Questions
Questions
Why hire a CPA Professional Investigator
and NOT do it yourself…
1. Experience
The investigative knowledge attained by a private investigator in the course of their employment probably equals or exceeds what most people will learn in a lifetime. A simple mistake during an investigation can destroy any chance of success in the future. Remember, if a mistake is made while attempting to conduct your own investigation, it may well require even the most talented investigators to spend measurable amounts amounts of time to complete your assignment safely and productively.
2. Aptitude
One of the greatest advantages of utilizing a Licensed Private Investigator is their ability to conduct an assignment surreptitiously. If, for example, you attempt to undertake your own surveillance (which could be construed as stalking http://www.
3. Professional Peril
Danger is always a consideration. Ask any seasoned Investigator and they will surely explain that their highest priority is the safety of his or her client, along with the general public and themselves as well. Investigators are generally well trained in how to handle themselves in the remote event that they are detected and even confronted. Sadly, this happens more often than you might imagine when an inexperienced individual is detected conducting a surveillance or stakeout. Experienced Investigators always have a cover story, escape route and back up plan.
4. Skill and Talent
Television does not prepare anyone for real life investigations. Nothing compares to hands-on experience. When hiring our doctors, lawyers, accountants, mechanics, plumbers, etc., we always seek highly trained and credentialed experts to assist us with our problems. Know who you are hiring… “LETTERS of RECOGNITION”
5. How long does it take?
How long the assignment might take, when will it start, do you work nights and weekends as necessary, and how long does a typical case such as my own take to be completed? These are just a few of the questions that you might have, but the answers are contingent on the type of Investigative Services you require. Every case has it’s own merits and should be address as such. Do you require Surveillance, General Investigation, maybe Research? A consultation with a Professional Investigator is painless and helps shed some light on all your questions.
6.Cost or budget
Depending on the type of Investigative Services required, most Professional Agencies with years of experience will charge approximately $95./ hour or an average of $1000./ day depending on the evidence required. So, if your case requires several days of Surveillance or Physical Investigative field work, then you should budget accordingly. Retaining someone who is willing to do it for cheap ends up exactly that way… cheap and ineffective!!
7. Courtroom Experience
In the event that your investigator needs to testify, how well will they present themselves on your behalf? Who is more believable,… a cost saver investigator who has never testified, or has only testified a few times, or a seasoned investigator who has testified numerous times in both provincial and/or supreme court as well as mediation/ arbitration and pre-trails? When hiring an Investigator, you are essentially retaining the services of an unbiased third party who will present evidence on your behalf because that is what they are trained to do.
8.The Law
Private investigators are licensed and are vigorously tested in the British Columbia in order to be issued a license. They must be prepared to keep their clients well informed. All investigators have a responsibility to inform any potential or current client if they appear to be requesting services that exceed the limitation of the law. Legitimate and well-versed investigators will advise you how to meet your goals while staying well within the legal guidelines that govern investigative work. Your investigator is an extension of you, acting on your behalf and obtaining admissible evidence
9. Do Investigators carry guns?
No, Private Investigators in Canada do NOT carry guns, nor is should they need to if they are good at their job. A good Investigator knows how the obtain their evidence undetected and can work in a covert capacity if required to do so.
10. Can Investigators give me Legal Advise?
Private Investigators are not Lawyers, so they do NOT provide legal advise. An experienced Investigator who has years of experience can provide you comparative examples from previous cases similar to yours, but that is all. Agencies who have been in the industry for years will have well established relationships with Law Firms who they can refer to you.
11. Should I investigate my cheating spouse?
In British Columbia, there is no fault divorce, so catching your spouse having an affair will have no legal baring on your case. (Not all Provinces or States work this way, so please check the laws in your area) Assets are normally divided 50/50 and then all the rest falls into play for the courts to decide regarding years or marriage, children, primary bread winner, etc. A Spousal Investigation will give you peace of mind that your decision was a good one to leave and that perhaps the person you are with, is no longer the person you first met. But, infidelity is more than someone breaking that trust… there are other things to consider now, like transmitting diseases or the damage that one persons poor choices cause to children, extended family and friends or even financial investments that were built up for your retirement. If you only have time invested in your relationship, then go for counselling or walk away and call it a lesson learned. Don’t hire an Investigator to be vengeful or think that you will come out farther ahead after you dig up all that dirt on your spouse, because you won’t.
12. Can I install cameras or listening devises in someones else’s house?
No, unlike what happens on TV, you can not install any type of electronic devise in someone else’s home. There are several sections of the Canadian Criminal Code that cover this type of act, and it is an invasion of privacy. Depending on the situation, an individual commenting such an offence can be subject to a $5000.00 fine and up to 5 years in prison. See section 184 of C.C.C. http://laws-lois.
