How do you find a good Private Investigator/Detective? (attorneys, live)

[blase]

Hi guys,

I'm wondering how to find a PI to help locate a missing person in the DC Metro area. How would I distinguish between them, and are there any legal issues involved? Appreciate any insight you can provide.

Thanks!

[bornindc]

I am a P.I., but I don't think one is supposed to advertise on this site so I won't. You can google or look in the phone book, or look on PI websites like pinow.com for listings in your area. Also if you know any attorneys you can usually get a reference from one as to who they use.

Check and make sure 1) they are licensed in the jurisdiction(s) you need work done, 2) check their website or offices, see if they have references, how long they've been in business (longer is better) etc., 3) call and speak to someone, they should be willing to give you a free consultation. If you don't get someone to answer the phone but just get a voicemail during business hours, it's probably a one-man show or similar (not that that's bad, necessarily, but they may have less capacity to handle your matter rapidly). Check with a few firms, and go with the firm that seems the best established and that you are the more comfortable with. Don't pay to much up front, I don't have details of what you need done but I wouldn't give a retainer of more than $500 or so up front probably. The real rip-off guys will ask a huge retainer up front and then not deliver.

Good luck, I hope you find your missing person.

[blase]

Great idea about attorneys!

[smeehan]

I would suggest you find out if the firm has people who used to work in MPD, the US Marshal's office or some other similar organization. These people know what they're doing from the street up.

A little more information would be helpful. Is the person you're seeking a juvenile or young lady? A PI who knows the bus station and train station scene here would be helpful. Is the person English-speaking, or is familiarity with another language and culture needed? Does the person have mental health or substance abuse issues? FYI, the city's Detox has recently been shut own. What about Alzheimer's? Does the PI know people who work in garbage removal? (They're all over the city, outside and relatively invisible due to their familiarity and, in some cases, uniforms.) Ditto meter readers, Fedex and UPI deliverers, etc. Does the firm have people who can blend in and not be noticed?
Hope this is helpful

[blase]

Both of you guys have made excellent points. I will be more specific in my questions. The person (I think) has a job and is an adult...we just want to make sure she's safe.Thanks so much!