What to Expect When You Hire a PI: A Step-by-Step Guide

Hiring a private investigator for the first time can feel uncertain. What do you say? What will they do? How long does it take? This guide walks you through the entire process so you know exactly what to expect. ## Step 1: The Initial Consultation Your first contact with a licensed PI is a confidential consultation. This is where you explain your situation, ask questions, and find out whether a professional investigation is the right move. A good investigator will listen carefully, ask clarifying questions, and give you an honest assessment of what's realistic. At Kreymer Investigative, all consultations are completely confidential — nothing you share leaves the conversation without your consent. ## Step 2: Defining the Scope Once you decide to move forward, the investigator will work with you to define the scope of the investigation. This includes: - **What you need to find out** — the specific question or outcome you're working toward - **What information you already have** — names, addresses, vehicle descriptions, known associates - **Timeline and budget** — how quickly you need results and what resources are available A clear scope keeps the investigation focused and efficient. ## Step 3: The Investigation Begins Depending on your case, the investigator may use a combination of: - **Surveillance** — physical observation, video documentation, and activity logs. See our [surveillance service](/services/surveillance). - **OSINT (Open Source Intelligence)** — digital research using public records, social media, and online databases. See our [OSINT investigations service](/services/osint-investigations). - **Skip tracing** — locating individuals through data aggregation and field work. See our [skip tracing service](/services/skip-tracing). - **Background investigations** — deep-dive research into a person's history, associations, and records. See our [background checks service](/services/background-checks). - **Interviews** — speaking with witnesses, neighbors, or associates All methods used by licensed investigators must comply with state and federal law. A reputable PI will never cross legal or ethical lines to get results. ## Step 4: Documentation and Reporting Everything a PI discovers is documented. This includes written logs, photographs, video footage, and database records. At the end of the investigation — or at agreed checkpoints — you'll receive a detailed report that summarizes findings and includes supporting evidence. If your case involves legal proceedings, this documentation is prepared to be court-admissible. ## Step 5: Review and Next Steps Once you have the report, your investigator will walk you through the findings and help you understand your options. Whether you're taking the information to an attorney, an employer, or simply making a personal decision, you'll have the facts you need to move forward with confidence. --- The process is straightforward when you work with a licensed, experienced investigator. You don't need to figure it out alone. [Contact Kreymer Investigative for a free consultation](/lp/pi-services-nh?utm_source=blog-aab&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=cmp_4ZDR1YJXzYZdusLJcqXGNrUa3YLZd1lnKnLWalXfWys&utm_content=act_1y720J0K3G4yY895N0S804tRYJa-uFq7qhwGDRPmQpM&utm_term=topic_hiring-pi-guide) — we'll explain exactly how we can help with your specific situation. We serve clients across NH, including [Manchester](/private-investigator-manchester-nh), [Nashua](/private-investigator-nashua-nh), [Portsmouth](/private-investigator-portsmouth-nh), [Rochester](/private-investigator-rochester-nh), and [Londonderry](/private-investigator-londonderry-nh), as well as Massachusetts.