Searching for a long lost person can be time-consuming, painstaking and emotionally charged. Hiring a professional investigator and genealogist to conduct the search and set up the initial contact is the best way to ensure a positive reunion with that special someone. But how do you find the right person for the job?
A skilled private investigator and genealogist can help you obtain the answers you are looking for and should be an experienced professional with a high-quality reputation and outstanding business ethics. Ask friends, family members, colleagues or your lawyer for a referral and the inside scoop about their experiences. By questioning others, you can find out if the investigator would be suitable for your needs.
Another way to find an investigator or genealogist is to check associations related to their profession, such as the Association of British Investigators (ABI) or the Association of Genealogists and Researchers in Archives (AGRA). Both ABI and AGRA have a code of practice and related requirements that need to be understood and fulfilled prior to establishing membership as a professional investigator or genealogist. Fundamental qualifications include being honest, scholarly and professional in research and methods as well as have discretion in relations with clients, the public and the profession. Knowing that the professional you hire adheres to a code of practice ensures that you have enlisted the assistance of a responsible professional who can handle the challenge and delicacy of a people search.
Other places to look for recommendations for an investigator include counsellors’ association, insurance companies and members of the clergy. Because these people deal with sensitive personal issues everyday, they may know the name of a competent investigator.
Once you have the name of an investigator and genealogist you would like to contact, consider your budget. Knowing how much you have to spend and being honest about it will help you find the right investigator to initiate your search. Even if you find an investigator who is willing to work with you financially, be prepared for the fact that a retainer is usually required before any work will commence.
Next, gather all the information you can about the person you are searching for, including:
Full name and former names;Date or birth or approximate ageThe last contact with the person;Last known address for the person, along with any previous addresses, including their hometown;Names of family members and close friends;Names of schools and colleges attended;Names of places of business;Any hobbies and other pertinent personal information. Having background facts organized in a binder along with photographs will give an investigator and genealogist the basic tools they need to work from.
When you meet with the investigator and genealogist with your binder of facts, consider how comfortable you feel while speaking with them. Since good communication is a key element to the investigation, you need to feel at ease when you talk with the person you intend to hire. Also, keep in mind that the investigator and genealogist is a trained professional with their own ideas for exploration so you need to remain open minded to suggestions. Discuss results of similar cases they have dealt with and engage in meaningful conversation about your unique needs. When asked what makes a good investigator, Peter Heims of the Association of British investigators replied, ‘Patience, common sense and tenacity are the important qualities.’ Keep those qualities in mind during your interview with a potential investigator and genealogist.
Because hiring an investigator and genealogist is your first step toward finding that special someone and your best resource for a successful search.
Giles Higgitt
Blood-Ties Tracing Service - the People Finder
blood-ties.com/ blood-ties.com
uk-people-search.blogspot.com uk-people-search.blogspot.com
mail:mailto:info@blood-ties.com info@blood-ties.com
Research carried out with sensitivity to reunite missing friends and families.