Abstract A question often neglected in the literature on forensic hypnosis is: Are there circumstances that ought to influence the decision to use hypnosis in the first place? To ensure that forensic hypnosis is used appropriately, federal investigative agencies have developed guidelines that require careful review of investigative, forensic, and potential hypnotic considerations. Such considerations include the merit and priority of the case, prior progress, existing forensic difficulties, the role of the interviewee in the investigation, other testimony, physical evidence, and the likelihood that information derived from hypnosis could be independently corroborated. These guidelines are explained as precautions against using hypnosis as a substitute for traditional techniques and to assure the potential of hypnosis when it is employed.