Tips | Galvic Investigative Services

5 things to look for when searching for a Private Investigator?

1. Licensed

With the exception of the ACT, Private Investigators must be licensed by the relevant licensing authority in the State they are located.

They must also be licensed in the state the investigation is to be carried out in. It is important to ensure the investigator is licensed to carryout the investigation. In Victoria Investigation Companies must also hold a Private Security Business Licence to operate as a Investigation Business and to employ other investigators. Be aware of the numerous Investigation Companies that offer their services across all states of the country as many are unlicensed to do so. Feel free to ask for a copy of our Licences.

2. Background & Experience

It is important to know what experience, skills and qualifications an investigator has before choosing them. More and more investigators are setting up their own part time investigation business after simply doing a one week investigation course, with no other law enforcement, military or investigation experience. Our Director/Principal Investigator has over 20 years of Investigation experience with 10 of those years working for Victoria Police. Our small team of investigators come from a Police or Military background or have a minimum of 5 years experience working as a full time Investigator. Unlike larger firms we do not use Trainees on any of our surveillance jobs.

3. Professional Body Memberships

You can further ensure confidence in your choice of Investigator firm by checking whether they belong to any appropriate Professional Industry organisations. Part-time or Casual Investigators generally won't be associated with these organisations due to to annual membership costs. Galvic Investigative Services is a proud member of the Association of Investigators & Secuirty Professionals (AISP).

4. Insurance Coverage

Another consideration to be made that often reveals the full time professional investigators from the less experienced or shady operators is by looking at the insurance that the investigator/agency carries and the Business Structure they operate under. Many will operate as a Sole Trader to avoid having to take out compulsory Work Cover Insurance for their investigators. Galvic Investigative Services holds all the requisite insurances (Public Liability & Professional Indemnity Insurance and Work Cover Insurance) required to protect ourselves and our clients from potential litigation.

5. No Hidden Fees

Another consideration is to ensure that you know what you are going to be charged for and receive in return for your payment. It is important to ensure that there are no hidden costs that blow your budget. At G.I.S we disclose all of our fees in our 'Service Agreement' that we supply clients before the commencement for any Investigation Job. It outline all of our costs including future costs if required to appear at Court. There are no hidden costs when you hire us. All of our costs include GST. We also offer Charge out Centres of Shepparton, Bendigo, Wodonga and Melbourne GPO to make our investigations even more cost effective.