Private Investigation Techniques
There are several Private Investigation Techniques that a PI can use to obtain the necessary information. For one, he can use a video surveillance camera to record his subjects’ movements. Other techniques he can use include taking pictures and recording audio with hidden microphones/recorders. These techniques can be useful in identifying where a subject is and who they are talking to. They are also useful for tracking people and businesses that are suspected of participating in illegal activities.
Research is another essential aspect of private investigations. Private investigators need to gather and study information in order to come up with the most effective investigation strategy. They must be able to identify the source of the information and determine if further investigation is needed. This research also helps a private investigator determine whether a person is being truthful or lying. Various forms of observation are also useful in gaining information. For instance, an investigator can observe the behavior of the subject, such as their body language, to determine whether or not they are being deceptive.
Another useful technique is covert surveillance. It requires a private investigator to be patient, observant, and resourceful. If the surveillance is successful, it will provide actionable evidence for use in a legal cases. But it can also be risky. If the private investigators are detected, it can jeopardize their ability to return to the area. Private investigators often use various types of surveillance, including video and audio recording while either mobile in a vehicle, on foot or stationary in an open area or hidden in a nearby building.
In criminal cases, the private investigator must distinguish between fact and fiction. To do this, the investigator collects evidence, interviews witnesses, and searches for records in different databases. In order to find the truth, he has to identify the key players in the case. A successful investigation can help a judge make an informed decision based on the evidence. In child custody cases, an attorney will often take depositions of the key players. In addition, a private investigator may supplement these interviews with other sources such as people who they interact with such as former coworkers, neighbors, ex-partners or even employees at business’ they frequent.
Accident reconstruction can prove to be effective in determining whether an accident was staged and fraudulent. This technique can also be effective in identifying inconsistencies between facts and what was reported. This can be a great tool for insurance companies. The information obtained by these techniques can help speed up the process of paying out or denying a claim. The investigator may even be called upon to testify at trial.
Serving papers is another of the many services PIs are hired for. This process typically begins with a missing person, or a locate case. The investigator must first find the target and confirm personal identifying information. Then he must conduct surveillance and/or attend the residence, workplace or other location the subject will physically be found at and serve them the legal documents in a manner that they do not refuse and are properly/legally ‘served’. Regardless of the techniques used, the outcome of the investigation will depend on how informed and detailed the investigator is. The more information a PI has, the more accurate and successful his investigation will be.
