Hiring a Private Investigator need not need to be a difficult trying experience

First, don’t use a listing company which is a waste of time and adds to the cost of your investigation. Don’t expect a listing company such as Bark and Thumbtack which list “jacks of all trades” and whose paying ad customers are typically NOT Pennsylvania detective agencies actually located in the state or even licensed in Pennsylvania.

Also a number of large out of state agencies that are unlicensed to work in Pennsylvania are listing themselves as service providers in Pennsylvania which is dishonest and misleading. These companies are attempting to deceive PA residents in need of in state detective services that they actually are locating in Pennsylvania. They then shop a customer’s work to low bid subcontractors located in Pennsylvania. Typically this results in use of an unlicensed person with minimal experience and most likely working under another private investigator’s license registered in Pennsylvania.

The result of using a listing service is you aren’t likely contracting directly with a PA state licensed detective agency and not likely to receive a licensed private detective for your field work. You will end up paying what you would pay by directly by contacting a licensed Pennsylvania private detective agency serving your community in PA, and with better results and whose findings and work will withstand legal scrutiny for your civil and or criminal legal need.

THE BEST START IS TO perform organic Google searches, check their Google reviews and then select (3) detective agencies to call that offer a free consultation and will provide a complete cost estimate and be sure to do the following investigation of your own before selecting a licensed private investigator:

Always inquire on their minimal retainer amount to start your investigation.  DO NOT SELECT AN AGENCY that asks for several thousand dollars in advance. The best option is to request a starting retainer that is in your budget and select an agency that will allow you to start your investigation for as little as $250. This will allow you to avoid being roped into an arrangement with licensed investigator you are not happy with.  It also allows you to better budget your private investigation by making distributed payments as opposed to thousands of dollars in advance. Verify that the “investigator” is a registered licensed and bonded private investigator. Ask it they will subcontract or assign work to unlicensed individuals?

Verify that the “investigator” is a registered licensed and bonded private investigator. Ask it they will subcontract or assign work to unlicensed individuals?

Always request the license, bond and professional resume of the investigator working your case.

Pennsylvania residents can verify that the private investigator they plan to hire is licensed by contacting the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) Private Detective Roster phone number at 717-783-3762.  You can also request the docket number for their license and find this on the PA Court public access system.

Additionally you should make sure the private detective you hire is also a Pennsylvania Act 235 licensed agent if your assignment relates to an urgent security need.