How Process Servers and Private Investigators Can Effectively Handle Deadbeat Clients

How Process Servers and Private Investigators Can Effectively Handle Deadbeat Clients

            Those who have served in the field of private investigations or process serving for any length of time know all too well the perils of working with companies and individuals who cheat them.  Most times these law firms and companies promise to pay money upon successful completion of services but simply never do.  Oklahoma Judicial Process Servers www.OklahomaJudicialProcessServers.com explores possible options and solutions for Oklahoma process servers and private detectives who find themselves facing these tough situations . . .

            Many process servers and almost all private investigators require payment in advance.  Indeed, since the amount of money that private detective agencies stand to lose can range in the tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars, most such firms require a specific retainer up front.  Process servers, on the other hand, usually have much less to lose and sometimes allow their customers to receive an invoice after they have completed the service.  Either way, when customers fail to pay as promised, it puts the Oklahoma process servers and licensed private investigators in a bit of a bind.

            One effective way to prevent this from happening is for process servers and private detectives to simply require all of their customers to pay up front.  This is an effective measure which will prevent clients from failing to pay.  This option also helps deter clients who might like to cheat the process server or private investigator.  However, this choice also comes with significant limitations.

            Some clients prefer to receive the bill after the process server completes his or her tasks.  These types of clients often include, but are not limited to, high end attorneys and others who stake their reputation on quality and efficiency.  This type of clientele often does not have time to issue checks or money orders right away and tends to work on very tight schedules.  Process servers who refuse to bill these firms and individuals will often lose their current and future business.  Private investigators, of course, should continue to require the money up front; they simply have too much to lose.

            Before informing clients that they have not paid what they owe, it is imperative that process servers ensure that they have not already paid it.  Sometimes it is possible to not mark down a check, money order, or other payment the client has made.  By first checking with the bank, with Paypal, etc., private detectives can almost eliminate the chance of inadvertently asking for money from clients who have already paid their bills.  

            Process servers who choose to allow clients to pay after the completion of services do not really have many of the same protective preemptive safeguards in place.  Thus, they must choose how to handle the situation after the fact.  They do, however, have a string of options and at least one thing they can do to protect themselves.

            Generally speaking, process servers should always require their clients to make their service requests up front and in writing.  This is especially true for process servers in Oklahoma who do not require their clients to pay in advance.  A special form such as this http://www.oklahomajudicialprocessservers.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Process-Server-Client-Questionnaire.pdf can require the client to waive all liability and guarantee payment in writing.  This formal agreement not only helps to shield process servers from harm, but it also helps deter potential deadbeat clients.  Those individuals and businesses who do cheat process servers out of their fees also become more vulnerable in court, as process servers now have something in writing. 

            If the amount the client owes is very small, it is sometimes easier to “un-serve” the person.  In doing so, the client may have to reschedule his or her court date.  This will require the person to go obtain the services of yet another process server.  If the Oklahoma City process server has already turned in an affidavit of service, he or she can subsequently submit an affidavit of non-service.  This second affidavit might potentially nullify the previous affidavit on grounds such as, “I accidentally served the wrong person.”  In the event that an affidavit of service is not already on file or otherwise in the client’s possession, then the process server can simply refuse to write one.  Either of these efforts will likely frustrate the former client and may hinder his ability to receive a timely judgment.  However, if a Norman, Oklahoma process server is seeking a financial judgment, this will not suffice.

            Oklahoma process servers and private investigators can also write and submit a brief or letter that informs the judge of the client’s failure to pay.  Filing a letter of this sort so will most likely hurt the client’s credibility in court.  Who can trust a person or business that would stiff his own process server or private investigator?  In addition to doing so, the Oklahoma process server can also file a small claims suit against the former client and have that person served.  If successful in both of these attempts, this can frustrate the client both in his or her own legal case and simultaneously force him or her to become embattled on yet another front.  Of course, this endeavor also takes time and money, and some process servers one or both lack both.

            Some process servers and private detective agencies prefer to outsource all of their deadbeat clients to collection agencies.  These companies will often handle the entire process for fee.  In doing so, they take the stress and pressure off of process servers and private investigation firms, and this frees their time and resources to engage in other meaningful business pursuits.  Of course, these companies also require up to one half of the amounts they recover as payment, thus trimming the process servers’ and private detectives’ bottom lines.

            Process servers and private investigators whose former clients have breached their trust agreement can also choose to leave a bad written review for professionals and companies.  If the deadbeat client is a business entity, this can range from a blatantly honest and thorough review on www.yellowpages.com to other sites like www.angieslist.com.  Believe it or not, some customers read reviews written by former and current  companies they are considering working with.  If a professional company or individual has cheated a process server out of his or her fee, then he or she will likely happen again to others.  The public deserves a fair warning about the company’s unscrupulous business practices.  However, if the former client happens to link the written review back to the process server, then he or she can also write a bad written review – even if untrue – about the process server, private eye, and/or his or her company.  Thus, caution does indeed become the “better” part of cyber revenge.

            The Better Business Bureau (BBB) www.bbb.org can also help to mediate complaints against the wayward company or business.  However, they tend to be most effective against those whom they accredit. The Better Business Bureau is unable to compel a company to act or require action.  Of course, the company can still lose its BBB accreditation, and this is something that many businesses wish to maintain.  Indeed, many law firms have their accreditation by the BBB to help prevent lawsuits and to let their customers know they are trustworthy.

            If the individual is a member of a professional organization or association such as the Oklahoma Bar Association (OBA) http://www.okbar.org/, the National Association of Professional Process Servers (NAPPS) www.Napps.org, or the Oklahoma Private Investigator Association (OPIA) www.Opia.com, then process servers can file complaints against the individuals or businesses with their respective professional organisations and licensing committees.  These types of associations often require higher standards of ethical conduct from their members and/or respective licensing boards.  They want their members to represent their profession well and to help others.  While it is true that these governing bodies often protect those within them, they can also serve to help field complaints for little or no money or time.

Sometimes clients really do not have the ability to pay their bills, and money really does become an issue for them.   This is when alternative forms of payment through bartering sometimes become more feasible.  This is especially true when the client does not have the ability to pay his or her bill but also practices some sort of trade or profession which may provide necessary services for the Oklahoma City process server or private detective.  Such trades and professions include, but are not limited to, those who are plumbers, lawyers, doctors, teachers, and almost anything else of relative value.  Of course, the entire bartering process tends to work best when utilised from the start rather than as a substitute for nonpayment of services. 

            The only other viable option a process server has is to simply turn the other cheek, cut his or her losses, and move on.  Pursuing the attorney, process serving firm, private detective agency, or individual may turn out to be more of a headache than it is really worth.  Indeed, the recoverable amount may not be worth the time or effort.  Plus, collecting on a judgment is not always easy and may require even more time and resources. 

On the other hand, licensed process servers and private investigation firms should not let unscrupulous companies run all over them.  By doing so, they might become emboldened by the apathy and are more inclined to keep doing the same thing to others.  Process servers and private eyes must strive to protect one another and their fields both professional and respectable.

Sometimes clients will write bad checks or will initiate a chargeback on their credit card authorizations.  If the process server or Oklahoma private investigator has already meritoriously performed the work, then this kind of misbehaviour on the part of clients is just as unprofessional as those who refuse to pay at all.  Sometimes it is even more damaging, because it can cost the Oklahoma process server even more money, time, and can hurt his or her reputation within the financial community.  Once again, process servers have many options at their disposal.

Aside from the other methods previously discussed in this article, a good Oklahoma City private investigator can also take other action against bad check and credit card users.  In these cases, process servers can also contact their district attorney’s office to press charges against bad check writers.  In addition to other civil action their might pursue, this can add criminal charges to the client’s list of new problems as well. 

When clients initiate a chargeback on a credit card payment, private investigation companies can and should actively participate in every part of the dispute.  All too often, companies like Paypal www.Paypal.com will try to side with the consumer too easily, leaving the seller or provider of goods without proper payment.  Private investigators should stick with it each step of the way, taking action against the credit card companies, if needed.

            It is vital that process servers and private detectives remember that most clients will happily pay for good service.  Indeed, sometimes attorneys and other professionals just become so busy and backlogged that they may accidentally forget about making a payment.  Their staff may become sick, or they may think that they have already paid the amount they owe.  By taking a more diplomatic approach, Oklahoma City private investigators and process servers can offer gentle reminders via e-mail, mail and telephone calls.  Sometimes clients need more time to pay or would prefer to make a payment by credit card or via another alternative method.  Process servers and private investigators who work with their clients instead of against them will go further.

            When it comes to getting paid, licensed process servers and private detectives in Oklahoma and elsewhere have a variety of options at their disposal.  From preventive measures to collection procedures, there are many ways to minimize exposure to clients who cannot or will not pay their bills.  By ascertaining which option is best according to each situation, Oklahoma City private investigators and process servers can often regain their hard earned money in the most professional way possible.

Teaching Private Investigation Courses Helps Give Licensed Private Investigators Special Advantages

Teaching Private Investigation Courses Helps Give Licensed Private Investigators Special Advantages

            Some licensed private investigators in Oklahoma often stay on top of the game by teaching private investigator certification courses at places like Metro Tech and elsewhere.  It is true that teaching these Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training (CLEET) classes at career technology schools seldom pays as much as an Oklahoma private detective could earn while on a stakeout.  Nevertheless, not everything is about making money. Oklahoma Judicial Process Servers www.OklahomaJudicialProcessServers.com explores the other benefits that a private investigator can receive by taking an active role in helping to educate future private investigators . . .

            One of the biggest benefits that a private detective can receive is the knowledge that he or she has helped train others in a wonderful field.  The intangible reward of knowing that one has made a lasting difference in the world is truly incredible.  Private detectives can truly make their mark in the specialised field of private investigations.  Indeed, teaching others is a way to stay current and can help private investigators learn and relearn what the latest and greatest methods are.  After all, is all too easy for experts to become complacent and lose touch with how the field has evolved.

            Teaching future Oklahoma private detectives also helps private investigators who are already in the field continue to network.  Those who are students now may provide referrals later down the road.  Teachers can often gauge how a student might perform in the field by how well he or she does while in class.  Unless the school has policies in place that prohibit doing so, teaching these classes can help the instructor recruit new private investigators to work at his or her private detective agency.  Thus, access to the up and coming stars in the field are right at the teacher’s fingertips!

            What experienced armed private investigator does not also concurrently work in the field of private security?  Well, perhaps some do not, but many do!  Numerous students who take Phase III, or the private investigation course, and Phase I, the first part of the CLEET security guard certification class, often take Phase II and Phase IV, too.  Phase II involves the remaining part of the security certification portion, while Phase IV entails the use of a firearm.  Students who take all four phases can receive their license to become certified as an armed security guard and armed private investigator.  Once again, many teachers have the chance to make a difference in mentoring students in all phases, while also gaining access to high quality future security officers!  What a bargain!  Hiring can become so much easier.

            Since the field of private investigations is often, though not always, more of a competitive field rather than a collaborative one, teachers at these schools sometimes like to size up their potential competition in advance – their students.  Sometimes unscrupulous instructors will try to crush their new competition down before or after they become licensed, but this is a horrible reason to teach those CLEET classes.  Private investigation educators who go into the teaching aspect of the field for this reason have no business being in the classroom.

            Licensed private detectives also have the opportunity to help future Oklahoma private investigators and sometimes even others in the community stay safe from harm.  By providing and carefully supervising opportunities for meaningful, practical, hands-on activities that most private investigators perform, new private eyes will not find themselves left wondering what to do.  It is amazing to see just how many people do not know how to sweep for bugs, operate a video camera while conducting surveillance, and much more!  These students have to learn how to do this, and it is often hard to do while in the field with no one to lend a hand.  Sadly, many private investigators have no mentors and often have to struggle to learn the trade on their own.

            These are just a few of the many reasons that those who run their own private detective agencies should also teach school.  Blending investigations and educating those who conduct them can yield many rewards for Oklahoma private investigator instructors, their students, clients, and society as a whole.  Private detectives with a proclivity for teaching should definitely consider teaching and mentoring others in the profession as well.

How Oklahoma Private Investigators and Process Servers Can Elicit Greater Police Cooperation and Assistance

How Oklahoma Private Investigators and Process Servers Can Elicit Greater Police Cooperation and Assistance

            Police officers can sometimes prove to be very helpful to private investigators and process servers.  Indeed, in some cases private investigators, process servers and police officers perform very similar tasks.  All three professions often encompass various aspects of the law, and thus everyone’s job becomes much easier when all sides work collaboratively rather than against one another.  Oklahoma Judicial Process Servers www.OklahomaJudicialProcessServers.com examines some of the ways in which process servers and private investigators can increase the likelihood that police officers will want to assist them, or at the very least not hinder, their investigations and service of process.

            The first and most important things all Oklahoma private detectives and process servers should do is to make sure that they always carry the proper identification.  Private investigators should always have their private investigation licenses, a driver’s license, etc., on them at all times.  Likewise, process servers should also have their process server license and their driver’s license on hand whenever they go out to serve papers.  Doing so ensures that each Oklahoma City private investigator and process server has everything he or she needs to both identify themselves and proves that they have a legal right to conduct his or her activities. 

By law, police officers have the right to perform certain functions within the scope of their duties.  No other individual may interfere with those job tasks, unless the police officer is doing something wrong (i.e., police brutality).  Likewise, once a law abiding Oklahoma process server or private detective has properly identified himself or herself to a police officer who has asked to see identification, there is nothing that that any law enforcement personnel can legally do to interfere with the performance of those lawful duties.  This is why it is so imperative for Oklahoma City process servers and private investigators to carry their process server and private investigator licenses, as well as their drivers’ licenses, at all times.

An owner of a reputable private detective agency or process serving company in Oklahoma will often take great care to let law enforcement officials know of their presence in advance.  This is especially true if the process server or private investigator plans to stay in one area for an extended period of time.  Calling or physically going to the police station in advance and presenting proper identification can prove to be very beneficial.  By doing so, police officers can verify that a person who claims to be a process server or private detective really is who he or she claims to be.  However, it is imperative that process servers and private investigators remember that they do not have to, and in many cases are forbidden from, releasing specific names and/or the general nature of their service/investigation to the police. 

When contacting the police in advance, it is important for process servers and private detectives to help give them other non-sensitive important information.  Providing them a physical description of the process servers or private investigators, the make, model and tag numbers of the cars that will be in the area, and a contact number of the individuals working the case will often put their minds at great ease.  That way if people start calling in to report a “suspicious” vehicle or other unusual activity, the police officers can choose call the Oklahoma private investigator or process server first to see what is going on.

Contacting the police in advance will often, but not always, keep police cars from showing up at a private detective’s or process server’s location with multi-coloured lights on, sirens blaring, etc.  This, of course, could prove to be disastrous for an investigation or serve.  What private detective agency or process serving company wants the entire neighbourhood to know of their employees’ presence?  Having the police show up during surveillance or while on a difficult serve could potentially blow everything and would not help out the client.

Making friends with the police and other law enforcement officials can also help a private detective or process server reap numerous positive rewards.  Whether this takes place in a professional capacity or with people on the force that are already known by or introduced to private investigators and Oklahoma process servers, knowing people in the right places helps!  Of course, it is not only beneficial to be well-known, but also well- liked and well-respected.  Spending a little time to invest in these relationships, which can even be as simple as smiling and saying, “Hello” to police officers as they walk by, not only makes deposits into their emotional bank accounts but is also the nice thing to do.  In addition, massaging a police officer’s ego, if not overdone, can also help.  A little investment in advance can come back to help in the future when it especially counts!

After having had a gun pointed at him by a crazy lady, a process server made it a point one time to get to know the local sheriff’s deputies as he filed the report.  They all talked, laughed, shared stories, and more.  While later having to wait in his car while trying to serve papers in the same town on behalf of a new client, a suspicious neighbour eventually contacted the local police.    

The local police showed up first, and they began questioning the process server.  However, when the county sheriff’s deputies soon arrived and the process server got out of his car to greet them, the police officers asked them, “You know this guy?”  When the sheriff’s deputies acknowledged that they did and that everything was good to go, the local police immediately backed off and went to inform the normally paranoid lady that everything was okay and that they could not make the Oklahoma process server leave the area.

This is once again a very good example of how Oklahoma private investigators and process servers who know people within very similar professions can have an easier time.  The greater one’s sphere of influence is, the easier life often becomes.  Those who run the most successful private detective agencies and process serving companies have mastered this invaluable concept.

It is also extremely important for private detectives and process servers in Oklahoma and elsewhere to make sure that they follow all laws.  If a process server or private investigator is doing everything in accordance with all local, state and federal laws, then police officers have no way to complain about or otherwise impede the duties of those working for process serving companies and private investigation firms in Oklahoma City, Norman, Moore, Edmond, Yukon, Mustang, Piedmont, El Reno, and elsewhere.  Unfortunately, following the laws is not always sufficient.

Sometimes police officers do not know what the laws are.  Indeed, police officers are trained in criminal law, not civil law.  Not wanting to appear ignorant, some police officers may just go with whatever they think the laws should be.  Others may call their supervisors or even call for the assistance of the county sheriff or constable, as they are often charged with the responsibility of serving papers, etc.  At other times, since law enforcement officials really may not know what private investigators and process servers can and cannot legally do, they may just let them proceed with their duties unhindered. 

It never hurts for process servers to have a copy of the Oklahoma Rules of Civil Procedure and the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure on hand.  Private investigators should have any pertinent laws, which are often on www.oscn.net, readily available by phone or on paper.  This way if police officers are ignorant of civil laws pertaining to Oklahoma process servers and private investigators or are intentionally trying to interfere, they can get a quick and easy reminder. 

In addition, having copies of local ordinances pertaining to parking on public property, what does and does not constitute trespassing, and the amendments to the United States Constitution on hand can also prove to be quite useful.   Sometimes an Oklahoma process server or private investigator will need to remind police officers about such rights as the freedom of speech and association, what the Full Faith and Credit Clause of the United States Constitution really means, etc.  Always knowing the laws in advance is smart and makes excellent business sense.

Process servers and private investigators should definitely take great care to always act professionally.  Circumstances may arise when police officers do everything wrong or even break multiple laws.  Indeed, the field of law enforcement often attracts people with a strong desire to protect and serve, but it can also draw in people seeking power, authority, and those who do not appreciate having their authority questioned.  Private investigation agencies and process serving companies that encourage diplomacy, tact, patience, kindness, collaborative leadership, respect for the law, and polite assertiveness will often prosper the best.

            Another crucial element of garnering the cooperation of police officers is for Oklahoma private investigators and process servers to never try to intentionally antagonize law enforcement officials.  These people are also fellow human beings with thoughts, feelings, dreams, aspirations, goals, insecurities, and fallibilities.  Many of them have families, and they are as fragile as the next human being or other life form.  Trying to make a police officer irate or otherwise irritated will seldom, if ever, accomplish any noteworthy desired goals.  Since private investigators, process servers, and law enforcement officials often perform at least some of the same duties, it is essential that Oklahoma process servers and private detectives do everything they can to get them on the same team.  Hopefully no one is out to break the law or cause any harm; everyone just wants to do their duties and go home to their families.    

            Private detective agencies and process server companies in Oklahoma and elsewhere can often find great success when interacting with law enforcement officials.  Knowing how, when, with whom, where, and why interacting with law enforcement officials in a variety of situations is crucial.  Eventually there are times when private investigators and process servers need help from local law enforcement agencies.  By working together instead of against one another, Oklahoma City process servers and private investigation agencies can find much greater success!

How Oklahoma Private Investigators Can Write Effective Surveillance Reports

How Oklahoma Private Investigators Can Write Effective Surveillance Reports

            Oklahoma private investigators often perform surveillance in a variety of situations.  From investigating cheating spouses to custody cases and more, private investigators often need to write up reports for their clients.  This is particularly important, as Oklahoma private investigators’ reports often end up before judges and elsewhere in courtrooms.  Private detectives need to know the best practices for writing reports.  By doing so, it will help their clients, too.  Oklahoma Judicial Process Servers www.OklahomaJudicialProcessServers.com examines some tactics which can help with writing these special reports.

            First and foremost, it is vital that private investigation companies that are writing reports include the facts and exclude opinions.  Commentaries have no place in formal written reports, and they can often do more harm than good in the courtroom.  It is indeed as  they used to say in the television show Dragnet, “Just the facts, Ma’am.”

            The formal presentation of the written investigative report is also just as important.  The following is an outline which is often helpful to private detectives in Oklahoma City, Edmond, Norman, Moore, Yukon, Tulsa and elsewhere.  While there is no set format per se, the following can be helpful for a private investigator to use:

Summary Report - Surveillance Performed for [Insert Name Here]

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        

It is often helpful to include the name of the person for whom the private investigator has prepared the investigative report.  The word “for” can be changed to “on” and the name that follows thereafter may also be different.

Location:

This is an important place for an Oklahoma private detective to note the location(s) where the surveillance took place.  The areas may include several places, and the private investigation company should also note the times that the surveillance took place.  All reports should accurately reflect the date and time stamps of any video recording devices the private investigator used.

Purpose:

This is the place where an Oklahoma City private investigator should note the purpose of the investigation.  Was the purpose to find out if a married husband was visiting a special lover?  Perhaps there is a court order that specifically prohibits a husband or wife from cohabitating with anyone else while divorce proceedings are in progress.  Whatever the reason for the private investigation, the person conducting it should carefully but succinctly note the purpose(s) of conducting the investigation itself.

Integrity:

Some Oklahoma private investigators prefer to make note of integrity footage they took while on surveillance.  This time and date stamped video footage can show which times that the private investigator was still out there.  This way if a private investigator is ever asked how he or she knew if someone was at a particular place all night long, then the integrity shots can help prove the private detective’s continued presence in the area. 

Observations:

This is the perfect area for the Oklahoma private detective to denote what he or she saw.  Who was there?  What happened?  When did these events take place?  Where did everything happen?  Once again, it is important for the private detective to be thorough, but also clear and concise.  Commentaries and opinions are not necessary.

Identification of the Subjects:

This is the perfect spot for an Oklahoma private investigator to list how he or she identified the subjects in the video.  Did he or she have photographs of the individuals in the video footage beforehand?  Perhaps the client provided photographs or at least a physical description of the person beforehand.  It is important for surveillance purposes for the licensed private investigator to be able to properly identify the person or individuals he or she is conducting surveillance on.  Of course, sometimes this is not always possible, especially if the subjects are not known. 

What if there are people in the video that the private detective could identify but others that he or she could not?  Sometimes other people who are not known to the client or the private investigator unexpectedly appear.  If there are unidentifiable people in the video footage, a private investigator definitely needs to note this in the written report. 

All Oklahoma private investigators should be sure to include their names, private investigator license numbers, and private investigation agency license number(s).  This is extremely vital, if others are to view the report with any credibility.  A report, which should include the date it is signed, is not official unless signed by all private detectives involved in the case.  Private investigators should take great care to do so in front of an Oklahoma notary public.  The signature area can look something like the following:

         _________________________                      _________________________            

         [Insert Private Investigator’s Name Here],                       Date:

         Licensed Private Investigator

         PI License #: [Insert # Here]

         Agency License #: [Insert # Here]

All private detectives should ensure that a notary public has authenticated the signature of their investigative reports.  This makes a formal written report more credible, and it helps the judge know that the client or some unknown party did not unlawfully forge the private investigator’s signature.  A sample notary statement that reports can include is as follows:

Signed and affirmed before me, _______________________, a notary public for the State of Oklahoma, by [Insert the private investigator’s name here], on this _______ day of _______, 2013.

Each investigative report should also include page numbers (i.e., Page 1 of 3) and places on each page for the private investigator or private detectives to initial.  This helps to ensure the integrity of the report, and it makes it harder for someone to change out pages for unethical purposes.

Private investigation reports can really help to present the findings in the best possible, accurate, organized light.  They can greatly complement video footage, photographs, and courtroom testimony, if applicable.  All Oklahoma private investigation agencies should ensure that their private detectives prepare and write professional reports for their clients.  Doing so not only benefits the people they serve, but it also adds to the professionalism of those working in the field.

Oklahoma Private Investigators: Armed or Unarmed While on Duty?

Oklahoma Private Investigators: Armed or Unarmed While on Duty?

            It goes without saying that those who serve as private detectives in Oklahoma often face significant danger while on and off the job.  As discreet as they often are, private detectives remain vulnerable to both physical and psychological attacks.  This is especially true for private investigators who serve as bodyguards, private security, and those who investigate criminal matters.  Whether the private investigation entails a minor civil matter or a dangerous criminal one, the question remains: should private investigators arm themselves while on and off duty?  Oklahoma Judicial Process Servers www.OklahomaJudicialProcessServers.com examines this issue . . .

            In order to become licensed to carry firearms, private investigators in Oklahoma must first go through a psychological examination, training in firearm accuracy and safety, and other Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training (CLEET) certification tests.  Only once an Oklahoma private investigator has adequately met all of these requirements can he or she carry a gun.  Is a gun really necessary though?  All of the experts in the field are unable to unanimously agree.

            For some Oklahoma private investigators who perform investigations into dangerous matters and protect high profile individuals, they obviously need to carry some sort of weapon.  In many situations, not carrying some kind of weapon could prove especially detrimental to a private investigator’s health.  This is especially true when facing armed and especially crazy or angry individuals, as law enforcement officials could take a long time to arrive on the scene to provide assistance in emergency situations. 

            Other private investigators in Oklahoma City, Edmond, Moore, Norman, Yukon, Mustang, Stillwater, and elsewhere in Oklahoma simply do not feel comfortable with the idea of carrying a firearm.  They may have an aversion to guns, which are sometimes necessary in the private investigation profession.  Of course, they may prefer other items such as pepper spray, shock knuckles, tasers, etc., instead of a gun.  Others may not want the liability, costs, maintenance, or increased insurance rates that often accompany firearms. 

            Whether using a firearm or nothing at all, the decision about whether to use them or not essentially comes down to two main factors: the private investigator’s comfort level with guns and the overall danger levels he or she faces.  Each private detective agency must ultimately decide whether or not to allow its private investigation staff to carry firearms while on duty.  However, each Oklahoma City private investigator must determine for himself or herself whether to carry a firearm while off duty.  After carefully weighing their options, is it better for private investigators to be safe than sorry?  Do the risks the profession carries with it merit the use of firearms?  At the end of the day, each private investigator must ultimately decide this for himself of herself.  

Oklahoma Private Investigators Need to Know Their Clients’ True Intentions Before Investigating

Oklahoma Private Investigators Need to Know Their Clients’ True Intentions Before Investigating

            Many times private investigators in Oklahoma and elsewhere have clients approach them asking for help with one matter or another.  Whether they need a private detective’s assistance with a criminal case, determining whether or not a spouse is cheating, help with locating a missing child, or any number of other matters, clients often tell the truth and are willing to pay for some answers.  Sometimes, however, clients conceal the truth and have ulterior motives that they take great care to conceal from an Oklahoma private investigation firm.  It is important that Oklahoma private investigators take careful steps to help ensure that they perform due diligence in establishing a client’s true intentions, prior to agreeing to accept a case.

            If a client comes in and claims that he has a court order that prohibits his wife from having men over there after certain hours at night (i.e., 10:00 pm), this could very well be true.  Obviously, if the client suspects that men are coming over and are staying the night, then he might indeed have reasonable suspicion to take action to have something to show to the judge.  In this case, an Oklahoma private investigator could certainly conduct surveillance and try to get video footage, photographs, etc.  Of course, how can private investigators know if this is the real reason for the surveillance?

            It is also totally possible that the client is an ex-boyfriend or ex-husband who is jealous and just wants to keep tabs on the people his ex-spouse is dating.  Indeed, the client could have any number of motives.  This is why private detectives in Oklahoma and elsewhere, even if they are deception experts, should ask questions and try to gather as much information as possible before accepting cases.

            One such way to find out if the client is telling the truth or not in this matter, is for private investigators to simply ask to see the court order.  If the client is telling the truth and has access to the court order, then there should be no reason he or she would not willingly provide it.  If the person refuses to show it or otherwise cannot, this should raise a red flag.  At the very least, the case number and the accompanying documents should be on file with the appropriate court clerk and should generally be available for the private investigator to view.

            By gaining access to the court order, this can help provide the Oklahoma private detective with invaluable information.  Armed with this, a private investigation agency like Oklahoma Judicial Process Servers www.OklahomaJudicialProcessServers.com  can determine what all is prohibited and allowed.  The information contained in that document should make it easier for private investigators to see with their own eyes what all they specifically should and should not try to do.  But private investigators are not the only ones who have ways of at getting at the truth.

Deception experts have their own methods and techniques for finding out who is lying and when.  While most private investigators are not deception experts, those who are have an extra advantage.  By gauging emotions, asking certain questions, and so much more, a dual deception expert/private investigator in Oklahoma can often get to the truth with a fair amount of ease.  Indeed, there are many ways that private investigators in general can get to the truth of various matters. 

It is important that Oklahoma private investigators do not unnecessarily or unfairly badger their clients or otherwise run them off.  The majority of clients usually tell the truth to those working at Oklahoma private investigation firms.  By adequately performing due diligence, an exceptional Oklahoma private investigator can help the client spend only the money he or she needs to, while simultaneously fulfilling his or her duty to protect the public from unnecessary harm.   

How Oklahoma Private Investigators Can Effectively Evaluate Clients’ Claims of Distress and Harm

How Oklahoma Private Investigators Can Effectively Evaluate Clients’ Claims of Distress and Harm

            Any Oklahoma private investigator who has served in the field for very long can attest to the fact that he or she has likely received what seem like very odd phone calls.  Perhaps the calls themselves from certain people in Oklahoma are not so strange, as are some of the stories they tell the private investigators with whom they speak.  However, as eccentric as some of these stories might sound, they could very well be true.  Oklahoma Judicial Process Servers www.OklahomaJudicialProcessServers.com suggests that all private investigators carefully listen to each client in a nonjudgmental way, so as to discern the truth of each matter. 

Of course, Oklahoma private investigators sometimes do not know whether the case is real or simply imagined in the client’s head.  This can make for a difficult job for an Oklahoma City private investigator who is trying to find out if his Oklahoma client might be delusional, paranoid, just bored and playing a prank, under the influence of drugs, or actually telling the truth.  Let us examine a recent example that an experienced private investigator encountered while on the phone with an individual who had called several times.

A woman from Edmond, Oklahoma had called the private investigators at Oklahoma Judicial Process Servers several times asking for assistance.  On this most recent occasion, she wanted to set up an appointment and meet with a private investigator.  She stated that her problem had to do with the fact that someone had stolen money from her bank accounts and had unlawfully used her credit cards.  On the surface, this sounds reasonable and worth investigating.

At this point the Oklahoma private investigator asked the woman who she thought was trying to steal her money and why.  Many clients might have said, “I don’t know” or might have replied with, “Well, I think it was my ex-husband, etc.”  However, the lady responded with, “Well, I think it is an inside job by those working at the bank.”  Really?  This was a conspiracy by those at the bank to steal her money and use her credit cards?  Well, that did not sound quite right, but the Oklahoma private investigator decided to dig a bit further.

The Oklahoma City private investigator then asked the woman, “Have you reported this to the bank?”  The lady initially said, “No.”  Then when the private investigator asked why she had not done so, the lady changed her mind and gave a delayed, uncertain response of, “Yes, I did contact the bank.”  This conflicting answer, combined with the hesitation and her mixed responses, indicated deception.  Unfortunately, the woman did not stop her story there. 

This situation, the woman claimed, was one she had reported to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), as well as to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).  The Oklahoma private investigator reported that the story just got even wilder and had even more responses that just did not add up.  At this point, the private investigator decided that this case had probably not really happened and was not worth spending the time and effort pursuing.  However, she had to do so with a great deal of tact.

While a client may very well be making up a story or may lean a bit toward the paranoid end of the spectrum, it is vital that all private investigators in Oklahoma and elsewhere remember to remain polite and professional.  Thus, in this situation the Oklahoma private investigator simply said, “Madam, this is a matter in which you might find the best results by contacting the Federal Trade Commission again.  I am sure they will work with you on this.”  Before the woman could begin to protest or attempt any additional convincing, the private investigator made her other phone ring and politely informed the other woman on the line that she needed to take the other call.

While it might have been tempting for the private investigator to have referred the matter out to another Oklahoma City private investigator that she did not like very much, that would not have been very nice to do.  There are quite a few private detectives in the field of private investigation throughout Oklahoma who might do this very thing.  Some lawyers and other professionals do it on a regular basis.  Nevertheless, it is an inappropriate practice for any professional to engage in, and it only wastes everyone else’s time.

Another unprofessional response to this situation would be to take the woman’s money, assuming she had any, and to proceed with the case.  Some clients may throw a lot of money at a case, and it may make them feel better.  However, if they could suffer from paranoia or could have some other unknown difficulty, doing so would only prove exploitive.  According to the Oklahoma Private Investigator Association’s (OPIA’s) Code of Ethics, this would not be a best practice for Oklahoma private investigators.

In addition, it was imperative that the Oklahoma private investigator did not accuse the woman of lying, being paranoid, or anything else.  While the private investigator was about 99% sure that the woman’s story was not reality, there was always that 1% chance that it could have been true.  Besides, what could the Oklahoma City private investigator have hoped to have accomplished by saying the woman might be paranoid or was simply making the story up for fun?  The clear was answer: nothing.

Anyone who stays in the field of private investigation for any length of time will undoubtedly find himself or herself listening to what could very well be a wild tale.  On the other hand, it could also be the truth, at least insofar as the individual on the other end of the phone is concerned.  It is always imperative that all Oklahoma private investigator remain diplomatic, tactful, polite, and professional when encountering these situations.  Private investigators who treat others as they would want to be treated often fare well throughout their professional careers.

Oklahoma Private Investigators Should Join the Oklahoma Private Investigator Association (OPIA)

Oklahoma Private Investigators Should Join the Oklahoma Private Investigator Association (OPIA)

Oklahoma City private investigators and private investigators all throughout Oklahoma should give strong consideration to joining a professional Oklahoma private investigator organization.  Professional associations are a convenient, fun, and often inexpensive way to network with others in the private investigation field, gain additional in-service training, benefits which may include insurance, and more.  Teachers, medical doctors, dentists, process servers, and numerous others have also joined together in this same endeavor. 

One such organization in Oklahoma for private investigators is the Oklahoma Private Investigator Association (OPIA).  One can easily find the website for the organization on www.opia.com.  The men and women who spend their professional careers conducting surveillance, investigating crimes, civil cases, finding out whether a spouse has been cheating, etc., have a wonderful time.  At the monthly meetings, an Oklahoma private investigator gets to enjoy a nice lunch with colleagues, listen to guest speakers, share new ideas, and much more.  Sometimes a private investigator in Oklahoma even wins a pretty intriguing door prize.

Another great thing about the OPIA is how it brings private investigators from Oklahoma City, Edmond, Moore, Norman, Tulsa, Piedmont, Guthrie, Bethany, Yukon, Mustang, Midwest City, Del City, Stillwater, Owasso, Lawton, El Reno, and counties such as Tulsa County, Oklahoma County, Canadian County, Cleveland County – basically all throughout the state – together!  Great minds share fantastic ideas, and self-improvement is always a goal.  The chance that private investigators have to collaborate and refer clients from cities and counties that are far away from their office is an added and appreciated bonus!

The chief executive officer of Oklahoma Judicial Process Servers (www.OklahomaJudicialProcessServers.com), Dr. John Keefe II, is a proud member of the Oklahoma Private Investigator Association.  Always a strong supporter of professional organizations, Dr. Keefe encourages his staff to join the Oklahoma Private Investigator Association.  The more Oklahoma private investigators that the OPIA has, the better they can work together to help serve the clients (i.e., attorneys, governmental agencies, businesses, nonprofit organizations, and individuals).  While it is true that private investigators often compete against one another for business, private investigators who collaborate through the Oklahoma Private Investigator Association also help bring the word “professional” into their chosen profession.