Ever wonder what the everyday carry is for the typical private investigator? The PI needs access to varying equipment, but a certain basic equipment load is expedient on a daily basis. Basic is some form of ID card. Most jurisdictions frown on badges for private investigators, as they don’t want them to be confused with official law enforcement personnel. Name, license number of the card holder, as well as the agency’s license number must appear on the card and probably a photo, is usually included or required. The second item needed is business cards. Most investigations are phishing (computer industry term for obtaining information, usually for nefarious purposes) expeditions to obtain leads, information or evidence. Business cards assist in establishing contact pertinent to the investigation as well as a form of advertisement. If you carry a concealed weapon, your CCW permit should be carried as well. Cash! Though the prudent investigator will try to obtain information by the most economical means available, it is a given that sometimes it must be bought. $200 – $500 in ten or twenty dollar bills will facilitate information transactions, and may help to establish an informant base.
Private Detective Tools of the Trade
No investigator, private or law enforcement is completely equipped without writing implement and a handy note book. Electronic devices are well and good, but need power to operate and are prone to damage and failure. Pen, pencil and pocket note book are reliable, add write in rain capabilities and your set. The smart phone is probably the most important and versatile tool available, combining in one handy package necessary tools for an investigator. Besides communications it provides research capabilities via the Internet, a camera capable of stills or short videos for documentation purposes, and a plethora of tools to aid and investigation. Many can act as a voice recorder to dictate notes and a calculator that can aid financial investigations. Flashlight apps, mapping and GPS capabilities further increase the usefulness of the typical smart phone. Because it is such a critical tool, an auxiliary power supply might be considered to extend its potential. Many phones can accommodate add on lenses extending photo and video capabilities. No PI should leave home without it.
Flashlights & Multi-Tools
The new LED flashlights are compact; some allow for varying intensity or focus of the light and are a necessity. Passing from bright sun to dim light like alleys and such a good, compact LED flashlight has a lot of utility. A folding knife and multi-tool will aid in maintenance and repair of equipment. A compact first-aid kit, a few water bottles and some granola bars will aid our intrepid investigator in accomplishing his/her mission.
Private Investigator Surveillance Disguise & Equipment
Depending on circumstances, a cap, sun glasses, shirt, or even a reversible jacket will be useful in conducting surveillance. Modern SLR digital cameras usually combine photo and video capabilities. Add a few lenses and you can conduct photo/video surveillance operations. A thorough knowledge of local privacy statutes and regulations are a must. Audio is a bit more iffy, shotgun mics and audio amplification equipment might be ok, but frowned on in some cases.
Private Investigator & Security Services in Greater Miami, Sunny Isles, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton & Miami Gardens Florida
Like law enforcement, private investigators are prohibited from breaking the law to obtain evidence. Car lock shims and lock picks are frowned on. Planting audio/video devices in a motel room is also a no-go. Privacy issues are usually decided in favor of the defendant. In fact criminal penalties may apply to violation of privacy statutes and regulations. There are other ‘tools of the trade’ but these are the basics. Contact Advanced Private Investigator and Security Of Boca Raton FL.
