While the image of the private eye endures in the public perception and
film, reality lies somewhere between the Hollywood "down-and-out"
gumshoe and the mythical "computerphile," who can access all of the
information in existence on all of us.
Today's practitioner is often called upon to perform archetypical yet
needed services such as marital infidelity surveillance. This may be
the image of the PI to some, but every investigator knows that collected
information and discretion are the stock in trade. This article, by
intent, does not address the issue of legal investigators whose work is
controlled by the attornies they service.
A PI needs to have traditional and electronic data sources, excellent
equipment, experienced personnel, expertise, and credibility.
Investigators must meet the needs and standards of the public and
business communities for reliable collected information, a high level of
effort, results orientation, consumer affairs and unfailing discretion.
This is equally true of the specialist or the full-service house.
What does a Private Investigator do?
Some PIs do intricate hidden asset cases, due diligence for business
acquisitions, disability or workmen's comp fraud, runaway children,
criminal defense, marital suspicions, background checks, child custody
disputes, parental kidnaping, internal theft, night video observation,
missing persons, paralegal services, legal service of process, skip
tracing, counterfeit product or franchise violations, competitor
intelligence, executive protection, adoption, debugging or electronic
countermeasures and more.
How do clients select a Private Investigator?
There is no licensing of PIs in Colorado! Further, not just anyone can
do the work and be good at it. Usually, only major firms can claim to
be a full-service house with responsible experience across the field.
Look for expertise in the field pertaining to your case. One example is
the number of unqualified PI's who claim to do "de-bugging" or
Electronic Countermeasures. Though this subject alone could make
another article, the point is, that without REAL credentials and
certification, these types only do a "rain dance" with cute little black
boxes. It will cost you and you won't know the difference as the
eavesdropping threat continues. This aspect of the selection process is
paramount to the favorable outcome of your case; regardless of the type.
References
Seeking the references of a PI always poses a unique problem in that
most clients want to remain very anonymous. However, for commercial
matters, most firms can provide some limited contacts.
Stability a major factor
The amount of time an agency has been in business is critical! The
number of agencies with disconnected numbers can often equal half of the
yellow page listings each year. A mature and permanent firm has a stake
in the community and needs repeat clients. The advertised claim of
years of experience is hard to verify while the age of the firm can be
readily determined through a call to the BBB.
Insist on access and responsiveness
Immediate telephone access to an investigator is very important.
Particularly in this profession, a legitimate office location and an
informed staff indicate a more permanent and stable firm. Be wary of
virtual offices concealed behind the veneer of private mail drops and
answering services. Ask for an immediate quote over the phone and be
wary of firms that will have someone call you back. Check out the
company's website and compare the ads to the BBB file. Commitment to
client education and access indicates a practice of responsiveness and
accountability. One firm in town has real time access to an
investigator 7 days a week.
What does a PI charge for services?
Expect an hourly, daily or flat rate fee depending on the firm and the
type of case. The fee can vary widely. Hourly rates at permanent firms
will be from $50-85 per hour. Consider that a long-standing permanent
agency that charges a higher price, but is still in business, may be
getting that price for a reason. The cheap shops come and go; often
with your retainer! As with anything, if cost is more important than
the result you seek, then cheap can be what you get. Balance the
consequences of hiring the wrong firm for a delicate task; sort of like
shopping for the cheapest surgeon in town.
What can the client expect in return?
The client should be involved in strategy, timing, and consultation both
before work is begun and during the assignment. You are paying for the
agent's time and experience so use both wisely. Do not expect results
from a surveillance investigator who works alone. It takes two
investigators to discreetly follow your subject and most bargain firms
will do the job on the cheap; with disastrous results. Insist on a film
record of the investigator's observations if surveillance is required.
Get a contract!
Since payment in advance is customary, you should always ask if a
contract is available before money changes hands. Be sure that you know
how much you are spending, how your retainer will be spent and when you
can expect your report.
What is the life of a PI like?
You have to like the work! A PI has the privilege of working a task and
seeing the end result. The job is important, always evolving, ever
challenging and demanding. PIs appear in publications, TV documentaries
and behind the scenes on headline making cases. Collected information
and analysis can have a lasting impact on everyone and everything it
involves. Further, since we mostly work in secret on issues of great
sensitivity, professional satisfaction has to come from within. Truth
is, many cases are worked with a cold sandwich and a thermos by our
side. Bringing home the truth. Mickey Spillane would have been proud.
Glen Wilson established Pike's Peak Investigative Services in 1984.
Glen's experience included law enforcement and business management,
experience with an intelligence agency of the US government, and over 17
years as a Private Investigator.
Achievements included Membership status in ASIS, and NACI and BBB
Arbitrator of the Year. Graduate Certifications include TSA Institute
for Countermeasures Studies, Certified Colorado and Florida Police
Officer (Former) and the National Association of Certified
Investigators.
The Company maintains offices at 1515 S. Tejon St., Suite 200, CSC 80906
in Colorado Springs and convenient locations in Denver. Consultations are
available by telephone or by appointment at (719) 634-4344 in Colorado
Springs or (303) 758-1757 in Denver.
