Private investigators
When your loved one is missing, it’s understandable that you want as much investigative support as possible.
Hiring a private investigator
Going missing is not a crime in Australia, so police can’t prioritise every case, especially where there’s no clear sign of foul play. Some families choose to engage a private investigator to help continue the search.
Private investigators aren’t cheap, but some may be willing to offer their services pro bono. They may want you to give them a testimonial or advertise their business in return for their assistance.
Please do your research carefully. Unfortunately, some families have been negatively impacted by private investigators who delivered very little.
Before engaging someone, we recommend:
- Asking for their licence and qualifications. Each state and territory has different requirements, and investigators must hold a current private investigator licence.
- Speaking to other families they’ve worked with
- Asking about their experience, specifically with missing persons cases
- Requesting a clear written outline of fees and services
- Obtaining multiple quotes so you can compare costs
- Informing the police officer assigned to your loved one’s disappearance of your intentions to engage a private investigator
Red flags to watch out for:
- They guarantee results or promise they can ‘solve the case’
- They demand full payment upfront without a clear written agreement
- They’re vague about their methods or past experience
Remember: any credible information uncovered should always be passed on to police.