Reichart & Associates Investigative Services, LLC
SURVEILLANCE – PART III
I discussed misconceptions people have regarding surveillance in Part I, and preparation in Part II. Now let me explain the realities that investigators face when conducting surveillance investigations.
Television is dominated with police shows, and often the average person believes that whatever they see being played out on television holds true in a real life situation. Some programs also feature private investigators, and although the exciting lifestyle portrayed is entertaining and appealing, it speaks very little to what actually takes place during surveillance, or any investigation for that matter.
There are the reality shows that follow patrol officers and detectives such as the more popular programs like COPS that shadows police officers on patrol, and The First 48 that travel with homicide detectives during the most crucial time of the investigation. One program that specifically deals with private detectives and cheating spouses or mates is the show Cheaters. If you've ever noticed they use multiple detectives to conduct their investigations. Of course, the added personnel are for the confrontation which we don't engage in. While these programs are real, they are also edited to fit an hour time slot, which really doesn’t give the viewer a true picture of what takes place behind the scenes. As a police officer I worked in patrol for half of my career, and investigated dozens of homicides as part of my duties in the detective division during the balance of my time on the job. When I retired and became a private investigator, I learned quickly that surveillance in law enforcement is much less challenging than in the private sector.
When police conduct surveillance on a target they typically use teams of no less than two officers, but most likely more. I’ve been on surveillance teams with just two people, and many times a team of 6 or more depending on the nature of the investigation. The FBI has special surveillance squads that use a minimum number of operators and high tech equipment, lets just say the number is a sufficient amount that would be ideal for surveillance details in all of law enforcement and the private sector. Granted, often times the police are following high value criminal targets, and must take into consideration the officer safety factor.
In the private investigations industry most surveillance details are conducted using one person. Whether it’s a workers’ compensation or cheating spouse investigation, cost is always the bottom line. I’m not saying surveillance can’t be done with only one person, and for the most part private investigators can adapt and be very effective, but having more than one investigator dramatically decreases the chance of loosing a target, or drawing attention to the detail.
No matter how experienced the private investigator is, following someone poses many potential hazards and challenges due to weather, traffic and other logistical considerations, and of course, observance of vehicle laws. While some investigators might employ the use of a GPS device on the target’s vehicle, this method may not always be feasible depending on the circumstances and individual state laws regarding the use of such devices. Additionally, functionality can be an issue. Technology has come along way, but is evolving at a pace greater than the laws that govern it.
Many other considerations play a role in surveillance such as identification of target, pedestrians, trespassing, concealment, location, court orders, target’s driving habits, condition of roadway, construction, distance traveled, day the week, time of the day, vehicle, equipment, etc. You can be the best surveillance agent in town, but get behind one school bus and a whole days work can go up in a cloud of diesel fumes in just a matter of seconds.
The point I’m trying to stress is that an investigator cannot predict the movement of a target, or many of the conditions developing while conducting the surveillance.
It is important to know upfront that surveillance can, and in most cases, be extremely effective but has its’ limitations like anything else. When considering the use of surveillance, don’t have unrealistic expectations, and understand there are no guarantees. Reichart and Associates Investigative Services, LLC, takes careful steps in planning your surveillance request whether it deals with a cheating spouse, workers’ compensation, non-compete, or any other type of investigation. We enjoy great success and are always exploring ways to further maximize our surveillance techniques.
One request that comes up often is for the installation of audio recording equipment. We DO NOT use audio recording devices during any investigation because it is a violation of state law, specifically the Pennsylvania Wiretap Act. This type of investigation is reserved strictly for law enforcement use in the furtherance of uncovering criminal activity, and requires a court order.
Reichart & Associates Investigative Services, LLC
Philadelphia Cheating Spouse Private Investigators
Serving Reading, Philadelphia, Lancaster, Lebanon, York, Schuylkill, Pottstown, Chester, Pottsville, Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton, Harrisburg and all of eastern Pennsylvania.
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