Over the past 25 years, licensed private detectives have increasingly provided investigative service to the nation’s insurance industry and business community. In fact, the private detective service industry has been among the fastest growing of all service industries over the last 10 years. With growth, however, come the inevitable few proverbial bad eggs. The greater majority of licensed private detectives in Michigan and throughout the United States are qualified and reputable, but just like “hiring” a doctor or a lawyer, how do you really know who and what you are getting?
An investigative service can empower the private sector with information for good decision-making. It is critical to choose the right service for the assignment. Here are some useful tips:
Insurance “Licensed and Bonded” should be considered a basic credential. However, it often means little more than paying fees to a government agency or an insurance company. It is equally important to ask if the investigative service carries professional liability insurance to protect the service as well as you.
Insist on proof of licensure and proof of a minimum coverage of two million dollars of errors and omissions and professional liability insurance. The state agency that regulates the private detective industry in Michigan is the Department of Consumer and Industry Services. Check with the licensing agency to confirm how long he/she has been licensed, and determine if there are any complaints on file.
Methods Discuss what investigative procedures will be employed, how much time it will take, and all costs involved. Does the investigative service know enough civil and criminal law to make wise field decisions? Does the service possess the technology to deliver what you need? What investigator will actually be conducting the work you require? What is his/her level of experience, and how will that person be supervised? Insist upon timeliness and set deadlines. Also discuss and agree upon realistic financial parameters ahead of time.
It is reasonable and definitely your right to understand how the investigation is to be conducted. Most often, a common sense approach is the best. If you have questions about legal or ethical issues, resolve before the investigation is started.
Reputation and Professionalism Check with local law firms, businesses and/or insurance claims offices for their recommendations of the best local services. Has the investigative service retained employees and supported them with regular training? Inquire as to what professional organization(s) the investigative service belongs. Look for at least one statewide, one national and one international membership. If you don’t know the requirements for membership, find out. Some investigators have initials after their name, such as CLI, CFE and others. Again, if you do not know what they represent, find out before you are impressed. A national network of support through respected professional organizations is often necessary to complete assignments that cross state and national boundaries.
In Michigan, detectives who are members of three or more of the following indicate an intent on their part to networking with others around the state, the United States and the world in furtherance of providing professional service. These organizations include: the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE), the Michigan Council of Private Detectives, the American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS), Investigators On-line Network (ION), the National Society of Professional Insurance Investigators (NSPII), the Society of Competitive Intelligence Professionals (SCIP), the National Association of Investigators and Security Specialists (NAISS), the World Association of Detectives (WAD), the World Investigators Network (WIN) and local and state Chambers of Commerce.
Effective Communication Once you hire a service, maintain regular and detailed communications. You can ensure that the work is being performed in keeping with your instructions and thus ensure a high-quality work product. Effective communications between you and the investigator are critical!
As with doctors or lawyers, many detectives provide satisfactory services. Since, however, many times the information is sensitive in nature, it is essential that clients feel comfortable in their working relationship with the detective. It is recommended that when establishing a new relationship, that several detectives be “interviewed” to determine which one is the best “fit.” Price is not the most important consideration; you must be able to communicate your needs and feel that you are being heard. Just as with any other professional, if your calls are not being returned on time or if the detective is not on top of the facts, look elsewhere for a more effective service.
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