Louisiana has no shortage of people who call themselves private investigators. Some are highly qualified, licensed professionals with decades of experience. Others are unlicensed, underequipped, and operating in legal gray areas that could compromise your case. Before you hand over a retainer, ask these questions.

1. Are You Licensed by the Louisiana State Board of Private Investigator Examiners?

This is non-negotiable. Louisiana requires all private investigators to hold a valid state license. Ask for the license number and verify it at the Louisiana State Board website. An unlicensed investigator cannot legally conduct investigations in Louisiana, and any evidence they gather may be inadmissible.

2. Are You Bonded and Insured?

A professional PI carries errors and omissions insurance and is bonded. This protects you if something goes wrong during the investigation. If they cannot provide proof of insurance, walk away.

3. Do You Use Full-Time, Licensed Investigators or Contractors?

Many PI firms use part-time contractors or unlicensed assistants to cut costs. This creates chain-of-custody problems and can undermine the credibility of your evidence in court. Ask specifically whether the person conducting your surveillance will be a licensed, full-time employee.

4. What Is Your Experience With Cases Like Mine?

A PI who specializes in insurance fraud investigations may not be the right choice for a corporate TSCM sweep. Ask for specific experience with your type of case, and ask for references from attorneys or clients in similar situations.

5. How Will Evidence Be Documented and Delivered?

Ask about the format of the final report, how video evidence is stored and transferred, and whether the investigator can testify in court if needed. A professional PI will have a clear, consistent process for evidence documentation and delivery.

6. What Are Your Fees and How Are They Structured?

Legitimate PIs charge by the hour, with a retainer against which hours are billed. Be wary of investigators who quote a flat fee for an open-ended investigation, as it creates an incentive to either rush the work or pad the hours. Get the fee structure in writing before work begins.

7. How Do You Handle Confidentiality?

Your case details, your identity, and the results of the investigation should be held in strict confidence. Ask specifically how the firm handles client information, who has access to case files, and what happens to your data after the case closes.

"A good PI will welcome these questions. If an investigator is evasive, defensive, or unable to answer any of them clearly, that is your answer."