When you are looking for the right Private Investigator for your case, the internet is full of advice and traits to look out for. It is impossible to remember every detail, and you may miss something important, like trying to remember an entire shopping list, but then looking at the shelves of options and drawing a blank! So I am here to tell you today that all you have to remember is this – a good PI should be able to keep a S.E.C.R.E.T
Sense of Intuition
Very often, our unconscious minds will pick up on something not being right before we have really registered it for ourselves. This is sometimes called a ‘gut feeling’ or ‘sixth sense’. Whether it is a changing pattern, someone acting strangely or simply that you are in an unsafe situation, this feeling you get in the pit of your stomach is your body’s way of telling you something is wrong. Listening to this instinct rarely steers me wrong, and regularly leads me to finding new evidence which can make or break a case!
Evidence Driven
A successful PI needs to be have a variety of resources at their disposal to uncover evidence. Not only that, they need to be ready and willing to keep digging even if a case appears shut. The phrase that faces every jury is ‘proof beyond a reasonable doubt’ and that standard is what a PI should be striving for always.
Credibility
Whether its proven qualifications, years of experience or personal recommendations, a good PI will be able to back up why they are worth hiring. I personally possess multiple qualifications in Forensic Science, Profiling, Intermediate Criminology and, of course, Private Investigation, as well as years experience under my belt now and references from my clients. It is really important that you have all the tools you need to make an informed decision about who you hire – don’t be afraid to ask your prospective PI to provide evidence of their credentials.
Resilience
Being a PI is often difficult and can be isolating. When you are conducting hours of surveillance, alone, waiting for your mark to do something or you chase leads that result in dead end, it can be hard to push through and keep going. But a good PI will not stop until they get you a result you need.
Easy to Talk to
Not only should you personally find your PI easy to talk to, they should also find socialising with strangers a breeze. If they come across as stand offish, shy or aggressive in any way, they are less likely to conduct successful interviews or get people opening up to them, revealing useful evidence.
Trustworthy
When you are looking for a Private Investigator, above all else, you are looking for someone you can trust. Usually dealing with personal or sensitive information, you need to be confident that the person you are hiring is both professional and discreet. The best way to be sure of this is to ask for references. Also, trust your gut. It may sound silly but, as someone who follows that Sense of Intuition daily, I can tell you it is a really useful source to home in on. If you meet someone and feel uncomfortable discussing your case with them, listen to that instinct and move on.
If you need Private Investigation services, get in touch today for a FREE 30 minute consultation!
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