Licensure for private investigators became mandatory in Colorado June 1, 2015. This is, of course, the first thing you want to check. Colorado has statutes restricting licenses from individuals with criminal histories so you can be assured that a licensed private investigator has had their background checked and verified before you even begin. Being state licensed also means private investigators have been trained and met the experience component for qualifying. In addition, licensed private investigators who provide services for a legal purpose are generally already qualified to provide testimony in a court of law which saves the attorney and client time.

One factor you need to consider is how a private investigation firm will handle your case. Will you be getting personal service from the investigator you meet with or will, as in the case of many larger firms, your case be subcontracted out? While some larger firms have many employees they delegate cases to, many of them also outsource their cases so you need to know how your particular case will be managed, especially if you want quality personal service.

Experience is a factor when choosing a private investigator. However, as previously stated, licensed private investigators have obtained experience in training to meet the qualifications for licensure. While long established private investigative firms may have more experience, newer private investigators could provide the best bang for your buck. Fresh training in the law, surveillance techniques, case management and lower caseloads can get the results you need at a wallet friendly price. The key is to take the time to interview investigators and make sure their background and/or expertise suits your particular case. Make sure the firm is up-to date on the latest technology available to the industry and that you feel comfortable with the way your case will be handled and the results you can expect in the end.

The cost of service when choosing a private investigator is important too. However, you don’t want to hire someone just because they are cheaper than the next guy. Make sure there is transparency in the accounting, and that you are getting the best quality service for your money. A newer private investigator may offer lower rates in the beginning and be an excellent choice for your case just as an older established firm may charge higher rates but your case isn’t a priority, and vice-versa. Again, it comes down to weighing your expectations, how you feel about your initial interview, and who you feel most comfortable with against your budget.

When you decide to enlist the services of a private investigative service, have a plan, write down questions you want to ask, make sure you understand how the firm charges its time, get a timeline, and be clear about what you can expect in your final report. Then, and only then, can you make the best decision about who you want to hire for your case.