start reaching out to professionals like a Vancouver private investigator and tell them exactly what you need. Make sure you ask them about their background and skill sets too, whether they have a police or military background, as they often do, what they specialize in, and so on.
Experience is Vital
With such a sensitive task, it is vital you do not hire detectives who have little to no experience. Make sure you arrange a meeting in person before making a decision, as this will be the best way to gauge whether they are the right ones for the job. Ask them about the extent of their professional training and experience, as well as how they came to be a private investigator. Many are often ex-law enforcement or military, bringing numerous skills from their former professions—skill sets that are practically necessary in this line of work. This will help make a decision much easier as well.
Reputation
Nowadays you are not forced into dealing with anyone or anything without knowing anything about them and their reputation, and you have a wealth of information available right at your fingertips, the internet. Even detectives have reviews of previous clients, and you can often figure out quickly what their experience with the detective was like, positive or negative, their strengths and weaknesses, and so on. All this helps you make a qualified decision.
Your Budget
You are likely already aware of this, but hiring the services of a private investigator is never cheap, and the longer and more complex the investigation is likely to be, the more it is likely to cost you. Make sure you thoroughly discuss payment terms and fees with the investigator before you make a decision, so you can avoid any unpleasant surprises and long bills later. Any good detective agency will be transparent and open about their fees, so you can consider that a green flag too.
Private investigators are sometimes the best choice when you have a job or need that law enforcement can’t or won’t see through thoroughly. Finding and hiring one should be a lot simpler once you have some basic information.
