Savannah Georgia Private Investigators

It’s not every day that people require the services of a private investigator.  Therefore, it is difficult to know what to expect when you do set out to hire one.

When obtaining the services of a private investigator, take enough time to ensure that you get the right one.  However, when the services of a private investigator are needed, it is usually regarding a highly personal and subsequently emotional matter.

Like many practitioners, investigators have areas of specialty and areas of practice that they do not engage in at all.  It is not necessarily one-stop shopping to pick up the phone and call an investigator.  Whether the case involves a domestic matter, an area of corporate fraud, handwriting analysis, or is of a corporate nature, such as pre-employment background investigations, be sure that the investigator has at least one client that can attest to their abilities within that area.  For example, Domestic work almost always involves an attorney either during or after the investigation.  Thus the investigator should have an attorney who can act as a reference on his or her behalf.

Confidentiality is the staple of this industry.  That is why it is called “Private” Investigations.  An investigator should NEVER speak to specific work done for a client and all matters should be kept completely confidential unless the client has specified otherwise. If an investigator EVER mentions an individual’s name, location or information regarding a specific investigation, it would be a breach of confidentiality and belies all ethical standards and this behavior should be reported to the state regulating agency.  In Georgia, that state agency, The State Board of Private Detectives and Security Agencies is a part of the Secretary of State’s office and can be located through their website, http://www.sos.ga.gov/plb/.  If an investigator should treat a client in a manner unbefitting to the profession or if an individual is found to be practicing without a license, a complaint can be filed easily at this website.

Most importantly, make certain that the investigator you are about to hire is licensed by the state of Georgia to practice as an investigator.  Check the Secretary of State’s website to determine if there are pending consent orders and to ensure that the investigator’s license is currently active.

An investigator should present a contract for his or her services to be signed at the time the client retains their services.  This contract should outline the work to be performed and all fees associated with the work.
Lastly, spend time talking to the investigator.  The initial meeting with an investigator should be lengthy and as much information as possible regarding the case should be discussed as well as possible scenarios that could arise during the course of the investigation.  If anything during this conversation makes you uncomfortable or uncertain about the methods or possible ramifications of the actions of the investigator, call another investigator and make an appointment to speak with them before signing a contract.

Just as when you hire an attorney to represent you in a legal matter or hire any professional to complete a job for you, it is imperative that you are comfortable that you have hired the right investigator for your case.  You should be comfortable with the investigator and confident in their abilities before proceeding with the investigation regardless of how short or long the task.
If you have any questions about hiring an investigator for any work, please feel free to call our office and schedule an appointment for a consultation.  The consultation, as always, is free of charge.