What is Domestic Surveillance?
Domestic Surveillance is the method used to discover the activities an individual. It can involve husbands, wives, fiancés, boyfriends and girlfriends. The targets of domestic surveillance can also involve family members, friends or business associated. It is the technique of discretely physically following the targeted subject to document their activities without their knowledge. This is accomplished by recording their activities on videotape and is the most effective investigative method to obtain irrefutable evidence of their activities.
I’m hesitant, I’ve never done this?
We regularly get calls from people who suspect their spouse or significant others of infidelity. Unfortunately it happens on a very regular basis. What you are seeking is peace of mind about something you are not sure about. It is very natural to seek to determine if your suspicions are real or imagined. We invest a tremendous part of ourselves in relationships. It is natural to want to determine the strength and integrity of that relationship.
What if I am wrong?
If there is no evidence the subject is cheating, you will have gained peace of mind about your relationship and in many cases our client’s were, in fact, dead wrong. Since our investigations are 100% confidential, you will not have risked sacrificing their trust or your relationship if you are wrong. If you are wrong, you will have gained a tremendous peace of mind.
Is surveillance legal?
Surveillance is the process of documenting observed activity of an individual or individuals. We strictly abide by the state laws and guidelines while conducting our investigation and do not violate the “expectation of privacy” guidelines and regulations. Surveillance by a licensed detective who performs this activity within the confines of our state laws and regulations is legal.
What are the fees charged for domestic surveillance?
Surveillance is billed on an hourly rate, plus a mileage charges and any incurred expenses with a four hour minimum per day. Before we begin, a strategy is established to determine your specific needs. We then evaluate the circumstances and logistics of the surveillance assignment. Once this is determined, plan and a budget can be established. All surveillance services are payable in advance in the form of a retainer before we begin. Payment can be made by credit card, cash, check or money order. At the completion of the assignment, any portion of the retainer that exceeds the work and expenses incurred during the course of you assignment, will be reimbursed to you.
When is the best time to assign a case?
Planning is often more important than execution. Because you know more about the subject, we rely on you to assist us in developing the correct time and place to perform the surveillance. A general rule is to eliminate the times when you are together and focus on the days and times that they are away and are unavailable to you. Prior to beginning an assignment, all of these questions will be discussed in great detail so that we can create an effective surveillance strategy to obtain the best possible results in the most cost effective manner.
How many investigators are used on a domestic surveillance case?
The number of agents used depends on a number of factors. Surveillance on an individual being followed from home or from an uncomplicated work situation can be conducted by one agent. More complicated scenarios, such as following someone in the evenings, during rush hour traffic hours, from a high rise office building, airports or hotels require additional agents. On domestic cases, we generally recommend two agents which will greatly enhance the success of the investigation. Other factors that warrant a second agent includes fast and aggressive drivers, or extra alert subjects who are aware of the possibility of being under surveillance. Although the additional agent increases the cost of the assignment, the effectiveness of the desired results dramatically increases. For proper perspective, consider the fact that no law enforcement agency would ever conduct a surveillance investigation with less than two units and few do that. Simply put, assigning additional agents to a surveillance case increases the success while decreasing the chance of detection. In many cases assigning multiple agents on a surveillance assignment will save you money.
What do I do once the surveillance is in place?
Once the surveillance plan is in place it is important that you do not do anything out of the ordinary that could alert the subject of the investigation. Do not change your habits and do not ask too many questions about their activities.
How do you follow someone?
The techniques of tailing someone are an acquired skill that takes many years perfect. When following someone we are constantly weighing two factors against each other. First we want to stay close enough to make sure we do not loose the subject at a traffic light or in heavy traffic. And at the same time, we are constantly balancing this against following to close where we run the risk of being detected by the subject. The art of balancing these two factors in a variety of situations can only be executed well by an experienced surveillance investigator who is an expert in this field. In some cases a second agent is preferable or required which allows us to keep safer distances while not minimizing the chance of loosing the subject.
Will the subject find out that they are being watched?
Our surveillance investigations are 100% confidential. We do everything necessary to insure the covert nature of the investigation. If we ever perceive that the security of the investigation is threatened or compromised, we immediately suspend and re-evaluate with your input. One important point: Never threaten to hire an investigator. This will make the suspected cheater even more difficult to watch. If this has been done, please advise us so that we can tailor and adjust our surveillance efforts accordingly.
What evidence will I receive at the conclusion?
The evidence collected in domestic surveillance consists of a DVD copy of the videotape obtained accompanied with a surveillance report that details the activity. Both are submitted to you, or if you wish we can maintain them for you.