| When considering whether or not you might need | | | | Ask to see credentials as well as certificates |
| a private investigator there are a few essentials | | | | Do they have the capacity to work your |
| to consider. These essential characteristics are | | | | case and others in a timely manner? |
| important in getting your money's worth, and | | | | How much investigative experience does an |
| feeling confident you are not getting ripped off | | | | investigator have? |
| and being treated unfairly. | | | | Can the Investigator supply you with a |
| In North Carolina there are many Private | | | | curriculum vitae or reference list of years of |
| Investigators specializing in many areas of | | | | experience? |
| investigations. In North Carolina, a P.I. MUST be | | | | Do they seem pushy or overly persistent? |
| licensed by the Private Protective Services Board | | | | If a private investigator specializes in a |
| (PPSB) and abide by N.C.G.S 74C. Also, a Private | | | | particular field do they have the documentation to |
| Investigator can be a member of their | | | | back it up? |
| professional association, which in NC is the North | | | | Finding a private investigator is easy but will you |
| Carolina Association of Private Investigators. | | | | feel comfortable and confident that a good job will |
| Other state requirements may vary, however a | | | | be done on your case no matter the results? |
| potential P.I. MUST be licensed and bonded before | | | | Unfortunately, many investigators are not ethical, |
| you even consider contracting with them. To | | | | professional or competent and it hurts the |
| entrust your case with an incompetent | | | | profession. If you compare, ask questions, see |
| investigator with no license can not only hurt your | | | | credentials pertinent to your case and follow up |
| investigative effort but actually may damage your | | | | with licensing bodies, you should feel confident |
| case. | | | | your case will be worked in a professional and |
| KEYS TO HIRING A P.I. - | | | | competent manner. |
| MAKE SURE THE PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR OR | | | | Never settle with the first investigative service |
| COMPANY HAS THE FOLLOWING: | | | | you contact, no matter how qualified they may |
| Licensed by PPSB | | | | seem. Some investigators will not haggle prices, |
| Has a License number | | | | but it is likely you can establish some type of |
| Check to make sure they have no disciplinary | | | | quote for the services you require. Shop around |
| action through PPSB, The Better Business Bureau | | | | and determine which company or investigator |
| and the North Carolina Association for Private | | | | best fits both your needs and price point. If you |
| Investigators | | | | request an in-depth project requiring substantial |
| Are they a member of the Better Business | | | | resources and time, expect that the price may be |
| Bureau and their professional association? | | | | fairly high. |
| Are their rates too high or does it seem like | | | | In summary, be absolutely sure of the |
| they are price gouging? | | | | qualifications and experience of your P.I., and |
| Do they have certificates or credentials for | | | | verify their training, background, work history, |
| the services they claim to provide. (Some private | | | | military experience (if applicable), and overall |
| investigators claim to do Executive Protection, but | | | | approach. Your safety, and the safety of loved |
| do they have a certificate of completion or | | | | ones, is far too important to settle for anything |
| military training)? | | | | less than the best. |