Cost of Hiring a Private Detective or Investigator

When I think of a private detective or investigator, what usually comes to mind is Columbo, or a disheveled little man wearing a wrinkled, khaki trench coat, with worn shoes, and in desperate need of a haircut. This stereotypical description could not be further from the truth, and I would like to share some factual information regarding the licenser of , services provided, and average costs of retaining today's private investigator (PI).

You might be wondering why anyone would feel compelled to need to hire a "private eye?" There are hundreds of reasons, and the top types of cases in the Madison, Wisconsin area are adultery and infidelity(marital), child support, visitation, and custody, unfaithful or cheating mate(non-marital), stalking or harassment, birth parent location, adopted child location. domestic, criminal, and eavesdropping detection investigations. Overall, you can pretty much hire a private detective to research any concern that you may have, as long as its legal.

For many, especially in our failing economy, hiring a detective is just not a feasible option. Monthly financial obligations keep the majority of Americans living paycheck to paycheck. Mortgage, utility, cell phone, credit card, child care and/or support , and grocery bills leave most of us scrambling just to make ends meet. However, if you have the means, and have personal issues that you are unable to resolve on your own, help is available. The rate for retaining a PI varies, and really depends on what type of service(s) you require, and which agency you choose. The typical PI rate ranges from $60.00 to $250.00 per hour, along with an additional mileage fee of 20 to 75 cents per mile. There are some agencies that offer all inclusive rate plans for certain types of cases. For example, the agency may offer 2 eight hour investigative days for an all inclusive fee of $1200.00. This includes mileage and travel time, and ensures a set fee. If you are planning on hiring a PI, Make sure to ask your agency if they offer such a plan.

OK. You have decided to hire a private detective because you suspect that your spouse is having an extra-marital affair. Be sure to do your homework before choosing a reputable PI. Be careful not to ask neighbors, co-workers, or even friends to recommend someone, as they could accidentally tip off your spouse regarding your plans. The best way is to set-up some interviews with several agencies, ask questions, and follow these tips to ensure the best outcome.

Make sure that the PI is licensed and bonded
Most states require that anyone employed in the practice of investigation be licensed, and being bonded in usually a requirement to get a PI license. Ask to see a copy of the license, and if they are unable to produce it, or say that they are not required to have one, keep looking. Steer clear of Internet companies as well. These are completely unregulated, and most of these online "investigators" do nothing more than perform background checks from public information databases.

Make sure that the PI is experienced
Many PIs have military, law enforcement, intelligence, or specialized experience (in finances, security, etc.). When you interview the candidate, ask questions about their qualifications, and what types of cases they have experience with. Bottom line: the PI should be an experienced surveillance expert.

Make sure the PI is insured
When you hire a PI, they are working for you. If they caused damage to property, or were injured while working on your case, they need to have adequate insurance to cover all losses.

Always get a signed contract
Be sure that your PI provides you with a written contract, specifying your reason for hiring the PI, and what services you will receive. If the PI refuses to work under contract, keep looking.

OK. You hired your PI, and he or she confirms that your spouse is having that extra-marital affair. You confront your significant other, and they confess. You both attempt marriage counseling(unsuccessfully), and decide to go your separate ways. A year later, you meet the love of your life, and life is grand. Was hiring a PI worth the money? In your case, absolutely. Is this the case for everyone? Probably not. It is a personal and subjective question, and the answer will revolve around the outcome of each person's experience(Advanced Surveillance Group, Inc., 2010).

Sources:
Advanced Surveillance Group, Inc. (2010). Retrieved from http://www.asg.com