What is Surveillance?
Surveillance is the close observation of a person, place, or object. It is the practice of watching a subject in order to document and identify any of the contact, interactions, or whereabouts of the subject. Surveillance investigations can include:- Missing person searches
- Cheating spouse investigations
- Recurrent theft
- Worker's compensation claim
- Vandalism
Why Conduct Surveillance?
There are a number of reasons to conduct surveillance. Surveillance
is conducted to prevent crime, to obtain evidence of a crime, to obtain evidence in civil suits, to document an individual’s location, to document activities in or around a specific location or building, to obtain information to be used in an interrogation, to gather intelligence, or to obtain information to be used in court.Simply, you might need surveillance from a qualified private investigator at some point in your life. With marital infidelity on the rise, employee dishonesty increasing, and crime rates a concern for everyone across the country, surveillance is one way you can stay safe and secure. Surveillance gives you the facts and proof you need about those people you trust with your home, your children, your money, and your life.
Does Surveillance Affect Privacy?
Many people worry that surveillance affects their privacy. Often times, surveillance is a balancing act of security and privacy concerns. Thus, it's important to stay on the right side of the law. New privacy laws mean that surveillance through audio and video equipment as well as other forms of surveillance equipment can be restricted when not performed by a private investigator.Can I Use Home Surveillance Systems?
If you want security surveillance for your home, home surveillance equipment usually causes very few legal problems. As long as you're not using home surveillance equipment to monitor people without their permission, you can generally use security surveillance equipment to keep your home safe from intruders. If, on the other hand, you are using surveillance techniques or surveillance equipment to observe potentially cheating spouses, potentially dishonest employees, or caretakers, you may be breaking the law.Who Should Conduct Surveillance?
The best option is to hire a qualified private investigator. A professional investigator is licensed and insured to provide surveillance and to gather evidence through audio and video equipment. Plus, a professional investigator is often the most effective way to observe someone or something. Professional investigators are trained for years in order to be able to track down alleged criminals or uncover dishonesty in any form.Since private investigators are well-versed in current laws, you don't have to worry about legal impediments when you entrust your surveillance needs to a private investigator. Plus, professional investigators have access to various types of surveillance equipment -- one-way mirrors, specialized equipment, and special vehicles -- that can make surveillance more effective. If surveillance reveals illegal activity, evidence gathered by private investigators often stands up in court much better than evidence gathered by the average citizen.
Or you could commit time researching laws in your area or hiring a lawyer to find out whether your surveillance techniques are legal in your area. Of course, you can always stop surveillance entirely and just hope that the people you trust with your safety and security are, in fact, trustworthy. But let's face it: these alternatives either put you at risk or are expensive.
If you suspect that your spouse is cheating, that a nanny or babysitter is abusive, or that an employee is dishonest, it can be difficult to concentrate on everyday tasks. Why waste your time, energy, and stay up nights worrying? A single call can put you on the path to learning the truth.
When your intuition tells you that something is wrong, you are usually correct. We provide you with the answers necessary to make sound decisions.
Brian Blackwell Investigations | Seattle, WA
We are now
Brian Blackwell Investigations | Pennsylvania
brianblackwell.com
