What I need yo know about Costa Rica private detectives
For many who are searching Costa Rica private detectives the first time, you don’t know where to turn. I am here to help you find who is best for your particular situation. As a result, the following questions should be asked of any prospective PI. Bear in mind that you need to retain someone who you feel comfortable with.
There are many who are listed on a google search representing they are in Costa Rica, when in fact they are not. I know factually they may not be legally able to work in Costa Rica as the law here requires that you have permission from the government.
Where is your office located?
This is the first question you should ask, if you don’t already know, is where the detective’s office is located. I know doe a fact many that are on the web are not located in Costa Rica. Professional private investigators have an office and do not work from their homes. It also verifies that they are actually in Costa Rica. Ask them if they can legally work in Costa Rica? If they can’t provide you with a “cedula juridica” (Costa Rica business/corporate I.D.) or a “cedula persona” (Costa Rica identification), then they are providing services here in violation of the law.
Who will handle my case?
This question needs to be asked if you hire a private investigation firm with one investigator. If they represent they have other investigators you need to know who they are and if they can legally work in Costa Rica. You will want to know and be guaranteed you will have a good investigator assigned to your case. If the private detective responds by saying that he has agents in Costa Rica, request their names and their Costa Rica identification (either personal or business as mentioned above). If they won’t or can’t, find one that can.
What are your background, experience, and areas of specialization?
Once you know that they are actually in Costa Rica ask them about their background and experience, particularly with your case type and situation. What service can they offer you? Have they dealt with similar investigations before? Do they specialize in cases such as yours? What do they plan to do?
What professional organizations do you belong to?
Most professional private investigators belong to professional investigator associations of one kind or another. These associations – to become a member – require some proof of license, training and experience of the investigator. You can usually check online with the association the investigator says they belong to; they usually have a directory of members.
Can you provide references?
Ask the private investigator for references of at least two people or companies they have provided services for. It can be a lawyer, business owner, or another private investigator who has used them in the past.
Will my case be treated confidentially and how do you ensure that?
Most are nervous about hiring a private investigator and this question goes without saying. Most private investigators guarantee case confidentiality but maybe a good question to ask is how they can guarantee it. Remember though there could be special situations where the investigator is bound by law to reveal details of your case, such as a judge or court instruction. So nothing is 100% guaranteed.
Will the person I am investigating find out or be notified?
This also comes down to confidentiality. When you hire a private investigator they are acting under your instruction and if you don’t want the person to know they are under investigation the private investigator you’ve hired will try and keep it as low-key as possible.
Depending on what you hire the investigator for will determine if the person being investigated needs be notified or not. If you are getting a private investigator background check on an employee, then the employee will need to be notified
Do you have male and female investigators?
If you want a male or female private investigator, then ask. Only large private investigation companies will employ both male and female investigators where you can choose, otherwise you will need to specifically search for a sole investigator of the sex type you require.
Can you or the investigator assigned to my case work with my lawyer?
If you have a lawyer asking you hire a private investigator, ask if they can recommend one. Otherwise, when you begin looking to retain a private investigator, ask them if they will work with your attorney. They should agree, but if not, keep looking. You can also ask your attorney to assist you when retaining a private investigator. One thing I know is absolutely essential is the PI’s ability to travel to the United States to testify. I know from my time at law school that all photographs and videos must be authenticated. If they can’t the evidence you have will not be admitted.
How will we contact each other during the investigation?
This is important particularly if you live in another country. Although communications can be a challenge in third world countries, there should be a way to keep you informed as the case progresses.
How will I be updated on my case?
Request that the private investigator to keep you updated on progress. It may be a daily email report, telephone call, or a weekly report if the case is large and complex. Decide how and in what form you want to be kept up-to-date.
Do you use illegal or unethical means of investigating or obtaining information?
This question needs to be asked, if anything, to protect yourself. Most investigators are decent but there are a few bad apples as in any profession. Evaluate what their response is.
Can you be a witness in court in the USA if needed?
The rules of procedure used by every court in the U.S., requires testimony from direct witnesses in order to overcome a hearsay objection. Professional private investigators should expect to and are experienced in court hearings as professional witnesses. However, if the private investigator is not a U.S. citizen or does not have a visa to come to the U.S., then move on. Additionally, if they can’t read, write or speak English move on. Find another Costa Rica private investigator that can.
Do they have a contract or agreement form?
Request a copy and if you can amend it if you are not happy with certain conditions. A professional Costa Rica private Investigator r contracts will have certain conditions that remain fixed that you will have to agree to. But there should also be a section in the contract that is personalized for you and your case, as no two cases are exactly the same. Only sign an agreement form once the costs and terms have been settled and are entered into the contact.
What are their fees?
This is another big question to ask a private investigator you want to hire. Get a clear idea of the prices, costs and expenses involved and make sure to ask the investigator that this is clearly set out in your agreement or contract before you retain them. Also ask if they require a retainer (money up front), most investigators do. Ask them how they are to get paid. Professional private investigators will have financial banks/institutions in both the U.S. and Costa Rica. NEVER, EVER SEND MONEY TO A PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR VIA WESTERN UNION OR MONEYGRAM!
Can they guarantee the result you want?
This is problematic for both the private investigator and the client. The expectations of the client at times supersede the reality of what can be accomplished. A professional private investigator cannot guarantee you the result you require or want. They can’t fabricate that which does not exist or observed. What is meant by that?
A Costa Rica private investigator is retained to find the facts of something regardless of what you think, feel or expect. For example, if you suspect your partner is cheating but in fact they are not, then that is the truth.
What you want or expect as a result in your investigation is not always what you are going to get or read in your reports. A private investigator cannot guarantee the results you want. The investigator can only guarantee they do a thorough job; the outcome, that’s another story.