In the movies and TV, the detectives have one ubiquitous tool of the trade, a note book and a pencil. Any investigator will always have this basic but invaluable tool handy. Electronic devices are well and good but require power to operate and are prone to damage and failure. Pen, pencil and pocket note book are reliable, and add write in rain capabilities and your set. Those with experience with carry a notebook for each case. The reason? Investigator notebooks are discover-able in court, and you don’t want to reveal details of other cases or your shopping list.
How Private Investigators Identify Themselves
What else? Well you must have a means of identifying yourself and to establish legitimacy for your inquiry. Most agencies have ID for their professionals identifying the agency, license number and name. Some states have mandated through law the form and design of the ID. Be aware that most jurisdictions prohibit or at least discourage badges for private investigators, as to prevent misrepresentation as law enforcement or other state representatives. How do you establish contact with witnesses and/or new clients? Through the liberal dispersion of business cards. Armed? Make sure you have your concealed weapons permit. ID, Business Cards and CCW permit are the basics you need to carry daily. 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.
Smartphone Private Investigator Tool
Sam Spade would have loved one tool that the modern private eye has at their disposal, the smartphone. Communications, camera, video and sound recording. Database and internet access plus a bunch of applications that make this the primary tool of professional, regardless of trade. Many phones can act as a voice recorder for notes, act as a calculator for financial investigations and with flashlight apps, mapping and GPS capabilities this tool extends beyond handy to critical. Many phones accept add on lenses that broaden the photographic and video capabilities. Combined with an auxiliary power unit you can extend the life of your device for all the day’s activities.
Private Investigator Tools
LED flashlight, these have capabilities of turning night to day and come in a small package. They can focus the light from a tight intense beam to a broad area lighting fan. If your burdened with all this stuff you may need to keep it going. A multitool and separate folding knife are utility tools of the first order. A compact first-aid kit, a few water bottles and some granola bars will aid our intrepid investigator in accomplishing their mission.
Depending on mission 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.
Private Investigations, Security & More in Greater Miami, Sunny Isles, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, Weston, Plantation City & Miami Gardens Florida
Remember, 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. If cops and PI’s did all you see on screen and in the novels, they’d all be in jail! Advanced Private Investigator & Security of Fort Lauderdale Florida can legally and discreetly handle all your private investigator needs. Contact us today!
