There are numerous reasons why you should use a professional PI to conduct surveillance instead of doing it yourself. In this article we have outlined the top 7 reasons to use a PI for surveillance.
Legal exposure. In matters such as child custody, child support, alimony or infidelity investigations, surveillance is often a key component in the investigative process. However, there are several criminal laws that can come into play during the course of a surveillance investigation including harassment, stalking and trespassing which could subject you to criminal or civil liability. Our private detective agency is licensed to conduct surveillance investigations.
Getting caught. Particularly in personal matters involving matrimony and infidelity, consider what could happen if you’re caught in the act of following someone and the affect it would have on your relationship with the subject of surveillance, mutual friends and family. Utilizing the services of Flatirons Private Investigations private investigators helps avoid this and the investigation being compromised.
Actionable Information Collection. Our credentialed private investigators, proficient in surveillance operations, have the ability to access valuable data which is often used before and during a surveillance investigation to help gather evidence and make informed decisions out in the field that can break a case wide open.
Training and experience. Sometimes the window of opportunity is only open for a limited period of time to obtain crucial evidence. Split second decisions working in challenging conditions is common.
Equipment. Surveillance specialists use a variety of equipment such as high definition camcorders, HD hidden covert video cameras, GPS trackers, tripods and binoculars. A discreet surveillance vehicle able to blend into a variety of environments is very important. For many types of cases video which displays the date and time on the video itself is the industry standard and reduces the chance it will be challenged in regards to when it was obtained.
Third party objectivity. A professional detective agency as a third party providing evidence can help avoid the possible element of doubt as to the authenticity of information presented as evidence by a party related to the case.
Court admissible evidence & testimony. As a result of the investigation the person conducting the surveillance may be needed to appear in court, such as testifying as to how the evidence was obtained, it’s chain of custody and how it was prepared. Improperly obtained, stored and prepared video evidence may not be admissible in court. The issue of credibility may be a factor when a jury or other parties make the decision to believe some, all or none of what is testified to if the person directly benefiting from the evidence is the same person who obtained it. Using a private investigator with courtroom testimonial experience is valuable.
