Evaluating Investigative Service Firms

Experience: Determine quantitative level of experience.

Determine the experience level of the principals and of those individuals who will be assigned to your case. Determine if the individuals themselves are licensed or in a training status. If licensed, inquire as to the number of hours of accumulated experience.

In 1990, California licensing requirements were tightened to require 6,000 hours of practical work under the direction of a licensed investigator. Prior to that only 2,000 hours were required and even less were required in the 60's.

Expertise: Evaluate specific expertise vis-a-vis your needs.

Determine if the expertise available is appropriate to your needs. As in the legal profession, there are many areas of specialization. Some investigators have consumers (noncorporate entities) as clients for civil and domestic matters; some specialize in criminal investigations; and some deal almost exclusively with corporations and the legal profession.

Clearly, if you require assistance in matters pertaining to due diligence or white-collar crime, you would not select a service whose primary income is derived from domestic or criminal matters.

Billing: Understand billing philosophy and practices.

Billing for professional services has been described as a black art. The firm should produce detailed invoices that accurately reflect time spent and services provided. It is not unusual for a service quoting low hourly rates to cost more than "expensive" competition as a result of over-billing. Review actual examples of invoices rendered.

Computer Expertise: Know the limitations.

Some databases are updated daily, some weekly and some are years old. The absence of finding data in a computer search may lead to an incorrect conclusion that the subject has no record, yet in fact the absence of data merely represents non-current information from that particular source. A little knowledge in computer research can be extremely dangerous.

Computer expertise has become an increasingly necessary skill. Properly employed, computers linked to on-line information systems can speed the research process, cross-reference data to assure accuracy and ultimately save you, the client, money. However, an investigator's experience with different databases and an understanding of their limitations is critical so that data is not misinterpreted, misunderstood or misapplied.

Ask for a demonstration of computer capability if it is pertinent to your needs. Engage in questioning which might uncover the investigator's level of sophistication, inclusive of his knowledge of the limitations of the databases queried.

Image: Evaluate the professional image of the firm and its staff.

The individual investigator is indirectly representing your firm. He or she may be called upon in legal proceedings in support of evidence or information provided. Is his or her professional image (appearance, vocabulary, education, demeanor, etc.) consistent with the requirements of your firm?

References: Check references and regulatory agencies.

Ask for a list of current and former clients and call them to confirm their satisfaction with the investigative firm. Call the Department of Consumer Affairs, Bureau of Security and Investigative Services to see if any complaints have been filed. Also, check with the Chamber of Commerce and the Better Business Bureau to seek additional information.

Organization/Facilities: Are they of professional quality?

Does the firm have professional facilities with the necessary tools (computers, facsimiles, word processors, recorders, photographic equipment, radios, cellular phones, etc.) to provide quality and timely services or are they ad hoc services provided from home? Is the firm a sole proprietorship, partnership or registered corporation? Be sure to schedule a meeting at their facility.

License & Insurance: Does the firm have a license and certificate of insurance?

Ask to see a copy of the investigative firm's license and certificate of insurance. A firm without either exposes you to liability for their actions.

Professional Associations: Are they a member of professional associations?

Is the provider active within his/her own industry? Associations such as the Society of Former Special Agents of the FBI and CALI (California Association of Licensed Investigators) keep their members up-to-date with matters of importance to the industry. Does the investigator belong to organizations pertinent to your industry/need and is he/she active in community organizations such that a credible image is continuously upheld?