Investigation Practices

Investigation Procedures

Each case should be worked with the goal of obtaining evidence, whether audio, photographic and/or videotape that will help our clients to make a determination as to whether the claim/allegation is valid or fraudulent. In general, if a surveillance case does not require specific action be taken, the following will be done:

• The first day of surveillance should be started at 6:00 a.m., and should be worked at least 10 hours, if the case allows.
• When not able to maintain visual contact with the subject while conducting mobile surveillance, the investigator should attempt to locate the subject for approximately one (1) hour, and then return to the subject's residence, if practical. If the subject is not present at the residence, surveillance should then be terminated.
• If an investigator is discovered by the subject, the investigator should terminate surveillance and contact the client; however, if terminating the surveillance would confirm for the subject that surveillance was being conducted, the investigator should wait for an appropriate opportunity to terminate.




Investigation Work Up

Before a case assignment is worked, investigative work is conducted to ensure the claimant actually resides where they are reported to in order to obtain the best possible results.

Vehicle Registration and Public Records


A record search is conducted on every subject worked for surveillance to determine if they have any vehicles registered in their name and to learn any additional information that would aid the investigator in their efforts while working a subject. Some states do not allow release of vehicle and/or driver's information unless litigation is ongoing and requested by an attorney involved in the case.

Reverse Directory Check (Phones & Addresses)


Each phone number and address associated with the subject is looked up in a reverse directory.

Locate Surveillance Site


The investigator must find the site where they are to conduct surveillance prior to initiating the surveillance investigation. This can be done via Internet or other mapping programs. The investigator should have an understanding of routes the subject is most likely to take when traveling away from the surveillance site. All addresses associated with the subject should also be looked up to aid the investigator if the subject travels to that location.




Investigator Guidelines

The following guidelines are to be used when working a case:

Pretext Guideline

• Guidelines will be dependent on the client. While some clients ask that the investigator not make contact with the subject, other clients require the investigator verify the subject is home after a preset amount of time. We do not want to conduct surveillance on an empty house or a house where the subject no longer resides. If there are no specific pretext guidelines in the initial case assignment, and the investigator is not able to learn if the claimant is present at the surveillance site during the first four hours of surveillance, a discreet inquiry will be made to determine if the subject is present.

Equipment Requirements

• The investigators have a video camera capable of recording in a digital format and imprinting both the date and time on all videotapes while recording, a tripod or similar device, equipment needed to videotape activity while the subject is inside buildings when not observable from outside of the building, and a cell phone or other means of communication.
• The investigator utilizes a vehicle suitable for surveillance, which allows them to obtain videotape of the subject.
• Each investigator must have the means to record all activities of the subject during the day to include needed battery power and videotapes for six continuous hours.

Acceptable Recording Practices

• An effort is made to record all videotape from a stable platform to avoid shaky video.  It is understood that there are times when an investigator must record activities while holding the camera; however, if it is possible to use a tripod, every effort should be made to do so.
• All videotapes must have the date and time imprinted on them while recording the subject's activities.
• When a subject enters a public building where videotape can be obtained, the investigator should make every effort to obtain videotape of the subject without compromising the integrity of the investigation.
• The investigators have a thorough understanding of how to use their video camera to obtain the best possible video quality, to include using manual focus, adjusting for lighting conditions, using optical magnification and not digital magnification when it distorts the picture quality, and using a tripod.
• Always videotape a claimant/subject when they are in view if it does not violate a person's reasonable expectation of privacy or compromise the integrity of the investigation.

Confidentiality of All Information Obtained During the Course of the Investigation

• All information learned during the course of an investigation is confidential and is treated accordingly.
• This information will not be revealed to any party without the prior consent of the client.
• All original videotapes and reports are the property of client and will be stored for three years.
• Copies of videotapes and reports are only to be made available to outside parties at the request of the client.

Abide By All Laws

• Each investigator is required to abide by all laws, which govern the state and area where they are working the case assignment.
• No Roping or Entrapment
• We are only to observe and record all activities of the subject during the course of their normal day. We will not create situations where the subject is put in a position where they are required to do anything. It is our goal to have no contact with the subject and that they not know anyone was ever there.
• Reasonable Expectation of Privacy
• We will not violate a subject's reasonable expectation of privacy. This includes not videotaping a person within their residence or private location.