WHY YOU WOULD NEED PRIVATE INVESTIGATORS IN SOUTH AFRICA

By : Unknown

On : 15:41

In : SAFETY ALERTS

2 comments

At EC Security we provide our customers with only the best customer service in the most professional and private manner when it comes to investigation. Our trained staff are, without a doubt, some of the best in the country. Now let's examine what it is you need to look for and what it is you or your company would need by instituting the services of an investigator.

 

 

 

Why Would You Need An Investigator?

Private investigators carry out secret enquiries for their clients to find out information and check facts. Their clients include the legal profession, councils and insurance companies. They can also include private companies and individuals.

Experience in a security-related sector would be useful.
An investigator needs to have excellent observational skills. Honesty and knowledge of the law are very important. A private investigator often has to work on their own.

 

What Do Private Investigators Do?

As a private investigator, your enquiry work could range from personal issues, for example divorce, to company issues, like suspected theft.
You would normally do background research, which may involve asking questions and analysing information. Your work may also include:

• surveillance
• fraud investigation (for example, for insurance or accident claims)
• tracing missing people or pets
• handing legal documents to people (process serving)
• background checks on employees.

Finding the Right Investigators

When choosing investigation services, be sure to ask the right questions and make an educated decision when doing so. Know what it is you need to look for in order to find a good, efficient and qualified investigator. Things to look out for include:

1. Equipment
Beware the Private Investigator who makes more of a fuss about telling you what equipment they have rather than showing that they understand what you situation is and can offer you a realistic and cost effective solution.
All investigators worth instructing will have the necessary equipment to be able to trade in this very competitive industry.
In certain circumstance you should ask to see any specialist equipment and get a demonstration of what it can do and how it may help you

2. Listen – Understand – Offer Cost Efficient Solution
When you initially talk to a Private Investigator about a potential investigation, ARE THEY LISTENING ? or are they only interested in telling you what they can do. Are they capable of gathering up all of the existing intelligence and evidence? Can they understand what is put before them? Can they plan a suitable, legal and proportionate investigation to offer you a Cost Effective Solution ? or are they only INTERESTED IN YOUR MONEY!
Can you trust that the Investigator will carry out a legal investigation?

3. Experience
Experience as a general concept comprises knowledge of or skill in or observation of some thing or some event gained through involvement in or exposure to that thing or event. The concept of experience generally refers to know-how or procedural knowledge, rather than propositional knowledge: on-the-job training rather than book-learning.
Beware the Investigator whos main claim is “We only employ Ex-Police Officers and Ex-Military”
This in no way means that a person can carry out a professional investigation in a commercial market place !Ex-Police Officer and Ex-Military personnel do sometimes make excellent Private Investigators but their experience has been gained in an entirely different environment.

4. Policies Systems and Controls
Although the Private Investigators operate in an un-regulated market place, a good investigator will have Policies, Systems and Controls in place to safeguard themselves their clients and each investigation. The last thing anyone to do is spend money on an investigation only to find that the work the investigators has done is illegal or inadmissible. Do not be afraid to ask an investigators about their policies.

5. Trackers
Many Private Investigators now rely heavily on the use of vehicle trackers and use this as a strong selling point especially in investigations where surveillance is needed. This is often because the investigator is not experienced in conventional surveillance or they think that the client will be impressed by the fact they have covert vehicle trackers. Many of the devices used by Private Investigators are cheap and unreliable and can often be bought on the internet.. If the investigator tells you that you can log onto the website and see where the vehicle has been BEWARE ! If you can log onto a website, then WHO and HOW MANY other people can ? Trackers are useful when used properly. Some companies use the fact that they will supply a tracker free of charge on ALL surveillance’s. You have to ask why a professional investigator would do this. If a tracker was really needed on a surveillance operation then it would be charged out. These type of companies are trying to “Sell a Lost Leader” to get your business. This probably indicates that they do not understand your needs and that they cannot therefore offer you a solution, If you are not happy about what you are being offered – ASK!

6. How much will it cost
There may be other charges and you may be able to negotiate a day rate or a fixed price for the job. Do not necessarily go with the cheapest quote, go with the investigator you feel comfortable with. This will be the one who listens to your situation and is able to understand it and offer you a cost effective solution!

If you are a Private Fee Paying client, you will most likely be asked for payment on account for all or some of the expected fee. This is usual practice and you should be able to make payment using BACS, Credit / Debit Card, Cash or Cheque. Whatever method of payment you choose, you should ask for a receipt and an Invoice (VAT if applicable).

7. What do I get for my moneyYou should feel relaxed about asking a Private Investigator what you will get for your money. Ask if there are any extra costs such as expenses, reports, affidavits etc. A Professional Investigator will tell you if there may be extra charges. What you do not want is an un-expected bill at the end of the job. You may well be able to negotiate an ALL INCLUSIVE rate. BEWARE of investigators who offer a “NO RESULT NO CHARGE”. Why would anyone do this. If someone offers you this, it will probably be just to get the job. If the investigation proves testing you will more than likely be offered a NEGATIVE result. This may not cost you anything but what you really wanted is a RESULT. If you ask yourself the question “What have I got to lose?” The answer could be – A LOT ! An inexperienced or incompetent investigator could cause you even more problems than you had in the first place by “compromising” your position and putting you in an even worse position.

8. Claims and MembershipAsk an Investigator to prove their memberships and ask them what they mean. If an Investigator claims to have received certain medals and awards – check out their claims. If they are false or exaggerated, then you do not really want to instruct them. Most awards and memberships can be checked on the internet.

Our Investigation Services

The nature of investigation lends itself to unique client needs met only through exceptional skill and technical expertise. It is through offering clients this level of service flexibility and complete discretion that EC Security has become an acknowledged industry leader.

EC Security investigation services include risk management and investigation solutions within the areas of business, retail, insurance and personal sectors, customized through thorough consultation with the client.

BUSINESS AND RETAIL INDUSTRY

• Business Intelligence

                                  - Company detail verification
                                  - Company director information ( active and inactive )
                                  - Company auditor information

• Surveillance
• Undercover investigation and probing
• Pre-employment checks

                                  - Credit Checks
                                  - Criminal record clearance certificates
                                  - Background checks
                                  - Qualification verification
                                  - Risk Control

• Insurance

                                  - Vehicle claim assessment
                                  - Vehicle claim verification
                                  - Insurance claim investigation
                                  - Surveillance

• Personal

                                  - Case specific private investigation
                                  - Full consultation services

 

For all you investigation needs, don't hesitate to all us today for an obligation free quote. EC Security, securing your world!