How to Choose a Private Investigator Agency in Utah

How to Choose the Right Private Investigation Agency in Utah

If you are looking for a private investigator (PI) in Utah, you may be wondering whether to hire a solo PI or a private investigator agency with multiple detectives available. A PI agency company that employs multiple PIs who specialize in different types of services, such as infidelity, cheating spouses, child custody, alimony, insurance fraud, missing persons, workers’ compensation, corporate investigations, business investigations, surveillance, and more will be able to have private detectives available when you need them. Easier access to private investigation services is key to thorough investigations. 

Hiring a private investigations agency has several advantages over hiring a solo PI. For one thing, a PI agency can offer more resources, expertise, experience, and professionalism than a single PI. A PI agency can also handle more complex and diverse cases, as well as provide backup and support for their investigators. A private investigator agency can also ensure that the investigation is conducted legally and ethically in the United States, following industry standards and regulations.

However, not all private detective agencies are created equal. Some PI agencies may be more reliable, licensed, experienced, reputable, and affordable than others. Therefore, it is important to do your research and compare different private investigator agencies before hiring one. In this article, we will share some tips and criteria on how to choose a good PI agency in Utah for your personal matters or professional needs.

Licensing and Certification

The first thing you should check when choosing a private investigator agency in Utah is their private investigator license and certification. In Utah, private detective agencies are required to have a license from the Department of Public Safety, which regulates the PI industry in the State of Utah. A PI license ensures that the licensed private investigator has met the minimum Utah code, qualifications, training, and underwent thorough background checks to operate legally and professionally. You can verify the license status of a PI agency by visiting the Bureau of Criminal Identification website or calling (801) 965-4461.

In addition to a license, some PI agencies may also have additional certifications or accreditations from professional associations, such as the [Private Investigators Association of Utah] (PIAU), the [National Council of Investigation and Security Services] (NCISS), or the [National Association of Legal Investigators] (NALI). These certifications or accreditations indicate that the PI agency has met the higher standards of quality, ethics, and professionalism set by the industry peers. They also show that the professional investigators are committed to continuing education, networking, and advocacy for the PI profession.

One example of a PI agency in Utah that has an agency license and certification is [Salt Lake Investigations]. Salt Lake Investigations is a private investigator agency out of Salt Lake City, UT that provides services such as infidelity investigations, cheating spouses, child custody, alimony, insurance fraud, missing persons, workers’ compensation, corporate investigations, business investigations, surveillance, process serving, and more. They have been in business since 2003 and have a team of licensed and experienced investigators who have met the criminal justice standard. Salt Lake Investigations is also an active member of the PIAU, and the agency owner serves on the board of directors. 

Experience and Reputation

The second thing you should check when you are in need of a private investigator agency in Utah is their experience and reputation. You want to hire a private investigation firm that has relevant experience and expertise in the type of professional services you need, such as infidelity, cheating spouses, child custody, alimony, insurance fraud, missing persons, workers’ compensation, corporate investigations, business investigations, surveillance, legal support etc. You also want to hire a PI agency that has a good reputation in the industry and the community, based on their track record, testimonials, reviews, ratings, awards, or referrals. 

You can ask the private detective agency for references, samples of their work, or to demonstrate their experience and expertise. You can also check their website, social media, or online platforms for more information about their services, credentials, affiliations, or awards. You can also read their testimonials, reviews, ratings, or feedback from their previous or current clients to gauge their reputation and satisfaction.

One example of a private detective agency in Utah that has experience and reputation is [Salt Lake Investigations]. This PI agency has over 20 years of experience performing PI work and has handled thousands of cases for clients across the entire State of Utah and beyond. They have a team of investigators who have extensive training and experience in various fields, such as surveillance investigations, locating bank accounts, legal disputes, public records, and video evidence.

Salt Lake Investigations private investigators have undergone a background investigation by the Utah Department of Public Safety. They have also received positive reviews and testimonials from their clients, such as “They are professional, discreet, and thorough”, “They exceeded my expectations”, and “They are the best in the business”. Salt Lake Investigations has extensive experience handling the investigative needs of insurance companies. They maintain liability insurance giving clients peace of mind. 

Fees and Terms

The third thing you should check when choosing a private investigation agency in Utah is their fees and terms. You want to hire a PI agency that charges reasonable and transparent fees and terms for their services, depending on the type, duration, complexity, and location of the case, as well as the number and qualifications of the investigators involved. 

You can ask the PI agency for a quote, an estimate, or a proposal that outlines the scope of the work, the fees, the terms, and the expectations. You can also ask them about their payment methods, policies, and options, such as hourly rate, flat fee, retainer, or expenses. You should read the contract carefully and ask questions if you have any doubts. You should also avoid any private investigator agency that is not clear about fees, guarantees results, or makes unrealistic promises.

One example of a private detective agency in Utah that has reasonable and transparent fees and terms is [Salt Lake Investigations]. This private investigator agency charges by hourly rate, flat fee, retainer, or expenses, depending on the case and the specific needs of the service. They provide a free consultation and a clear quote that specifies the fees and terms. They also offer various payment methods, such as credit card, check, cash, or Venmo. They do not ask for payment in advance, guarantee results, or make unrealistic promises. They only charge for the work they do and the results they deliver.

Communication and Confidentiality

The fourth thing you should check when choosing a private detective agency in Utah is their communication and confidentiality. You want to hire a detective agency that has clear and frequent communication with their clients, providing updates, reports, evidence, and recommendations throughout the case. You also want to hire a PI agency that respects and protects the confidentiality and privacy of their clients, following the ethical and legal standards of the profession.

You can ask the PI agency how they communicate with their clients, such as phone, email, text, or online portal. You can also ask them how often they communicate, what they communicate, and how they communicate. You can also ask them how they handle and store the information and evidence they collect, and who they share it with.

One example of a private investigator agency in Utah that has good communication and confidentiality is [Salt Lake Investigations]. This PI agency communicates with its clients regularly and promptly, using phone, email, or text. They provide updates, reports, evidence, and recommendations throughout the case. They also respect and protect the confidentiality and privacy of their clients, following the ethical and legal standards of the profession. They handle and store the information and evidence they collect securely and discreetly, and they only share it with the clients or their authorized representatives. Salt Lake Investigations has a website with a new look. 

Conclusion

Hiring a PI agency can be a valuable investment for your personal or professional needs. However, it can also be a costly and risky endeavor if you don’t know what to expect and how to prepare. By following the tips and criteria in this article, you can have a better idea of how to choose a good private detective agency in Utah that meets your needs and expectations and delivers quality results.

Here are some questions or criteria to ask or check when choosing a private investigator agency in Utah:

• Do they have a license and certification from the Department of Public Safety and/or professional associations?

• Do they have relevant experience and expertise in the type of service you need?

• Do they meet the unique needs and specific requirements for handling investigations of an insurance claim? 

• Do they have a good reputation in the industry and the community, based on their track record, testimonials, reviews, ratings, awards, or referrals?

• Do they charge reasonable and transparent fees and terms for their services, depending on the case and the service?

• Do they communicate clearly and frequently with their clients, providing updates, reports, evidence, and recommendations throughout the case?

• Do they respect and protect the confidentiality and privacy of their clients, following the ethical and legal standards of the profession?

If you want to find more information or contact a PI agency in Utah, here are some resources or links you can use:

• [PIAU Member Agency Locator]: This is a website that allows you to search for PI agencies in Utah that are members of the PIAU, the largest and oldest PI association in the State of Utah. The agency locator will help you find the right private investigator. 

We hope this article helps you with your decision. If you have any questions or need more assistance, please feel free to contact Salt Lake Investigations for a free consultation. We are a professional PI firm with over 20 years of experience in Utah and we would love to help you with your case.