If you're looking to hire a subcontract private investigator, you’ve probably realized something: finding the right PI isn’t as easy as a Google search.

You want someone dependable. Licensed. Experienced. Someone who doesn’t flake when it’s time to hand in the report.

The good news? With the right steps (and a few red flags to avoid), you can build a solid roster of subcontract private investigators that you’ll feel good about calling up again and again.

Let’s walk through how.

Start With the Right Job Posting

Before you even talk to a PI, make sure your job post is clear and detailed.

Good investigators aren’t wasting time on vague listings. They want to know exactly what they’re walking into.

Here’s what to include:

• The type of case (surveillance, background check, skip trace, etc.)
  
  

• Where the case is based (city/state)
  
  

• Required license(s)
  
  

• Time frame or hours needed
  
  

• Pay range and how/when they'll be paid
  
  

• Any client-specific requirements
  
  

Posting somewhere generic like Craigslist or Facebook? You’ll get mixed results. If you want serious investigators, go where they’re actually looking.

Our private investigator jobs platform — InvestigatorJobsPortal.com — was built for this exact reason. Agencies like yours post, and verified PIs apply. Simple. Check it out here → Hire PI Subcontractors

Check Their Licensing (And Double-Check It)

This might sound obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people skip it.

Make sure the investigator has a current license in the state where the job is located. Not just “used to have one,” or “licensed in a different state.”

Most state licensing boards have online look-up tools. If not, ask them for a copy.

You can also ask:

• How long they've been licensed
  
  

• Whether it’s their own license or they work under an agency
  
  

• If there were any disciplinary actions
  
  

One red flag? If they get defensive when you ask. A professional PI will expect you to check.

Ask About Experience — The Right Way

Not all private investigators handle the same kind of work. One might be great at surveillance. Another might specialize in asset searches or court testimony.

When you're hiring for subcontract work, ask:

• What kind of cases they’ve handled before
  
  

• How often they work as a subcontractor
  
  

• Any examples of similar cases
  
  

You don’t need a resume — just a conversation. Most seasoned PIs love talking shop.

Bonus tip: Ask how they’d approach the case. This gives you a peek at their process.

Look for These Green Flags

Here’s what separates a “maybe” from a “yes, please.”

• They respond quickly and professionally
• Their license checks out
• They ask good questions about the case
• They’re okay signing an agreement or NDA
• They’re upfront about their availability and rates

You’re not looking for perfection — just someone who treats the work like a business. Because that’s what it is.

Watch Out for These Red Flags

On the flip side, here’s what should make you pause.

🚩 They won’t give you a last name or license number
🚩 They pressure you to hire them right away
🚩 They don’t have a reliable way to communicate
🚩 They want cash upfront with no agreement
🚩 They bad-mouth other PIs or agencies

If it feels off, it probably is. Trust your gut — and keep your standards high.

Use a Subcontractor Agreement Every Time

Even for small jobs.

A simple agreement protects both of you. It outlines what they’re doing, what you’ll pay, when they’ll deliver, and what happens if something goes sideways.

Include:

• Scope of work
  
  

• Pay rate and terms
  
  

• Timeline or deadline
  
  

• Confidentiality rules
  
  

• Who owns the final report
  
  

Not sure where to start? We’ve got a free template on our site you can grab and customize.

It’s one of the easiest ways to look professional — and avoid drama later.

Build a Go-To List

Here’s the best part of subcontracting: once you find a few solid investigators, you can start building your own network.

Keep track of:

• What cases they handled
  
  

• How well they performed
  
  

• Any feedback from clients
  
  

• If you’d hire them again
  
  

That way, next time a case comes up in Dallas or Detroit or Denver, you already know who to call.

Wrapping It Up: Hire Smart, Not Fast

Finding a reliable private investigator for subcontracting work doesn’t have to be complicated.

But it does take a little care.

• Post clearly
• Verify licenses
• Ask about experience
• Use an subcontract agreement
• Trust your instincts

And if you don't want to deal with the headache of doing all that, sign up with Investigator Jobs Portal and obtain access to qualified investigators nationwide, who will apply to your subcontract job posting, quickly and easily. No need to waste anymore time filtering through resumes or cold-calling private investigator agencies, trying to find someone who can cover your case last-minute. Investigator Jobs Portal will do all the time-consuming work for you. Just sign-up, post your case and sit back. Sign up today!