Legal Investigations

Q. What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?

A. When looking for a Private Investigator, make sure the investigator is properly licensed and a member of a professional association. Professional associations will assure you that the investigator maintains a certain level of continued training and education.

It is also important for the investigator to have experience in the area related to your needs. Like many professions, private investigators have specialized areas of practice. Take the time and look for the person that fits your needs, don’t settle for “one size fits all.”

Once you have located the right investigator, it is important for each of you to spell out all of your needs and requirements. The investigator should also have a written retainer agreement with all of his or her fees and expenses. Make sure all of your needs are on that agreement and all costs are disclosed.

Much like selecting an attorney or physician, a personal conversation and developing a level of trust goes a long way in selecting the proper investigator.

Much like picking the right tool for the job, selecting the right private investigator for your job will make sure your job is completed properly.

Q. If you were a customer, what do you wish you knew about your trade? Any inside secrets to share?

A. The State requires that all Private Investigators be licensed. Make sure your investigator is licensed, trained, and experienced in the area of you required investigation.

California does not require Private Investigators to receive continuing education or training. However a good investigator will often attend classes and conferences to stay apprised on changes in the laws and investigative techniques.

Keep in mind the lowest hourly rate may not always be the best value. An investigator experience with the type of investigation you require can often complete the investigation in less time and save you money in the long run.

Q. What questions should a consumer ask to hire the right service professional?

A. Most investigators will have a prepared Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume. Take the time to read about their training and experience. The time you put into your selection process will be time well spent.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Ask your prospective investigator how long they have been working as an investigator, how long they have been in business, and how many cases like yours have they investigated.

Beware of an investigator making too many promises. A professional investigator can tell you what he will do and what he hopes to accomplish within a certain amount of time. However, an investigator can not and should not make promises on the outcome of the investigation. No one can predict the future and an investigator should not promise certain results.

Trust your own instincts. If the investigator you are considering does not feel right, then keep looking. Both you and your investigator should feel comfortable with each other. You may not always have a second chance to do the investigation over, the last thing you want is the wrong investigator using up your one and only chance at a proper investigation.

Q. What important information should buyers have thought through before seeking you out?

A. Know your budget before you begin your search for an investigator. Some investigations can become very time consuming, very fast. With all investigators, time is money.

Determine what your minimum needs are versus your desired results regarding your investigation. Often what a client needs and what a client wants are two different things.

Ask what you can provide to make your investigator’s job easier, before your selection is made. A good investigator should be able to give you some basic suggestions to make their job quicker and smoother. Avoid the investigator that tells you, “I will take care of everything.” You should not participate in the investigation, but you should have some input on the preparation and initial information gathering. After all, you are the best source of background information regarding your case.

Good communication between you and your investigator is important. Don’t play games by concealing information form your investigator, just to see if they will find the same information on their own. You would only be wasting your investigator’s time and your money. The more information you can provide up front, the more time and money you can save on your investigation.

Make sure your investigator has time for your case. A good investigator is always going to be very busy, but they should be able to tell you when they can start and when they can complete your investigation.

Q. Why does your work stand out from others who do what you do?

A. Your case will be treated with outstanding professionalism and my personal guarantee of exceptional investigative services. I have worked in law enforcement and related fields since 1978. My field of expertise and continued growth remains in criminal investigations. I retired as a respected Sergeant of the Placer County Sheriff's Department and continue to expand on my experience in the field of Private Investigations.

I have been appointed by Governor Schwarzenegger to the State of California’s Bureau of Security and Investigative Services, Disciplinary Review Board. I have also been elected to a third term as the Sacramento District Governor for the California Association of Licensed Investigators.