Pro: Dedicated Professional Assistance

• When you hire a private detective, you are paying for the time, energy, and focus of a dedicated professional on your case. This has its advantages over pursuing your case on your own; you are paying a professional to do what you may not have time to do on your own. A private detective will also have access to resources such as legal sources and information services which may be difficult for you to get on your own.
  
  In some cases, the police department may also be dedicating professional resources to your case. While this is good, it still does not compare with the focused attention you will receive if you are paying someone to dedicate his time and energy to your case. Police departments may be overwhelmed by cases, and as time goes by, yours may become less of a focus.
  
  

Con: Cost

• Hiring a private detective can be a challenge if you don't have extensive financial resources. You will often be charged by the hour or day (not by the job), so if your case drags on, information is difficult to find, or your case is an involved one, you may have to lay out significant funds to pay a private detective.
  
  

Pro: Unqualified Assistance

• Private detectives can help you find information in cases where the legal system may be unable or unwilling to help you. For example, if you think your spouse is cheating, a private detective can put your spouse under surveillance to determine what is going on. Private detectives can help you find your biological parents. They can investigate missing persons cases the police have retired or feel don't warrant investigation.
  
  

Con: No Guarantee Who You're Dealing With

• Private detective agencies and individuals are regulated by state governments, in most cases (sometimes even by the police department), and they must be licensed and authorized to operate. However, they do not answer to the legal system, and it is possible to be cheated by an ineffective or dishonest private detective. Before hiring a private detective, make sure she is licensed to operate in your state. Ask for regular, detailed updates on progress. If you have an attorney, you can have your private detective make your reports to your attorney, which can help ensure the legality and effectiveness of the detective's methods.
  
  You may also find that your case is not being handled by the person you originally met with when you consulted with the private detective agency. If this bothers you, consider hiring a detective from a small agency or someone who is in business alone.