Why Hiring an Out-Of-State Private Investigator Can Get You the Best Results

Posted by Pamela S. on Monday, October 8th, 2012

Not every investigation can be conducted locally, sometimes you need an out-of-state private investigator to do the work. What are the benefits and risks of working with a private investigation agency in another state?

Always chose a private investigation agency with

a stellar reputation and experienced investigators. If your investigation is local, you can meet with the investigator and discuss your needs. When you need to utilize the services of a private investigator in another part of the country, take steps to ensure that you are hiring the right people for the job.

If you have been working with a local agency, ask them if they provide services in other parts of the country. Some agencies have a wide area of coverage, including other states. Sheer Investigations operates a head office in Palm Beach, Florida, and also has experienced private investigators with FBI, DEA or other law enforcement backgrounds located in cities across the state and in abutting states, as well as the Caribbean.

 

• If a local agency can’t recommend someone in another state, conduct searches online. If you can get recommendations from someone else who has used the agency, this is your best resource. Any company can place ads or have a website. Does the website appear up-to-date and professional? Do they outline their services and have contact information?
• Check with the local state regulatory agency to ensure that the agency is licensed. Not every state has licensing requirements. Here is a list.
• Because most investigators charge for mileage, hiring someone local to the investigation can save you money. If you hire a local company to travel out of state, there will be additional costs for travel and accommodations.
• You know how easy it is to get lost in a new city. Do you want your investigator suffering the same problem? For surveillance, it is advantageous to hire someone who knows the area.

 

Sometimes you have no choice but to hire an out-of-state investigator. Some state regulatory agencies only allow state licensed investigators to work in their area.

The State of Florida has reciprocity agreements with several other states,

allowing Florida licensed investigators to work across borders, and vice versa. This is beneficial to you. If an investigator is conducting an investigation in Florida and the subject crosses into Louisiana, the investigation can continue. These states have reciprocal agreements with Florida:

• Georgia
• Louisiana
• North Carolina
• Oklahoma
• Tennessee
• Virginia

Other states across the country have similar agreements. Suppose the subject of your investigation resides in one state and works in the other. If there is no reciprocity agreement, and your investigator is not licensed in the other state, this can affect the quality of the investigation. Many private investigation agencies, such as Sheer Investigations avoid these issues by having experienced investigators located in surrounding states.

Former FBI Assistant Director Tom Sheer has recruited the best from the FBI, DEA, IRS and Secret Service to build a formidable team at Sheer Investigations. Our private investigators have the sensitivity and experience to handle the most delicate investigations.