Being a private investigator isn’t your typical day job to say the least. Although movies and television shows often glamorize this profession, it can be hard work. Unlike your typical nine-to-five profession, private investigators put in long hours and often work through the weekends. However, seasoned private investigators possess some tricks of the trade to help optimize their results. If you are a private investigator, we have some great tips in order to make you work more effectively and more efficiently.
Begin With A Detailed Surveillance Sheet
Although this tip may seem like a no-brainer, many private investigators often do not gather enough information from the client initially. You will find that many of your clients simply want to provide you with the name, age, and address of the subject being investigated. However, we encourage you to go above and beyond to find out additional information about your subject such as doctor appointments, marital status, hobbies, number of children, and so on. The more you know about the subject’s routine, the easier time you will have when you are actually out in the field.
Use The Most Forgettable Car You Can Find
Do not use your red Camaro to conduct your investigation for obvious reasons. The most common car colors are beige, silver, black, and white, which are all great colors for your investigation vehicle. Beige and brown cars get the fewest traffic tickets because they are the least noticeable cars. However, even if your car color may blend in well with its environment, make sure that it does not have anything on its exterior that stands out. For instance, you do not want any vanity plates, bumper stickers, no custom rims, and no body damage that draws attention to your vehicle. Remember that the less noticeable your car is, the more successful your surveillance will be.
Check The Area Before Surveillance
The day before you begin your surveillance, drive by the residence of your subject to get a feel for the area and your subject. You’ll be able find the right area to set up the next day and examine any potential problems. By checking the area the day before, you will be able to set up the most successful surveillance of your subject as possible.
Following Cars
Often, private investigators master the art of following cars through trial and error. Following subjects in an inconspicuous manner can be difficult when traffic lights and stop signs are involved. The amount of distance that you need to keep between your car and your subject’s car really depends upon the environment. For instance, if you are in a more rural area, then you can allow for more distance between you than you would if you were in a crowded city. Take note of any distinguishing features of your subject’s vehicle such as bumper stickers, exterior flaws, or window stickers. This helps you keep track of their car even better.
Use Investigation Video Editing Software
Our video editing software allows you to produce the highest quality surveillance video results for your clients. With our video editing software online, you can even edit time stamps for your client. We believe in our product so much that we offer a free trial download, so try our private investigator software today.