Doing a google search of private investigator UK, you are overwhelmed with the amount of companies operating in the industry today. This could be down to the continuing cuts in the police force as this is a natural progression for an officer or police employee, like myself, or maybe there has always been private investigators in the industry and you just don’t know about them until you use them!
One question a lot of people ask is ‘how do you know who to choose?’ That is something I want to cover, so when and if you have the need for a private investigator you know what to look out for to ensure the best results.
Like with any industry there are a lot of cowboys and frauds. I personally have been victim of a fraudulent private investigator for a LOT of money so be as suspicious about investigators as you are about the person you want investigating. There are however a lot of diamonds in the industry who are exceptional investigators cracking cases people would think are unsolvable.
Firstly look out for their accreditations. There are various organisations such as United Kingdom Professional Investigators Network (UKPIN), Association of British Investigators (ABI), World Association of Private Investigators (WAPI) and the Institute of Professional Investigators (IPI). Investigators and companies can join these organisations to ensure credibility in the industry as they are supported by the organisation. Taylor Investigations are members of UKPIN and are planning to associate with WAPI in the very near future. Be mindful that some people are individual investigators, not part of a larger business, but they can still be associated with these organisations as individuals. I am fully aware there are some good investigators who are not part of the above organisations but if you are in doubt get in contact with any of these organisations and ascertain if they are aware of the individual you are considering and if they can uphold their reputation to continue with hiring them.
Secondly look for testimonials on their website. Testimonials are the best way to show clients have used them in the past and they are skilled at their roles. Testimonials maybe on their website but also search the company for any reviews. See if there are any bad reviews out there to suggest they maybe worth keeping away from. If they have testimonials ask if you can see the original copies. This may be censored due to data protection but they should be able to prove an audit trail.
Now if you find a private investigator who says they can find out everything and anything – they are lying! Private Investigators have no special authorisation and they obtain information that is available publicly. We normally have to pay for it and you have to know where to look but our expertise are to look where none else would normally as well as having the skills to observe and investigate cases. Don’t be taken in by an investigator telling you they can obtain the same amount of information police can, they can’t. Be realistic and ensure the investigator is honest with your expectations.
The main point to take away from this article is to always trust your instinct and if you aren’t sure ask them to see testimonials and check with the above mentioned organisations to verify their credibility. Or to save all that leg work just come to Taylor Investigations direct and you will know you are in the right hands to find the truth to your questions.