Private Investigator Basics: Surveillance

Surveillance Fundamentals

Surveillance involves the systematic observation of individuals, locations, or objects to record and ascertain contacts, activities, and movements. Private investigators employ surveillance for various purposes, including crime prevention, evidence collection for criminal and civil cases, documentation of an individual's location or actions, acquisition of information to support interviews, intelligence gathering for future operations, and securing details for use in legal proceedings.

Types of Investigations Requiring Surveillance

Surveillance plays a crucial role in a range of investigations, including missing person cases, worker’s compensation claims, child custody investigations, infidelity investigations (cheating spouse), vandalism incidents, and recurrent theft situations.

Types of Surveillance

Private investigators must select the most appropriate type of surveillance based on the specifics of each case and the investigation’s objectives. The nature of the case will determine whether surveillance should be mechanical or human, overt or covert, and stationary or mobile.

Mechanical Surveillance Versus Human Surveillance

Mechanical surveillance involves using technological devices, such as cameras or recording equipment, to monitor targets. This method offers several benefits: equipment doesn’t tire, get hungry, or lose focus, and multiple locations can be monitored simultaneously. For example, in theft cases at a construction site, private investigators may install cameras and later review the recordings for evidence.

Overt Surveillance Versus Covert Surveillance

Overt surveillance refers to monitoring activities that are plainly visible, such as security personnel patrolling shopping centers or the use of security cameras in casinos. This form of surveillance is intentionally made apparent to discourage theft or fraudulent behavior.

Mobile Surveillance Versus Stationary Surveillance

Mobile surveillance involves following moving targets, for instance, tailing someone who leaves a location in their car. In contrast, stationary surveillance means monitoring a fixed location or position.

Preparation for Surveillance

Understand the Client’s Needs

It is essential for private investigators to clarify what the client aims to achieve with surveillance. The client’s objectives will determine the types of surveillance, the project’s scope, and the necessary equipment. Investigators must educate clients and manage their expectations, as investigations are often more complex and costly than anticipated.

Know The Subject

Before conducting surveillance, private investigators should complete thorough background research on the subject. This includes obtaining the individual’s name, address, phone number, full physical description, photograph, and information about relatives nearby. Additional useful details include the subject’s routines, habits, hobbies, schedules, and associates.

Know The Area

Investigators should have a map of the surveillance area and, if possible, a photograph of the building or location to be watched. It’s helpful to visit the site at different times of day and night, especially if the surveillance will occur during less busy hours.

Know Your Equipment

The equipment used depends on the surveillance’s nature. Investigators should be thoroughly familiar with their devices and practice with them ahead of time. For example, if cameras or video cameras are required, it’s wise to have backups and extra batteries, as there’s rarely a second chance to capture key activities.

Know Yourself

Investigators should prepare mentally and physically by getting enough sleep, exercising, and having a clear plan. They must also be ready to handle unexpected encounters, such as being approached by strangers or law enforcement. Having a plausible cover story is essential to successful surveillance.

Key Qualities for Surveillance Investigators

Surveillance requires significant dedication and resilience. Successful investigators are outgoing, communicate well, act decisively, remember details, blend into their environment, and pay close attention to detail. Other important traits include honesty, patience, resourcefulness, flexibility, and the ability to concentrate for long hours, often under challenging conditions such as sitting in a vehicle for extended periods in extreme weather.

Ethics and Laws Relevant to Surveillance

Investigators must know and comply with all laws affecting their work in their respective states, particularly those involving trespassing and audio recording. Laws regarding audio recording vary by state, and some states prohibit covert audio recording. Failure to comply can result in serious legal consequences, including imprisonment.

Conclusion

Surveillance is not necessary in every investigation, but it is invaluable when visual confirmation of a target’s actions or location is needed for resolution. Whether the goal is to catch a thief, locate a missing person, or confirm the validity of a worker’s compensation claim, surveillance provides critical evidence and can be essential to a successful investigation.

Brian Blackwell Investigator | Harrisburg, PA
https://www.brianblackwell.biz

Private Investigator Basics: Surveillance

Surveillance is the art of watching someone, someplace, or some object in order to document and identify any contact, activities and whereabouts. Surveillance is conducted to prevent a crime, to obtain evidence of a crime, to obtain evidence of wrongful action in a civil suit, 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 as a basis for future action, and to obtain information to be used in court.

Types Of Investigations Requiring Surveillance

Missing person, worker’s compensation claim, cheating spouse, vandalism, recurrent theft. 

Types Of Surveillance

The types of surveillance that fit with individual cases vary. Private investigators have to decide which types of surveillance are best suited by understanding the case and the desired outcome of the surveillance. The nature of the case will dictate whether the surveillance will be mechanical or human, whether it will be covert or overt, and whether the surveillance will be stationary or mobile.

Mechanical Surveillance verses Human Surveillance

Mechanical surveillance is when technological devices are used to conduct surveillance. This is beneficial because equipment doesn’t get tired, hungry, or bored. Equipment can be used at multiple locations at the same time and information from equipment at different locations can be accessed simultaneously. For example, mechanical surveillance would be used over human in a case where someone is stealing from a construction site. Private investigators can put up cameras and go back and harvest the recordings.

Human surveillance is when the investigative team is the main source of information. Human surveillance includes tailing targets and observing targets in person. If a private investigator is looking for a missing child, they have to start by investigating the usual haunts of the child and personally visiting those locations.

Overt Surveillance verses Covert Surveillance

Overt surveillance is visible security like security agents at the mall and security cameras in casinos. With overt surveillance, people know the surveillance equipment is there to make sure no one is stealing or cheating.

Covert surveillance is undetected surveillance. Undercover detectives usually conduct this type of surveillance. It may involve trailing a target or using a piece of equipment, like a GPS tracking device, on a company truck or automobile without the company or driver’s knowledge (provided it does not violate the laws within that state.)

Mobile Surveillance verses Stationary Surveillance

Mobile surveillance, obviously, involves following a moving target. Say a target you are tailing gets in his or her car and drives away, you may want to continue the surveillance by using your automobile.

Stationary surveillance is when the investigator stays in one place to observe the target. If a commercial or residential property is being vandalized, a private investigator may be hired to watch the property from a stationary post, like a parked car, to gain evidence of the crime and who the perpetrator is.

Prepare For Surveillance

Know the client’s needs. What is it that the client is trying to accomplish through surveillance? The answer to this question determines what types of surveillance will be needed, the scope of the project and the types of equipment that will be used. Private investigators have to educate the potential client and manage their expectations as investigations are often more complicated and costly than the client anticipates.

Know The Subject

Before performing surveillance, investigators should always complete a background check with comprehensive records research on the target and acquire as much information as possible about them - name, address, phone number, complete physical description, photograph, and relatives in the immediate vicinity. Private investigators will also want to know pertinent background information such as routines, habits, hobbies, schedules and associates.

Know The Area

Private investigators should always have a map of the area where the surveillance will be taking place. If possible, they should also have a photograph of the building they are watching or the location where surveillance will begin. If surveillance is taking place at night or in the early morning, it’s a good idea to visit the site during various periods of the day and night.

Know Your Equipment

The kind of equipment a private investigator uses is contingent upon the nature of the surveillance itself. Private investigators need to get familiar with their equipment ahead of time and practice with it. If surveillance involves a camera or a video camera, prepared investigators will have two of them with backup batteries. Investigators seldom get a second opportunity to capture an activity.

Every private investigator should have a flashlight for working at night, binoculars or a telescope, a tape recorder, two-way radios for team surveillance, a tripod for security equipment, full tank of gas in the car, appropriate attire, snacks and water.

Know Yourself

Private investigators must do what is necessary to prepare their minds for work, like exercise, get plenty of sleep and have a practiced plan. All private investigators should also to be prepared for a situation where they are approached by a stranger or by the police while conducting surveillance. Always have a convincing story ready to tell.

What Every Investigator Should Know About Surveillance

Surveillance is incredibly demanding and challenging. Private investigators who are successful at surveillance have to possess certain qualities. Someone with an outgoing personality, exceptional communication skills, the ability to take action, a good memory, an ability to blend into their surroundings and a strong attention to detail would be a good fit for surveillance. This person should also be honest, patient, observant, resourceful, flexible and focused. Not every person is able to sit for hours and focus on a particular area. Investigators often sit in an automobile for up to ten hours on the coldest day of winter or the hottest day of summer.

Ethics And Laws Relevant To Surveillance

All private investigators should know the laws that may affect their work in their respective states or face a possible prison sentence. Trespassing and audio recording laws are especially important to know. Laws regarding audio recording vary state to state and some states prohibit covert audio recording.

Conclusion

Surveillance is not always necessary in an investigation. Surveillance adds to an investigation when a visual confirmation of the actions or the whereabouts of the subject is necessary to concluding the investigation. If an investigator needs to catch a thief in the act, find and confirm the whereabouts of a missing person, or prove a worker’s compensation claim is false, surveillance is necessary.

** An interesting and eye-opening article on the subject of audio recording: Broken Record Laws  


Brian Blackwell Investigations
2225 Sycamore Street
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
https://www.brianblackwell.biz

Copyright Brian Blackwell. All Rights Reserved.

Surveillance As Part Of An Investigation

A proper surveillance operation not only requires that you sometimes use other operatives to help prevent you from being detected, but also requires that you study your Subject before beginning the surveillance. Knowing your Subject before the operation can help you to stay one step ahead of them, making your operation go much smoother.

You should be prepared for whatever the person you are following throws your way. When he or she changes appearance, it usually means they suspect they are being followed, which means you have to change your tactics or risk being discovered. You have to be just as cunning as them.

Watching your Subject from a distance isn't always enough. You sometimes have to follow them into a place of business and sometimes end up coming face-to-face with them. When this happens, you then have one of two options: you can go about your way, or use the situation to your advantage. Having a well rehearsed ruse can help you to gain useful information from the Subject.

As a private investigator, you have to be prepared for whatever challenges come your way.

In addition, obtaining quality video and photographs are critical to conducting any proper, professional surveillance operation. Most surveillances require at least a two-person operation to obtain quality, necessary evidence that will stand up in court.

Licensed Private Investigator

Brian Blackwell Investigations

www.brianblackwell.com

TSCM Electronic Bug Detection | Brian Blackwell Investigations

Despite the laws designed to protect us from these types of invasions of privacy, electronic bugs and wiretaps are regularly used to spy on people involved in litigation, divorce, sensitive business, and well-to-do individuals. Imagine if all of your conversations with friends, family, business associates, your lawyer, doctor or accountant were being monitored by someone.

In the age of technology we live in, it has become increasingly easy and economical for even the most conservative budgets to be able to afford to purchase and install electronic surveillance devices. These devices can be video or audio in nature and can be and usually are extremely covert in nature. Due to their relative size and intent of being undetected, they are extremely hard for the lay person to recognize, locate and remove.

Even if you are not involved in business, litigation, or divorce, ordinary people have been victimized by criminals and others who "bugged" their home, automobile and workplace, and gained access to telephone data lines using electronic bugs. The police receive too many calls from "unbalanced" people who claim that someone or the government is bugging their home to pay attention to legitimate concerns like yours, and most law enforcement agencies are not properly equipped and trained to conduct an effective sweep. Your phone service provider is also not able to help you. We suggest that you do not call your phone service provider for assistance. This set of circumstances leaves you on your own. That’s were we come in.

To ensure you haven't fallen prey to technical surveillance, Brian Blackwell Investigations conducts professional electronic counter measures to detect covert surveillance eavesdropping devices ("bugs") and hidden cameras that may have been placed in your home, your automobile, or your offices. The removal of which is known as Technical Surveillance Countermeasures (TSCM).

Technical Surveillance Countermeasures are steps taken to detect and prevent unwanted surveillance. Technical surveillance often takes the form of eavesdropping by bugging a vehicle, home, tapping a phone line, or installing hidden cameras, with the intention of committing corporate espionage, privacy invasion, extortion, identity theft, information theft, or stalking. Being the victim of technical surveillance can endanger your personal safety, and leave you vulnerable to potential financial damages.

Did You Know?

• A simple modification to your telephone handset can leave the microphone connected all the time allowing anyone to listen in to all conversations in the room
• A telephone transmitter or recorder which transmits or records all of your telephone conversations may be installed in the phone, the socket or junction box, anywhere on the line, as far back or even inside the exchange
• A bug may be installed without entering your premises
• A socket or light switch may be replaced with an identical unit that contains a built in transmitter or SD card recorder, powered by the mains
• Software is available for phones using the Android and iPhone operating systems that can record all room and telephone conversations, the recordings are then sent by the phones internet connection to a server where the person who has installed it can listen to the recordings on their PC. Copies of text messages, emails and conversations people are having nearby can also sent to the server.
  
  

Some Indications That You May Be A Victim Of Bugging

• Confidential information seems to be getting out to competitor
• Competitors seem to be just one step ahead all the time
• Your home or premises have been broken into and very little or nothing was taken
• Sockets or switches show signs of being moved slightly, i.e.: the wallpaper may be disturbed
• Various vehicles parked near to your premises, that appear to be empty
• You hear unusual sounds (crackling, clicks, volume changes) while talking on your phone
• Repairers or unknown companies turn up to carry out work when they have not been called
• Furniture or items appear to have been disturbed
• Interference on your radio or television
  
  

Electronic Bug Location and "Debugging"

We use modern, advanced debugging equipment combined with investigative know-how to find electronic eavesdropping bugs that may have been placed by an unsavory competitor, an insecure spouse, greedy family member, criminals.

We will do the job discreetly. No one else needs to know your concerns. All of our cases are handled in a completely confidential manner.

BRIANBLACKWELL
INVESTIGATIONS

Private Investigation & Surveillance

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

Private Investigator Basics: Surveillance

Surveillance is the art of watching someone, someplace, or some object in order to document and identify any contact, activities and whereabouts. Surveillance is conducted to prevent a crime, to obtain evidence of a crime, to obtain evidence of wrongful action in a civil suit, 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 as a basis for future action and to obtain information to be used in court.

Types Of Investigations Requiring Surveillance

Missing person, worker’s compensation claim, cheating spouse, vandalism, recurrent theft. 

Types Of Surveillance

The types of surveillance that fit with individual cases vary. Private investigators have to decide which types of surveillance are best suited by understanding the case and the desired outcome of the surveillance. The nature of the case will dictate whether the surveillance will be mechanical or human, whether it will be covert or overt and whether the surveillance will be stationary or mobile.

Mechanical Surveillance verses Human Surveillance

Mechanical surveillance is when technological devices are used to conduct surveillance. This is beneficial because equipment doesn’t get tired, hungry, or bored. Equipment can be used at multiple locations at the same time and information from equipment at different locations can be accessed simultaneously. For example, mechanical surveillance would be used over human in a case where someone is stealing from a construction site. Private investigators can put up cameras and go back and harvest the recordings.

Human surveillance is when the investigative team is the main source of information. Human surveillance includes tailing targets and observing targets in person. If a private investigator is looking for a missing child, they have to start by investigating the usual haunts of the child and personally visiting those locations.

Overt Surveillance verses Covert Surveillance

Overt surveillance is visible security like security agents at the mall and security cameras in casinos. With overt surveillance, people know the surveillance equipment is there to make sure no one is stealing or cheating.

Covert surveillance is undetected surveillance. Undercover detectives usually conduct this type of surveillance. It may involve trailing a target or using a piece of equipment, like a GPS tracking device, on a company truck or automobile without the company or driver’s knowledge (provided it does not violate the laws within that state.)

Mobile Surveillance verses Stationary Surveillance

Mobile surveillance, obviously, involves following a moving target. Say a target you are tailing gets in his or her car and drives away, you may want to continue the surveillance by using your automobile.

Stationary surveillance is when the investigator stays in one place to observe the target. If a commercial or residential property is being vandalized, a private investigator may be hired to watch the property from a stationary post, like a parked car, to gain evidence of the crime and who the perpetrator is.

Prepare For Surveillance

Know the client’s needs. What is it that the client is trying to accomplish through surveillance? The answer to this question determines what types of surveillance will be needed, the scope of the project and the types of equipment that will be used. Private investigators have to educate the potential client and manage their expectations as investigations are often more complicated and costly than the client anticipates.

Know The Subject

Before performing surveillance, investigators should always complete a background check with comprehensive records research on the target and acquire as much information as possible about them - name, address, phone number, complete physical description, photograph, and relatives in the immediate vicinity. Private investigators will also want to know pertinent background information such as routines, habits, hobbies, schedules and associates.

Know The Area

Private investigators should always have a map of the area where the surveillance will be taking place. If possible, they should also have a photograph of the building they are watching or the location where surveillance will begin. If surveillance is taking place at night or in the early morning, it’s a good idea to visit the site during various periods of the day and night.

Know Your Equipment

The kind of equipment a private investigator uses is contingent upon the nature of the surveillance itself. Private investigators need to get familiar with their equipment ahead of time and practice with it. If surveillance involves a camera or a video camera, prepared investigators will have two of them with backup batteries. Investigators seldom get a second opportunity to capture an activity.

Every private investigator should have a flashlight for working at night, binoculars or a telescope, a tape recorder, two-way radios for team surveillance, a tripod for security equipment, full tank of gas in the car, appropriate attire, snacks and water.

Know Yourself

Private investigators must do what is necessary to prepare their minds for work, like exercise, get plenty of sleep and have a practiced plan. All private investigators should also to be prepared for a situation where they are approached by a stranger or by the police while conducting surveillance. Always have a convincing story ready to tell.

What Every Investigator Should Know About Surveillance

Surveillance is incredibly demanding and challenging. Private investigators who are successful at surveillance have to possess certain qualities. Someone with an outgoing personality, exceptional communication skills, the ability to take action, a good memory, an ability to blend into their surroundings and a strong attention to detail would be a good fit for surveillance. This person should also be honest, patient, observant, resourceful, flexible and focused. Not every person is able to sit for hours and focus on a particular area. Investigators often sit in an automobile for up to ten hours on the coldest day of winter or the hottest day of summer.

Ethics and Laws Relevant to Surveillance

All private investigators should know the laws that may affect their work in their respective states or face a possible prison sentence. Trespassing and audio recording laws are especially important to know. Laws regarding audio recording vary state to state and some states prohibit covert audio recording.

Conclusion

Surveillance is not always necessary in an investigation. Surveillance adds to an investigation when a visual confirmation of the actions or the whereabouts of the target is necessary to concluding the investigation. If an investigator needs to catch a thief in the act, find and confirm the whereabouts of a missing person, or prove a worker’s compensation claim is false, surveillance is necessary.


** An interesting and eye-opening article on the subject of audio recording Broken Record Laws  


Brian Blackwell Investigations