subject: When Covert Surveillance Services Are Most Likely Needed [print this page] With private investigation, there are three primary areas in which detectives must excel: interviewing witnesses, research through various record searches and surveillance. It is surveillance which is almost an art form that while not always critical to an investigation, can be quite helpful in solving case assignments.
Surveillance is defined as the ability to watch some person, place or thing in order to identify and record activities, contacts and location. Typically, surveillance is performed for a variety of reasons. It could be conducted to collect evidence of a wrongful act, prevent crime, or for simple documentation reasons which could then be used as a basis for further action or even used in court.
Covert versus Other Surveillance Options
Covert surveillance implies secret, undetected observations. Undercover detectives often perform this type of work as they dont want to be recognised or seen. Covert operations like surveillance might use GPS tracking devices on a vehicle without owner knowledge. GPS tracking, within lawful parameters, allows an investigator to follow a vehicle at a discreet distance without being detected by the driver. GPS can also be used to track a specific item as well.
If you are not concerned about secrecy, overt surveillance such as the use of security guards or obvious cameras can be effective. Public areas such as department stores depend on overt surveillance. Some investigations might depend on mechanical surveillance, the use of cameras and listening devices, to collect evidence. Human surveillance requires that an actual person make the observations and keep track of details and potential evidence.
Situations Where Covert Surveillance Makes Sense
There are certain situations in which private investigators might use covert surveillance. Business owners who are concerned that certain employees might be sharing trade secrets or even stealing from the company could hire an investigator for covert activities. The same principle applies to observing customers in stores where shoplifting is occurring regularly.
Disputing workers compensation or personal injury claims also requires quiet, unobtrusive observations that only private investigators practising covert surveillance can accomplish. Identifying adulterers, thieves and vandals and even identifying missing persons can also require covert observations. Basically, any situation that requires investigation where you do not want attention directed requires covert action.
State of the art equipment is a necessary requirement when conducting covert surveillance. The average person or business does not have the resources to conduct secret surveillance. For that reason, hiring a private investigation firm makes sense. They have the high tech, state of the art tools such as GPS, long range camera and video, listening devices and more to ensure that any observations and evidence collecting is done without detection. It is up to the private investigators to decide whether covert surveillance is required or not to collect evidence or solve a case effectively.
