Depending on the value of an individual's time, it is often more cost effective to hire a professional to complete the task. Additionally, an inexperienced person conducting a public records search may miss that important piece of information they are looking for. A great deal of public record information is now available via computerized commercial databases. However, this computerized information is not usually available to the general public. The advantage of using these databases for information searching is the significant reduction in the amount of time an investigator spends in the field at an hourly rate, again saving the client money.
Most states require that a private investigator be licensed.
Prior to qualifying to take the written test in California, an individual must have a minimum of 3 years paid, full- time investigative experience. This experience is usually gained via prior employment in law enforcement or while working for another licensed private investigator. The California Private Investigators test is administered by the Department of Consumer Affairs, Bureau of Security and Investigative Services. If you are hiring a private investigator out of the Yellow Pages, always check their license status with the State. In California, it is a misdemeanor for a person to perform unlicensed investigations and also for a person to hire or utilize the services of an unlicensed investigator.