Surveillance probably has been around since the first civilizations arose around the major rivers of the world. Surveillance has its use as an investigative tool in many and varied situations.
• Duplicitous spouses
• Employee fraud and theft.
• Executive protection
• Photo/video surveillance as a public control means and criminal deterrent. A security measure.
• To gather intelligence
• Flip side, used by criminal elements to plan crimes.
• By business to gather viable intelligence on their competitors.
• Monitoring of communications
• Insurance fraud
• Electronic tags
Methods of Surveillance
The methods are as varied as the reasons to conduct surveillance. Many situations depend on physical visual surveillance, either on foot or via a vehicle. Counter surveillance are methods and an organized effort to prevent surveillance. People and locations can be surveilled. Setting up observers on a location that appears to be inordinately vulnerable to criminal activity can be surveilled to catch the perpetrators in progress. Another use is roving plain clothes security personnel in a retail outlet with video surveillance. Following someone to catch them in a compromising situation is a tried and true technique when it comes to an unfaithful spouse.
Surveillance Technology & Privacy Issues
Of primary concern is the threat to personal privacy and is the main concern of guard dog agencies like the Civil Liberties Union and other citizen rights organizations. As the government tightens its surveillance of communications from cell phones to the Internet, we observe a trend towards shrinking privacy rights. The modern cell phone is a marvel of engineering, features and electronic tools as well as a communications device it also is a tether with built in GPS features. Privacy is the ultimate concern of the private investigator. His job is to obtain evidence that would be acceptable for introduction into court proceedings and thus must conform with the rules of evidence. Any impropriety can render any evidence gathered null and void and any further leads derived from tainted evidence as the ‘fruit of the poisonous tree.” Of course, when privacy issues are involved the private investigators are regulated by the same constitutional guarantees as are law enforcement and professionals of the state. The private investigator must have a thorough knowledge of the issues to operate in that environment. If constitutional guarantees are violated the investigator as well as the client are open to civil litigation. An experienced investigator is fully cognizant of all legal parameters that he must subscribe to and follow. Unlike law enforcement the private investigator does not have warrant powers.
Private Investigations, Security Services & More in Greater Miami, Sunny Isles, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, Weston, Plantation City & Miami Gardens Florida
Photography and video capture are valuable tools in conducting surveillance activities and investigations. It records and documents the actions of individuals and the state of the surrounding locations. Surveillance activities can be static and thus restricted to a single location or dynamic via pedestrian or vehicular movement. Location surveillance is usually static but can evolve to dynamic if there is a need to follow individuals leaving a location. Surveillance is a manpower heavy activity if done effectively and therefore is expensive for the investigative agency and the client. But then again it may constitute the most effective method of investigation for collecting investigative intelligence and evidence. Advanced Private Investigator & Security of Miami FL can handle all your private investigation and security needs. Contact us today!
