Private Investigation Firm

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

A. There is no state licensing for private investigators in Idaho, which means there are not the protections that other states insure, such as background verification of each investigator, and there are no boards where a dissatisfied customer can complain. So it is imperative that you research the credentials, background and reported experience of your investigator before spending your money and sharing your sensitive, personal matter with them.

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

A. If I were in need of a private investigator in Idaho I would be very pleased to know that there is no licensing, that virtually anyone who has no relative training or experience, or even those with criminal records, are allowed to open a private investigation firm and operate freely in Idaho without any oversight at all.

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

A. A client should insist on knowing the background, training and experience of an investigator. Many investigators claim law enforcement experience to enhance their image, but do they provide details of this experience that are verifiable, or are they vague and secretive about their "experience"? A client should fee comfortable with the investigator and it is a good idea to speak with several different investigators before choosing who they will hire. A confident, honest investigator will have no problem with a client shopping around.

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

A. DRS Investigations, LLC is quickly becoming the "go-to" firm for businesses, insurance companies and law firms--not to mention private citizens--as our experience and professionalism makes the difference. Take court appearances, as a small example: Some investigators have never testified in court, or even appeared unless appearing in a personal matter. They may arrive unprepared, or unprofessional in appearance. Investigators at DRS Investigations, LLC appear in court regularly, and the founder, Danny R. Smith, has appeared and testified in Municipal, State and Federal courts from California to Washington D.C., and has testified thousands of times. Simply said, the difference is the experience.

Q. If you were advising someone who wanted to get into your profession, what would you suggest?

A. I receive calls and emails regularly--several each month--from people who want to get into my profession. Some people have the misconceived notion that the work is simple and anyone can do it; nothing can be further from the truth. Without training and a good foundation and familiarity with local, state and federal laws, one can find themselves in trouble quickly. I recommend that if someone is interested in getting into this field that they begin an internship with a reputable company and learn the trade through experienced professionals.