How to Hire a Private Investigator in Colorado: 8 Essential Tips
Hiring a private investigator is not something most people do regularly. Unlike finding a plumber or mechanic, choosing a private detective for sensitive, important matters requires careful consideration. This guide will help you navigate the process of hiring a Colorado private investigator who is honest, qualified, and right for your specific needs.
At Rocky Mountain Eagle Eye, we understand that choosing an investigator means placing significant trust—and investment—in someone’s hands. Whether you need surveillance, background checks, digital forensics, or other investigative services, these eight tips will help you make an informed decision.
1. Know Why You Need a Private Investigator
Private investigators offer diverse services including:
- Surveillance investigations – Domestic, legal, and corporate monitoring
- Background checks – Employment, tenant, and personal screening
- Digital forensics – Computer and mobile device analysis
- Skip tracing – Locating missing persons or debtors
- Cheating investigations – Infidelity and relationship matters
- Corporate investigations – Employee misconduct, fraud detection
- Process service – Legal document delivery
Not all private investigators specialize in every service. Understanding your specific goals—even generally—helps narrow your search to investigators best equipped to handle your case.
2. Verify Colorado Licensing Requirements
In Colorado, private investigators must be licensed by the state to legally operate. To obtain a license, investigators must:
- Meet specific education and experience requirements
- Pass the rigorous Colorado Jurisprudence Exam
- Maintain liability insurance
- Comply with state regulations set by the Colorado Attorney General
How to verify a license: Before hiring any investigator, verify their license is current and valid through the Colorado licensing database. If an investigator cannot provide proof of licensing, continue your search elsewhere.
3. Ask for Referrals and Check Reviews
While most people don’t have a private investigator on speed dial, you may know colleagues, attorneys, or business owners who have hired one in the past. Ask for recommendations from your network.
Research online reviews: Check third-party review sites like:
- Yelp – Read authentic client experiences
- Google Reviews – See overall ratings and feedback
- Better Business Bureau – Check complaint history
- Facebook reviews – Community feedback and testimonials
Look beyond the investigator’s own website to understand what past clients say about their professionalism, results, and communication.
4. Evaluate Their Background and Experience
When meeting with potential investigators, ask detailed questions about their qualifications:
- Law enforcement background – Former police officers and detectives bring investigative expertise
- Years in business – Experience handling cases similar to yours
- Specializations – Specific training in surveillance, digital forensics, etc.
- Success stories – Examples of results they’ve achieved for clients
- Professional affiliations – Membership in organizations like the National Council of Investigation & Security Services (NCISS)
At Rocky Mountain Eagle Eye, our team includes former law enforcement officers with extensive investigative backgrounds, providing the expertise needed for complex cases.
5. Request References from Past Clients
A reputable private investigator should willingly provide references from satisfied clients who can speak to:
- Quality of work and results achieved
- Professionalism and communication
- Confidentiality and discretion
- Timeliness and reliability
- Overall experience working with the investigator
Contact these references to gain insight into what working with the investigator will be like.
6. Understand Billing and Costs Upfront
Avoid surprise expenses by discussing costs transparently from the beginning:
- Hourly rates vs. flat fees – Understand how they charge (most bill hourly)
- Retainer requirements – Upfront deposit needed to begin work
- Expense reimbursement – Travel, equipment, database searches
- Invoicing frequency – How often you’ll receive bills
- Payment methods – Accepted forms of payment
- Estimated total cost – Projected cost range for your specific case
Reputable investigators provide clear, written fee agreements before starting work. At Rocky Mountain Eagle Eye, we offer free consultations to discuss your case and provide accurate cost estimates.
7. Be Prepared to Discuss Your Case Details
Come to your initial consultation ready to share:
- Background information – Context about your situation
- Objectives and goals – What you hope to achieve
- Relevant documents – Contracts, photos, communications, court papers
- Key individuals involved – Names, addresses, descriptions
- Timeline requirements – Any urgent deadlines
- Concerns or constraints – Legal, ethical, or budgetary considerations
The more information you provide, the better the investigator can understand your needs and develop an effective investigation strategy. Everything you share is strictly confidential.
8. Trust Your Instincts About the Investigator
Beyond credentials and experience, consider how you feel about the investigator personally:
- • Do you feel comfortable discussing sensitive matters with them?
- • Do they listen attentively and ask thoughtful questions?
- • Do they inspire confidence in their abilities?
- • Do they seem genuinely interested in helping you?
- • Do they communicate clearly and professionally?
- • Do you feel you can trust them with confidential information?
If something feels off during your initial meeting, it’s okay to continue your search. You need to work with someone you trust completely.
Additional Questions to Ask a Private Investigator
During your consultation, consider asking these important questions:
- How long have you been a licensed PI in Colorado?
- What percentage of your work involves cases like mine?
- What is your success rate for this type of investigation?
- How will you keep me updated on progress?
- What happens if the investigation doesn’t yield results?
- Do you have professional liability insurance?
- Will you personally handle my case or assign it to someone else?
- What equipment and resources do you use?
- How do you ensure confidentiality?
- Will your findings be admissible in court if needed?
Red Flags to Avoid When Hiring a Private Investigator
Beware of investigators who:
- ❌ Cannot provide proof of Colorado licensing
- ❌ Guarantee specific results (ethical PIs can’t make guarantees)
- ❌ Suggest illegal or unethical methods
- ❌ Refuse to provide written fee agreements
- ❌ Are vague about their methods or experience
- ❌ Pressure you to hire them immediately
- ❌ Won’t provide references or have no online presence
- ❌ Offer prices significantly lower than competitors (too good to be true)
What Makes Rocky Mountain Eagle Eye Different?
When you choose Rocky Mountain Eagle Eye for your investigative needs, you benefit from:
- • Former law enforcement professionals with 10+ years of investigative experience
- • Licensed and insured Colorado private investigators
- • Local expertise in Denver, Boulder, Golden, and across Colorado
- • Advanced technology including state-of-the-art surveillance equipment and digital forensics tools
- • Strict confidentiality protocols protecting your privacy
- • Court-admissible evidence and professional documentation
- • Free consultations to discuss your case with no obligation
- • Transparent pricing with detailed fee agreements
- • 24/7 availability for urgent investigative needs
Areas We Serve Throughout Colorado
Rocky Mountain Eagle Eye provides licensed private investigator services throughout Colorado, including:
- Golden, CO (our home base)
- Denver, CO
- Boulder, CO
- Aurora, CO
- Lakewood, CO
- Arvada, CO
- Westminster, CO
- Thornton, CO
- Broomfield, CO
- Colorado Springs, CO
- Fort Collins, CO
- All Colorado Front Range communities
- Statewide coverage available
Ready to Hire a Trusted Colorado Private Investigator?
If you need professional investigative services in Colorado, Rocky Mountain Eagle Eye is here to help. Our experienced team provides discreet, effective investigations for individuals, businesses, and legal professionals throughout the state.
Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation:
- 📞 Phone: 303-381-4585
- 📧 Email: Info@RockyMountainEagleEye.com
- 📍 Office: 18475 W Colfax Ave Ste 132, Golden, CO 80401
- 🌐 Schedule Online: Request Free Consultation