CAN A PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR MAKE LIFE “LEGAL-EASIER” FOR THE PROFESSIONAL AND BUSINESS COMMUNITY?

Many people envision a Private Investigator as one who snoops on an unsuspecting spouse who is “up to no good.” TV and the movies capture countless feet of film showing alluring P.I.’s of both sexes, gun attached at the shoulder or ankle, driving a hot car or dangling from a helicopter. Of late, there are individuals who use the Internet for research and say that anyone can do their own investigative work. Just pay $39.00 and you can find an ex lover, college roommate, or long-lost friend!

All of the above is mythical, although there are P.I.s who get involved in international intrigue, nationwide searches, and work for multi-million dollar corporate enterprises. There are those who make money by going on TV, write books or consult for movies.

In fact, the role of the Private Investigator is versatile. Some specialize, most are multi-faceted. What is important? To understand how a private individual or someone in the corporate and legal professions can benefit by engaging a Private Investigator. The following are just a few of the services a P.I. can provide:

IN THE CORPORATE WORLD

· Conduct background investigations for pre-employment, senior management, competing firms and future business partners.

· Investigate White-collar fraud.

· Assist with collections of accounts receivables.

· Conduct in-store shopping services to be the “eyes” for upper level management.

· Investigate EEO issues.

· Train managers and employees in security and violence in the workplace.

· Conduct Loss Prevention Investigations.

IN THE PRIVATE WORLD

C Conduct Background checks on prospective nannies, housekeepers, contractors, employees, fiancés and elder care providers.

C Locate old school friends, relatives and other “missing” persons.

C Locate biological parents for adopted adults.

It is also vital to know how to hire a reputable, competent Private Investigator. There are many to from which to choose between the yellow pages and Internet sites. You may become easily baffled. Keep it simple to locate your ideal P.I.:

C Make sure the P.I. is licensed and bonded in the state in which you reside.

C Are they adequately insured with professional liability insurance?

C Check their communication skills, both written and oral.

C Are they able to represent your firm in the light you prefer?

C Do they belong to any professional organizations?

C How do their peers see them?

C Can they provide you with references?

C What are their specialized skills? ? (i.e. polygraph, electronic de-bugging, foreign language proficiency)

Private Investigators have a vast network of colleagues, business resources and other professional means to help you get the information you need. Their fees vary, but your money would be well spent to have a competent, authority as your information provider.

Bio: Lynn Levy is owner of LH Levy Investigations. She has been a Private Investigator for 22 years. She is secretary of the Professional Investigators Alliance of Maryland and is also active with the National Association of Women Business Owners.

LH Levy Investigations, Inc.
Lynn H. Levy
410-653-9025 (Baltimore)