Monday, August 11, 2008

The Tools a Private Investigator Needs

Private investigation entails a lot of risks. Often a PI works alone and maybe subjected to threats if he gets too close with the subject. One must have the necessary skills and tools to properly collect the necessary information and connect them to solve a case.

Spy Tools

Aside from the skills that are honed in the training school and while on the field, the best spy tools will greatly help in the success of a private investigation:

• Camera- a PI always needs to take photos of his or her subjects from afar. A good camera with a good set of lens to help focus on the subject may accomplish the job. Smaller digital cameras with powerful telephoto lens may be very useful.

• Voice Recorder – the digital voice recorder is a must for every private investigator. The digital recorder has evolved to have features like MP3 Player, automatic record setting, and onboard memory. The digital voice recorder is very useful during interviews to make sure that a PI will not miss information from a source. It can also be set up to record phone conversations automatically. Everything can be reviewed so conversations can be transcribed properly.

• Card Recorder – this is a technological innovation which does not require a physical recorder. A PI can record business calls, cellular phone calls, or residential phone calls. It allows recording both ends of the line and valuable communications are monitored and recorded hands-free.

• Wireless Audio Receiver- This allows listening to conversation which are a few meters away. Perfect for eavesdropping during surveillance activities.

• Computer Tools- since a almost everyone transacts online, a private investigation will not be complete without browsing the net for information. There are programs which allow one to be half a globe away and still monitor the activities of a subject while on the internet. Some software takes note of key strokes used during email, browsing, chatting, or sending of messages online. This can later be used to access the private accounts of subjects which will reveal vital information.

• Mini spy cams – this can be used to capture videos or pictures of important documents, locations, or conversations without being discovered by the subject.

• Classic Pad- a PI doesn’t have perfect memory and should always carry a reliable PI pad in case of gadget malfunction.

Important Network of Informants

Private investigator tools are not complete without the human factor. A PI must have a network of informants who can help him or her solve a case. An informant may be someone who can help during surveillance of a subject. The informant can send the PI information about the whereabouts or activities of a subject even when mobile.

The PI must keep a very good rapport with the informant. Motivation is the key so the informant will cooperate throughout the private investigation. The informant may be compensated in monetary form unless he is a potential witness in court. A paid witness will be inadmissible in the courtrooms.

These tools of the trade will guarantee a smooth-sailing private investigation leading to cases that are lved faster. A PI must invest on these tools to flourish in the business.

About the Author

The author of this article is Benedict Yossarian an Internet Marketing Consultant. Enquiry Agent is a leading private investigation agency based in the UK.

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