8 Questions To Ask Before Hiring a Private Detective In Greenville

Most people never think they’ll need the services of a private detective. It’s a profession that comes with many misconceptions.

What most people don’t understand is that a private investigator can help with a wide range of legal issues. From child custody cases to fraud investigations, a detective can have a huge impact on an ongoing case.

If you suddenly find yourself in need of a detective, you’re probably at a loss as to how to find the right one for you. However, the process is easier than you think. You simply need to know the right questions to ask.

To help you out, we’re going over eight questions you need to ask when interviewing a private detective in Greenville, SC. This will ensure you find the right person for the job.

1. Are They a Licensed Investigator?

Most states require a private detective to carry a specific license, South Carolina included. Although it’s a state requirement, it’s still a good idea to ask.

A license ensures that the investigator you work with has the proper education and training along with necessary experience. This experience usually includes work with law enforcement or government agencies.

Some firms have many people working for them, not all of whom are licensed. You’ll want to confirm that the person handling your case has one.

If you’re hiring a detective as part of a legal case, it’s important they carry a license in the event that the evidence from their investigation becomes part of the case.

2. Do You Have Insurance?

When looking for a private detective in Greenville, ask each candidate if they have liability insurance. This is extremely important if things take a wrong turn during the investigation.

You may even want to ask how much they’re insured for on their policy. This may seem like overkill, but you need to have all your bases covered before hiring someone. If they’re adequately covered, they’ll have no problem letting you know.

This is important in the event of a lawsuit against you as a result of improper practices during the investigation. Don’t leave yourself vulnerable to liability because your detective didn’t carry insurance.

3. What Hours Are They Available?

You’ll want to get a sense of the schedule your private detective in Greenville will hold during the investigation. The nature of their work requires great flexibility, so it’s a good idea you confirm they will be up to the task.

Your case could require investigative work performed at night. If you’re interviewing an investigator and they state they only work typical 9 to 5 hours, you should probably move on to the next candidate.

Of course, your detective is only human, and can’t work around the clock every day. Ask if other investigators will help gather information for your case. If so, are they all licensed?

4. Can They Provide References?

Ask a potential investigator if they’re able to provide references. This could be a previous client whose case was similar to yours.

Now, there’s obviously a confidentiality issue when it comes to private detective work. However, if a previous client’s case was resolved, they may not mind providing some insight into the investigator’s professional manner and overall methods.

When speaking to previous clients, ask about the communication process during the case. Was the detective easy to get ahold of? How was sensitive information concerning the case communicated?

You may also be able to find testimonials on an investigator’s website or reviews on social media or sites like Yelp.

5. What Methods Will They Use?

Depending on your case, a private detective in Greenville may use a number of methods and pieces of equipment to get the job done. It’s important you’re comfortable with the way they conduct the investigation, so make sure and get detailed information.

You want to make sure they don’t use any questionable tactics during your case. It’s important that nothing illegal happens that could compromise your legal issue.

Questionable tactics may result in inadmissible evidence during a legal case and you could end up being held responsible.

6. Can They Work with Your Attorney?

If you’re hiring a detective in conjunction with a legal case, they need to be ready to work directly with your attorney. If the person you’re interviewing says they won’t, you need to consider other candidates.

Many times, the information gathered during an investigation has a direct impact on the outcome of a case. This information is often used as evidence in things like adultery or cohabitation issues.

If your investigator isn’t willing to work with your attorney, there’s no reason to hire them.

7. What Kind of Experience Do They Have?

Aside from the experience required for the state license, it’s a good idea to ask what specific detective experience they have. Specifically, what does their professional background look like and do they have extensive experience with cases similar to yours?

It may be appealing to hire someone who claims to know how to handle every type of investigation. However, they may just be trying to get your business. It’s actually more beneficial to go with someone who has focused experience.

Ask for examples of cases like yours they’ve handled in the past. They probably can’t go into specifics, but they can tell you how they approached certain issues.

8. How Much Do They Cost?

It’s important you establish how you’ll be charged for a private detective in Greenville. Most investigators charge by the hour depending on what kind of work it is. They may also have incidental charges during the case.

Make sure the person you’re interviewing is upfront about all fees so you’re not surprised by extra charges. It’s important to establish this right away so you can budget appropriately and let the detective concentrate on your case.

Find the Right Private Detective in Greenville, SC

This is likely a traumatic and stressful time for you. If you’re in the middle of a court case, or simply need to confirm your suspicions about a family member or friend, you need to work with someone you can trust.

Use the eight questions discussed above to find the perfect detective for your situation. It’ll pay off in the long-run.

We provide a number of investigative services in Greenville and the surrounding areas. Contact us today to learn more.

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Stillinger Investigations is the Best Private Investigator in Columbia SC! Brian Stillinger is the owner of one of the most prominent private investigation companies in South Carolina.
At Stillinger Investigations, we have 125+ years of combined investigative experience and a diverse team with a wide range of backgrounds and qualifications.
We are a private investigation team focusing on adultery, child custody, insurance fraud, civil litigation and criminal defense investigations. With 12 full-time, licensed investigators, we provide prompt, thorough, dependable service to attorneys, insurance companies and individual clients throughout the Southeast US. We maintain a full range of technical and surveillance equipment, including specialize
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