Thanks to Hollywood and television, it's very common for people to assume that they have a full understanding of what a private investigator does. But the reality is often far different – instead of getting drawn into dangerous espionage, most private detectives handle investigations that are a bit more low-key. However, one thing that we do indeed do is run surveillance – in a number of different ways and for a number of different reasons.
If you're curious about surveillance, taking a closer look at it is something worth doing. You'll find that some things are just what you expected while others are quite different.
First, it's worth looking at some of the reasons surveillance is commonly utilized. These reasons include:
- Infidelity – To determine whether or not a partner or spouse is carrying on an affair.
- Worker's Compensation – This is done to ensure that an injured worker isn't actually faking their injuries. Surveillance is done to see if they are doing regular activities – for instance, if they're lifting items and moving easily when they're claiming to have a back injury.
- Insurance Fraud – Similar to worker's compensation, this type of surveillance determines whether or not an injured party is actually suffering from the injuries they claim to be suffering from.
- Security – In some cases, investigators may run surveillance in order to provide added security to a particular event or occasion.
- Abuse – Whether it's a nanny cam or an investigation into potential elder abuse, surveillance has been used to prove abuse in numerous cases.
So just how is surveillance carried out? There are numerous methods used. These could include:
- Photographs – The old school, classic stakeout involves simply setting up in a position that has a clear view of the subject and taking photos or video of them.
- Nanny Cams – These are small hidden cameras that are placed in an area in a home to ensure that the person providing care for a child isn't abusing them. They can record as well as stream live video.
- GPS Tracking Devices – These devices can record the movements of a vehicle and are used to track the whereabouts and activity of a subject.
- Spy Cameras – Other spy cameras exist as well, and can be mounted on a person or in a location in order to record or stream live video and sound.
Thanks to today's technology, there is barely any limit to what is capable when it comes to surveillance. If you need the help of a private detective, don't hesitate to contact us to find out what surveillance options we can offer to you for your situation.