Whether it's for a workers' compensation claim or a domestic situation,
surveillance is the most basic, effective tactic to determine a person's
actions and habits. The myth is that it's easy to follow someone and take
their picture. Au contraire! Numerous variables complicate any
surveillance, from traffic to the subject's driving habits. For many cases,
Spencer Investigations recommends using two investigators in separate
vehicles to ascertain the subject's movements.
Prior to an assignment, an investigator should meet with the client to
exchange information about the subject. Vehicles, license plates, work
address, work and home phone numbers, pager numbers, and likely hangouts
should all be provided the sleuth. Does the car have a bumper sticker or a
ball on the radio antenna, or is a brand name displayed prominently? A
photograph of the subject and a detailed physical desciption , including hair
style and outer garments, need to be provided. Client and investigator must
maintain close contact before the surveillance to keep the investigator
abreast of changes in appearance, destinations or vehicles.
Ideally, the investigator will have the time to scout the subject's home or
work area to familiarize himself with the environment. It is generally a bad
idea to send an investigator out on a case withour working knowledge of the
target premises. Nosy neighbors eyeballing an investigator vehicle may make
surveillance difficult. While an investigator likes to be aware of details
of a subject's movements and changes of plans, the client should avoid
needless calls to the investigator who is out in the field on assignment.
Billing starts as soon as the investigator agrees to take the case and starts
studying his subject. Police never use a one-person tail; you probably
shouldn't either. A two-person team likely yields better results. For the
lone gumshoe, hitting red lights, running into traffic or following a subject
who drives like a fleeing felon may scuttle the most ardent pursuit. No
investigator, without direct consent of the client, will sit outside of a
residence without subject activity for more than two or three hours at a time
so as to minimize costs.
Spencer Investigations uses advanced still and video photography. If the
subject is conducting his affairs out in public, the activity is likely to be
filmed. However, as good as an investigator's skills may be, he cannot
predict the outcome of a case or gaze into a crystal ball to foresee the
subject's actions. Luck is still involved, but good habits and advanced
planning will increase the likelihood of favorable results.
