Nowadays, it seems like more and more people are thinking of hiring a private investigator, and it sure is easy to get where they’re coming from. With all the news about horror stories about ordinary people leading secret lives, it’s no wonder a lot of us are looking at our friends and neighbors with new found cautiousness. There are so many valid reasons to hire a private investigator or detective agency—from screening employees for your small business to doing a thorough background check on that great new nanny you found. But whatever the reason may be, if you consider turning to such a professional, it is important to do your homework first.

First things first; you should determine what your needs are. Before you even consider hiring a private investigator, you must first determine just what you need investigated. Perhaps you are suspicious that your spouse is cheating on you. Maybe you want to check out that new babysitter or nanny. Or you may suspect that an employee is being less than honest. Maybe you even want to check out that great guy or gal you met on the internet. No matter what the reason, it is important to be clear on the requirements when contacting a private investigator.

How will you know who the right private investigator is for you? Ask for references, and check them carefully. References are a must for any private investigator or detective agency. Checking with several different references and asking for detailed information is the best way to ensure you have found a quality individual or agency. There is a difference between a good investigator and a bad one. The difference between the two is, they should work and operate their business professionally and charge the correct rates and not rip you off and get rubbish results. If you look on Google or directories you will see thousands of investigators who promise certain things. Some of the things they promise shouldn’t be promised as anything can happen when conducting surveillance. You don’t always get the luck you need and there may be a chance something will go wrong, this is what a good investigator will tell you.

Make sure you also ask for frequent updates. While it won’t be necessary to call everyday, it is a good idea to keep in frequent contact with the detective or private investigator assigned to your case. Some agencies and individuals may take on more work than they can handle, and your case could get lost in the shuffle if you do not remain vigilant. By checking up frequently, you can keep your case top of mind and help to get better results.