How to Hire a Private Investigator: What You Need to Know Before You Call

Whether you're dealing with a suspected cheating spouse, a missing family member, employee theft, or a legal matter that needs facts, hiring a private investigator can feel like unfamiliar territory. Most people have never done it before, and the process can seem unclear. This guide breaks it down so you know exactly what to expect when you hire a licensed PI.

Start with a clear goal

Before you pick up the phone, ask yourself: what outcome do I actually need? A good private investigations firm will ask you the same thing in your first conversation. The clearer you are about what you're trying to prove, confirm, or locate — the faster and more cost-effective your case will be.

Common reasons people hire a private investigator in Utah and across the country include infidelity investigations, locating a missing person, background checks, surveillance, and gathering evidence for civil or family court proceedings.

Pro tip: If your case involves a missing child or a vulnerable adult, don't wait. Contact a licensed PI firm immediately — many, including PSI, will prioritize these cases regardless of budget.

Verify licensing before anything else

In Utah, private investigators must be licensed under Utah Code Title 58, Chapter 63. Always ask for a license number and verify it with the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL). Working with an unlicensed investigator puts your case — and you — at legal risk.

A reputable PI firm will never hesitate to show credentials. If they do, keep looking.

Ask the right questions on your first call

• Are you licensed in the state where the investigation will occur?

• What is your experience with this type of case?

• How do you charge — hourly, flat rate, or a case estimate?

• What will I receive at the end — a written report, photos, video?

• How do you protect my privacy and the confidentiality of my case?

  
  

Understand how pricing works

Most private investigation services are billed hourly, but a good firm will give you a realistic total case estimate upfront rather than running up hours without a clear end in sight. Ask for a range, not just a rate. You should know approximately what you're committing to before work begins.

Be wary of firms that refuse to discuss costs, demand large retainers with no explanation, or pressure you to expand scope before the basics are handled. Transparency from the start is a sign of professionalism.

Know what a PI legally can — and can't — do

A licensed investigator can conduct surveillance in public spaces, run legal background checks, interview witnesses, locate individuals using lawful database searches, and document findings for court use. What they cannot do is trespass, access private records without authorization, impersonate law enforcement, or record audio conversations illegally under Utah wiretapping law.

A firm that promises to "get whatever you need, no matter what" is a red flag — not a selling point.

Trust matters as much as skills

You're sharing sensitive personal information with a stranger. Beyond licensing and experience, pay attention to how a firm communicates with you. Are they direct? Do they listen? Do they explain the process without making you feel judged? The best private investigators treat clients with discretion, respect, and professionalism — because the situations that bring people to a PI are almost always difficult ones.

At Panther Security & Investigations, we've been serving clients across Salt Lake City and St. George for over 14 years. If you have a case and aren't sure where to start, give us a call. The first conversation is free.