Gilbertson Investigations
GILBERTSON INVESTIGATIONS, LLC
Minnesota Private Investigation Services
Hiring
a private investigator is an important step and one that
needs to be closely scrutinized. Engaging the services
of a private investigation service involves several
issues that must be understood by the client. Proceeding
with caution and understanding the risks, will make
hiring and working with a private investigator more
effective.
The laws, customs and practices in each state and/or
jurisdiction may vary greatly when conducting a private
investigation. There is potential exposure to the
private investigator for violation of the laws and
potentially to the underlying client who orders the
investigation. Private citizens must consider these
issues when hiring a private investigation service. In
addition, the methods of conducting a private
investigation vary greatly. If the investigator is not
experienced and knowledgeable of the laws, it may turn
out that the information gathered by the private
investigator may have limited value to the client.
Outlined below are four essentials items to consider
when conducting a private investigation or hiring a
private investigator:
1. Be sure the Private Investigator is Licensed
In most U.S. States, the law requires that private
investigators be licensed. The private investigator must
register their business with the Department of State or
other governmental authority and usually must post a
bond and demonstrate that they have the proper
insurance(s). In addition to the requirements for
bonding and insurance, it is typically required that the
private investigator pass a rigorous written test; that
(s)he have experience performing investigations and that
the investigator have a full background check, including
criminal history, references, and prior employment.
2. Be sure the Private Investigation Service is
reputable
In addition to licensure, it is important to verify the
reputation, track record, integrity and history of the
private investigation service.
Check with the BBB (Better Business Bureau) to see if
there are any complaints against the private
investigator or investigations firm.
3. Be sure to get a Letter of Engagement and Scope of
Work
Any reputable private investigation service should
supply you with a proposed letter of engagement. This
agreement should spell out the precise terms and
conditions of the proposed assignment between you and
the investigation service. The agreement should cover,
among other things, the hourly rate, an estimate of the
total cost of the assignment, the time frame of
completion, the list of objectives and the overall goals
of the assignment.
4. Be sure to understand the legal and practical
risks of conducting a private investigation
Just as with any important undertaking, conducting a
private investigation brings with it risks and issues
that must be identified and understood by the potential
client. For instance, when hiring a private
investigation service, you must know the limitations of
any private investigation service in terms of the laws
of the State and Federal government. Many state privacy
laws may be implicated when conducting private
investigations.
The private investigator should be familiar with these
laws and rules and should be able to explain the
significance of them as they relate to your particular
case.
For further information on this and any other related
issues, please email Dan Gilbertson at
dan@GilbertsonInvestigations.com.
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