Life through a lens

Finding a professional PI can be a nightmare! There are a lot of professionals out there who will provide you with good advice but there are also a great deal of so-called investigators, many of whom are self taught, 'have a go' un-professionals! (is that a real word?)

What do you think of when you first conjure up the image of a P.I?

Let me guess, is your image a well dressed, well trained professional, skilled at his/her craft or might it be the greasy haired, trilby and raincoat wearing, chain smoking chancer portrayed in so many of the old movies? Uh huh, I thought so!

Don't worry, I'm not offended (much). Today's PI professionals have to work hard to shake off the image and reputation that has gone before us....but as one of the leading professionals, it is only fair to guide you through 'the maze' and ensure that you find the right person for the job, whether that be us or any one of a number of our professional colleagues.
So here it is, the check list of things for you to tick off. Please print it off and refer to it should you have the need to approach an investigator. Trust me, any professional worth their salt will not mind in the slightest being quizzed over their credentials, standards and services. Good luck with your search and remember, we are here at the end of the phone (01789 770980) to give you advice for FREE!


Your check list
Further FAQ and advice can be found on our advice page : Advice page

1. ARE THEY AFFILIATED TO A PROFESSIONAL INVESTIGATION BODY? As private investigators do not need to be licenced yet, all good agencies should have an affiliation to one or more of the following recognised industry bodies:

• World Association of Professional Investigators (WAPI)
• Institute of Professional Investigators (IPI)
• Association of British Investigators (ABI)

If you are not satisfied or are at all concerned, go to the registered body website and email them to check if the agency is a full member.
2. ARE THEY INSURED? All agencies are required to have professional indemnity insurance, make sure they do as this covers you if there is an issue.
3. ARE THEY DATA PROTECTION REGISTERED? Any agency you employ will have access to your and possibly other individuals private information and data – the agency should be registered with the Information Commissioners office.
4. LISTINGS – most reputable agencies will be listed in Yellow Pages, Yell.com, Thomson's local or some such similar listings publications. Please note however that this can be seen as a negative indicator, that is, having this listing does not guarantee that the agency will be professional, however if they are not listed anywhere, then there is a pretty good chance that they are not going to be as professional as you would like!
5. CHECK THAT THE AGENT IS PROFICIENT IN THE FIELD THAT YOU ARE LOOKING FOR. Ask what the agency specialises in, what experience the agents/operatives have and what professional qualifications they hold. In WIA’s case, surveillance is our specialism and as such, we only use professional police or military trained surveillance operatives.
6. WILL THE AGENCY PERFORM A RECCE VISIT? All good agencies will offer a ‘recce’ of the operation in order to provide you with a written estimate of the cost prior to the commencement of the task.
7. WHAT WILL THE FINAL REPORT LOOK LIKE? Professional agencies will provide you with a full briefing report, outlining the processes used and results obtained, with photographic evidence if necessary. A one page overview or email is not sufficient…..
8. DOES THE AGENCY OFFER A FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION? The professional agent will always deal with you courteously and will offer you free advice on your first consultation, whether that be by phone or in person.