Many people wonder what their rights are if they discover they are under surveillance by a private investigator and how they should respond. These are definitely considerations worth having if you believe you may be the target of a private investigation or if you need someone to initiate surveillance of some other individual. Today we at Advanced Private Investigator & Security of Miami, FL would like to share confidentiality laws concerning surveillance and private investigator.
Kinds of Surveillance Techniques
The objective undercover investigators are to keep anonymity during the course of the assignment. Whether the problem is fraud, employee theft, industrial sabotage, spousal infidelity, and so forth, are the majority of the investigation. Usually, the subject is never even aware they are under surveillance. Advanced surveillance techniques include:
– Observation — following a target & physically watching
– Electronic surveillance — use video recordings and / or using digital photography
– Mobile or unmanned surveillance
What a Private Investigator Cannot Do
There are limitations as to what the private investigator can do and have laws outlined as to what they can and cannot do. It is important that clients understand these limitations. Though it varies from state to state most investigators cannot do the following in the most states:
– Plant a GPS tracking device without the owner’s consent on a car, truck or other vehicle
– Provide services without a license
– Tamper, open, or mutilate another person’s mail
– A police officer or federal law enforcement official, impersonated or otherwise pretend to be such as using a uniform, badge, or anything else associated with a state or federal agency
– Email or social media account hacking
– Breaking and entering in a house, building or other property, as they need the owners’ consent
– Telephone wiretapping or monitor phone conversations activities
What a Private Investigator Can Do?
Private investigators are legally permitted to sort through an individual’s trash in search of discarded items like phone records, bank statements, and other items that may relate to the investigation in most states. Also, investigators can interview a target’s family members, friends and associates as well as undertake covert surveillance like tailing people, stakeouts, and monitor daily behavior. Investigators are not required by private investigator confidentiality laws to disclose their employer if confronted. However, nothing further is required after they identify themselves to law enforcement.
What is Rough Shadowing?
Since it’s in the investigator’s interest to remain unnoticed, it is unlikely you will notice the private investigator. However, you become aware of what’s known as “rough shadowing.” Consider the following:
– Avoid involving neighbors or family members in dealing with the investigator.
– Do not drive after the investigator’s car.
– Do not confront or verbally accost the investigator.
Where these steps are ill-advised as it can cause potential violence and even legal troubles for the subject if their temper rises. Instead contact your state’s private investigator association and/or local enforcement that can then make contact and assess the facts of the situation.
Private Investigator & Security Services in Greater Miami, Sunny Isles, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, Weston, Plantation City & Miami Gardens Florida
Advanced Private Investigator & Security of Miami, FL can meet all your private investigator needs.
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