Selecting a private investigator for video surveillance purposes
is no easy task. Regardless of where you are, the investigator you hire can
have lasting effects on your particular case. Choosing the wrong private
investigator for video surveillance based on the price alone may expose you to
scrutiny by your partner, your business associate or legal representative,
targeting the competence of the hired investigators.
To avoid these pitfalls and more we have put together 4
questions we recommend asking any investigator that you are considering hiring
for video surveillance.
1. Ask For A Copy of Their State Issued Private Investigators
License
Licensing requirements vary from state to state. Ensure that
they are licensed in the State in which you intend to hire them. Don't be
afraid to confirm with the State that the investigation firm you are looking to
hire is in good standing and have the correct licensing. Most states have the ability
to check the registration of the business online, as long as you have the
licence number. It is a legal requirement for any investigation firm or sole
operator to list their licence number on their website. Before contacting them
check the validity of the licence with the relevant authorities.
2. Ask If the Private Investigators Surveillance Videos Have a
Date & Time Stamp
Make sure that your investigator's videos are authenticated with
a date and time stamp on every scene. If there is no date and time stamp the
video is less likely to be admitted as evidence into court, and will be of no
value to you. It amazes me how often I still see videos with no date or time
stamp on them. Current digital technology with time and date stamps can be
tricky so make sure you get what you are paying for.
3. Ask The Private Investigator You Are Hiring What Type Of Plan
They Would Implement For Your Specific Surveillance Scenario.
Present the facts of your case to the private investigator and
ask for a surveillance strategy. Every surveillance job is different, and your
potential video surveillance expert should have no problem sharing their ideas
with you about they plan to achieve surveillance success on your behalf. An
investigator specializing in video surveillance should have good rationale in
their approach to your case. The strategy should be logical and based on the
facts of the case resulting in an efficient and effective plan to achieve the
desired objectives. For an experienced investigator this should be quite straightforward.
4. Ask How Much Your Private Investigator Charges - Be Wary Of the
Cheapest Price
You know the old adage - you get what you pay for.
The two investigator formula is a formula for success. After
obtaining video the next most important thing is avoiding being caught out by
the subject. Years of experience in the field often correlate to an increase in
the price of surveillance. It is worth the extra money to assure that you are
hiring a veteran investigator(s) that knows how to avoid being detected. A
private detective is not invisible and relies on experience and common sense to
blend in with his surroundings, and not take chances that would risk blowing
open a discreet investigation.
Once the surveillance is comprised and a subject is aware they
have been followed by an investigator you can never follow that person again without
them looking over their shoulder limiting all future success. Two private
investigators covering every possible exit, mode of transportation and the
ability to follow long, short or quick and frequent stops is the best strategy
for conducting video surveillance undetected, allowing for multiple attempts
and increasing your chance for success.
Going with the cheapest price in the beginning may end up
costing you twice as much in the end.
Please feel free to call us at anytime on 1300LIPSTICK for a confidential chat about your precise requirements. Or you can send us an email at enquiries@lipstickinvestigations.com.au - we assure you this will be answered within hours
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