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Four Things You Need to Do When Hiring a Private Investigator

Whether you’re the owner of a company or just a private individual, there may be times when you have questions that can only be answered with a competent investigation. At such times, your best option is always to rely upon true professionals who have the experience and skills you need to get the answers you deserve. However, there are things you need to do when you hire an investigator, to ensure that you get the best possible results. These four steps can help you get the right investigator for your unique investigative needs.

Seek Recommendations and Referrals

It’s vital to get the right investigator – someone who understands your needs and is committed to getting the results you deserve. But what do you do when all you have is a list of investigators or security firms and no way to tell which one can effectively handle your case? The answer is simple: either consult with someone you know who’s hired an investigator in the past or look for referrals online. There are online directories and other resources that can help you begin to narrow down your search.

Check Credentials

Investigations can be sensitive matters and require conscious adherence to various laws and regulations. You need an investigator who understands the legal parameters of any investigation. The best way to have confidence in any investigator’s abilities and commitment to doing things the right way is to review their credentials. Make sure that each candidate’s state licensing is up-to-date, check out online reviews, and review any other resources that can help you verify the firm’s track record. You will also need to ensure that the investigator you hire has experience in the matter you need to investigate.

Always Meet Potential Candidates

Of course, you never want to hire a private investigator based solely on online reviews and document verifications. To ensure that you have the right investigator for the job, you will need to actually meet with him or her before you decide. Remember, investigations are almost always sensitive matters, and often involve confidential information. A face-to-face meeting can help to establish trust and rapport – both of which will be essential to a good client relationship.

Properly Define the Investigation’s Parameters

Finally, don’t forget to define the parameters of the investigation. If your case could potentially involve the investigator being called to testify in a court of law, make sure that he or she is both willing and able to meet that need. Talk through the costs of the investigation so that you both understand the agreement, as well as any time limitations that may be involved.

Hiring the right private investigator can be a complex process, but there are ways to simplify that search. You can start by talking to the private investigators at ISS. Our experienced investigative professionals can provide the results you need, with the sensitivity and discretion you deserve. Begin your search for the best private investigators at International Security Services – New York City’s dedicated security experts.

 

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George Kozhar

George Kozhar is a respected security professional, licensed private investigator, and founder of International Security Services (ISS) - New York City’s dedicated security experts since 1999. Mr. Kozhar and his team provide a full array of private and business investigative services in the U.S. and overseas, VIP executive protection, armed and unarmed security guard services and training, and Fire and Life Safety Director training through the company’s Fire Science Institute.

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August 10th, 2022

Property Security Evaluation Report

Your Individualized Property Evaluation Report

Your site’s individualized property evaluation report contains information and analysis that you need to properly manage your site’s security needs. That information includes detailed analysis of the crime rate in your area, site access and parking protocols, and existing security infrastructure. Interior inspection includes analysis of emergency exits, fire suppression capabilities, and alarm infrastructure for emergencies. Exterior inspection includes analysis of structural defects, property lighting, and potential vulnerabilities in building access.

In addition to those inspections, our analysis also considered environmental factors, potential risks from older trees, outside property maintenance, and nearby crime that may overflow to the area. We also examined emergency response planning, including fire evacuation protocols and information supplied to residents about proper evacuation process.

 

Pressing Suggestions


We highly suggest a camera placement along this driveway, as the overhead cameras in the back parking lot may not capture all makes, models, and license plates of cars entering in and out based on the angle they are recording from. The best camera placement would be at the green circle closest to the sidewalk/street.
The common area is easily accessible, but based on the angle that cameras are set at the front lot, anyone can enter the basement common area concealing the side of their face that is facing the camera. This is not to say that the camera arrangement should be changed, but it is highly recommended to have coverage in this common area as the common area is on a lower floor not visible from the sidewalk.


However, a few fundamental problems exist when it comes to access control of the back parking (a big territory). Even though only two issues have ever occurred there, the wide-open access point to that lot may need to be corrected sooner than later as there is a significant uptick in crime in the 62nd precinct.

Furthermore, there are two fundamental surveillance blind spots along the driveway leading to the back parking lot and every common area.

Lastly, however unlikely it may seem, tenants should have resources and a physical guide for situations that may require an evacuation. Whether it be a flood or fire, each tenant should know how to use a fire extinguisher and where to evacuate to during a flood regardless of their proximity to a shoreline.


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