While you might never have considered retaining a private investigator in your private or professional life that may simply be because you weren’t aware of the broad range of services a private investigator provides.
Private Investigators are highly trained professionals with unique skill sets that assist you in gathering information for specific reasons. They are licensed and insured. They work closely with law enforcement and the legal community.
They know how to gather and protect evidence so that it is admissible in court. They are an independent third party professional not emotionally attached to your case.
There is a reason to hire lawyers, accountants and doctors. Private Investigators are professionals in the same right and in the proper circumstance they can be a valuable asset to your legal team.
How do you hire a Private Investigator?
So how do you go about choosing a private investigation agency that is right for your project? The following is a hiring guide published by the Council of Private Investigators - Ontario and you can download the full report here
www.therenwickgroup.ca
1. Go to the
Council of Private Investigators - Ontario website, the yellow pages or search online for Agencies or Investigators who specialize in the type of investigation you require.
2. Call your lawyer and ask for recommendations.
3. Consult with a friend or acquaintance that may have been in similar circumstances.
4. Identify three agencies local to you that provide the type of investigation services you require.
5. Prepare a written list of questions you are going to ask each company.
6. Confirm that the Private Investigation Companies or Private Investigators are licensed and insured.
7. Check the company name and individual license number on the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services.
a.
Licensed Agencies
b.
Licensed Individuals
8. Visit the agency office. It is required by law that all Private Investigation Agencies have a physical office address with a public entrance.
9. The business licence to provide private investigation services should be clearly displayed in their office. Request to see a copy of their certificate of insurance.
10. Request to see a sample report format.
11. Make an inquiry to the Better Business Bureau.
12. Inquire about experience, education, training and length of time in the industry. What is their level of expertise in the areas of investigation you require?
13. Ask for client references or letters of recommendation.
14. If you retain a Private Investigation Agency insist on having a written receipt for any retainer/deposit you have provided and ask for the companies HST number.
15. In most cases a Private Investigation Agency will require you to sign a contract or agreement. The agreement should clearly state what the investigation will entail, provide an estimated budget, identify a breakdown of the costs associated with the investigation and include a proposed timeline for completion. If progress payments are required clearly define the deliverables prior to signing the contract.
16. Establish specific times when you will be updated about the investigation. Define if the updates are to be written or verbal.
17. Define the deliverables you will receive after the investigation is completed. Reputable Private Investigation. Agencies will provide a full written report with details of the investigation, the time spent on investigation tasks (such as surveillance), and a detailed invoice itemizing costs associated with all phases of the investigation.
The Renwick Group is a private investigation firm founded in 1997 and is based in Barrie, Ontario. We excel in delivering our core Private Investigation Services in the most efficient, secure, and professional manner.
Source:
http://www.cpi-ontario.com/default.asp
The Renwick Group has the knowledge and experience to help you or your business solve problems such as fraud, skip tracing, locating people, litigation support, labour dispute management, and more.. Please call us at 1 (888) 722-9807 to discuss your situation.
