It is not easy to obtain a Private Investigators License. The Requirements are too vigorous for many persons to meet, so there are many unlicenced agencies. Besides committing a criminal misdemeanor with each unlicenced act, the work cannot be insured, and they have no license to worry about losing if they do wrong.

Some license numbers shown in ads are only local tax registrations, which are not P.I. licenses, or a license number that "belongs to a friend-he let's me work under his license". That is like loaning your drivers license to a friend-it is not allowed under any circumstance. Call your local State Police & they will gladly verify if a person or agency is licensed.

P.I. agencies are not required to be insured, so the majority are not. This leaves the Client completely exposed-possibly financially and criminally liable for any error, mistake, crime, or omission committed by the P.I. Many claim to be insured but cannot provide proof of CURRENT COVERAGE when asked to do so.

Call every firm in the book, and you will hear that many have handled cases "just like yours". Maybe they have, maybe not. Let them show you by asking to review their last few cases that are similar to yours. Listen to the stunned silences and excuses that follow! You don't need to see confidential names and addresses, as you are only looking for content and attention to detail in reports. This proof of experience is not too much to ask for.

At many agencies, no matter what you are paying, the work is done by a trainee getting paid a small fraction of the billed amount. This lopsided split would not be accepted in this or any other trade by a skilled/schooled/& experienced person. Many use trainees who are learning the basics, while on your assignment. No school, no experience, NO IDEA! That trainee could also be the one used to testify in court about your case, should testimony be required.

Since so many variables can affect a case, a long record of successfully completed cases is your best assurance.

Besides an hourly rate and a per-mile charge, some agencies will try to charge extra for related items that should be included on field cases. It might be called "video camera rental", or Report fee, or pre- surveillance research, or administrative fee, or many other things.

• It's the lump sum of money the client pays to the investigative agency for services in advance to cover the hourly rates and the expenses.

• This amount varies from case to case but $500.00 to $2,000.00 is a good place to start. The amount is generally what is anticipated for work requested in the first week or two of a case.

• Your total cost could end up being more than the initial retainer. There's no way to predict how long it will take to obtain a satisfactory resolution to any case in advance. DeCola Detectives Inc. will not exceed the amount of your retainer funds on account. That means you will not receive a later invoice for more than your retainer unless you authorize additional work beyond the retainer amount.

• Remaining funds will be maintained on your account for future work within one year if you so desire.

Question: Who Gets a Price Reduction On Services?
Answer: Victims and people who help the victims.

Individuals involved in child abduction, missing child or abuse cases.
*Proof of court action or police report is required.

All licensed Private Investigators.
*Copy of P.I. license is required.

Individuals investigating a stalker or senior citizen / elder abuse cases.
* Proof of court action or police report is required.

Police Officers and all law enforcement agents.
*Copy of photo ID required.

Individuals involved in the following general cases. Rape, Homicide, Wife Beating, Dead Beat Dads or Dead Beat Moms or Collections.
*Proof of court action or police report is required.

Bounty Hunters / Fugitive Recovery Agents.
*Copy of Bail Forfeiture Document issued by the Bonding Agent or the Court.

Lawyers and Officers Of The Court or Debt Collectors
*Copy of State Bar Card / License.

Other groups not mentioned may also apply.
Please call 800-466-7568

Please don't send us the entire file. We don't want it. One page that show names, the court filing seal or stamp is just fine. Do not email attachments due to possible email virus issues.