There are many forms of private investigation. Images of shady characters in long over coats wearing large hats and tailing suspects through busy city streets readily come to mind but in reality, these images are best reserved for Hollywood. If you are thinking of becoming a private investigator or you are just starting out, surveillance will be an important part of your charter.

This article will endeavor to present some private investigation and surveillance tips which may help you in determining whether this is for you. The world of the private investigator is one of patience and dedication which will see you in some unusual situations.

Let's start with investigation vehicle and tailing.

For mobile surveillance it's recommended that mini-vans are preferred. Accessories such as tinted glass are an excellent smoke screen that allows you  to sit in the back, unnoticed, almost anywhere. It's also suggested that older mini-vans are better because they blend in better and are more nimble than newer ones. These type of mini-vans are a dime a dozen and don't draw attention.

More Private Investigation And Surveillance Tips - Tailing On The Move

When tailing in city streets, it's advised to stay on the suspect vehicle's bumper while in slower areas, you should allow a car between the vehicle you are following and you. The problem of conducting a tail in the city is that there are too many stoplights, traffic and stop signs. Losing your suspect can be easy.

A private investigator has to possess some detective ability as well. When determining whether a vehicle has been moved during the night check the dew on the vehicle. If it's lacking, then this is a sure sign the vehicle was moved. Staying in touch with a person when you are tailing requires a little skill but this gets better with more experience. When the vehicle you are following makes a sudden stop in front of a house, keep calm and continue on a short way and when appropriate, pull into an empty driveway but keeping the target in view at all times.

Some Verifying And Recording 101

Experienced private investigators generally follow the same process with verifying a person's address. The obvious is a name on the mailbox but if there are none, then check to see if there is mail protruding from the mailbox before taking a quick look.

Count the number of electric meters to ascertain whether the home is a multi-family or single home. Taking detailed notes via a voice recorder or pen and paper is highly recommended. If there is a vehicle in the driveway, make note of the vehicle's number plate and it's make as well as the date and time. Record anyone showing up, any vehicle movement, etc. Taking notes is important for your client’s report. Accuracy is vital because, as a private investigator, you may be asked to testify.

It is always difficult to accurately estimate the height of an individual. One tip is to compare the person's height to that of the vehicle that they get out of or into. This becomes much easier over time.

Video Surveillance Tips

For starters, make sure you have a reliable camera because of the stop start nature of this kind of surveillance. One trick is to create a border between each clip and an effective way is just placing a hand or fingers over the camera. Your camera should display a time and date stamp; today, this is almost regulation with most cameras. Don't just concentrate on close ups of the suspect; wide shots are critical in verifying that the person was actually at the location you are surveying.

Finally and this is often overlooked, toilet paper, yes, toilet paper is often a good idea. Why? Well, simply put, you will be involved in the occasional long stake out and when mother nature beckons in awkward situations, you'll be glad you have a roll of toilet paper in the vehicle.

While the above doesn't sound as glamorous a job as that portrayed by Robert Mitchum as the famous Philip Marlowe, it's not meant to be. But if you adhere to proper private investigation and surveillance tips, then your career as a private investigator should prove rewarding.

	Wireless Color Spy Video Camera Complete Package Sale Price: $24.94
	This is a worlds smallest yet most powerful wireless camera of its kind. New high power 2.4 GHz technology provides 300 feet range with solid stability. Great for portable video surveillance or for hobbies.

	Wireless IP Pan/Tilt/ Night Vision Internet Surveillance Camera Built-in Microphone with Phone remote monitoring support - Black Sale Price: $49.39
	Specs: Image Compression Format: M-JPEG standard Image Resolution: VGA(640x480) / QVGA(320x240) Sensor: 1/4 inch CMOS, 300,000 Pixels Light frequency: 50Hz, 60Hz or Outdoor Audio compression: ADPCM Data rate: 802...

Hidden camera clock,mini clock DVR,Clock Camera Motion Detection Mini Camera Video DVR Sale Price: $25.78

Records audio with video Easy to use one button recording Manual or motion detection recording Virtually undetectable pinhole lens Highly durable stainless steel casing Looks and functions just like a normal table clock Saves beautiful 640x480 30FPS video to Micro SD card Can be used as a web camera Primary Function: Surveillance Spy Camera Clock Material: Stainless Steel Color: Silver Memory: Micro SD card White Balance: Auto Time/Date Stamp: Yes (always on) Video Recording Format: AVI Frames Per Second: 30FPS Video Resolution: 640 x 480 Photo resolution: 1280 x 960 Image Capture Format: JPEG Built-in MIC: Yes Audio: 24000Hz 192 kb/s (1 channel) Recommended Range for Audio: 1 - 3 Meters Recommended Range for Video: Up to 8 Meters Power Source: 300mAh built in rechargeable lithium polymer battery (recharge directly from USB port) Clock Style - Analog 12 Hour Display (Hour, Minute, Second Hands) - Metal And Glass Construction - Fold out stand - Time Adjustment - USB Port - Micro SD card slot - LED Status Indicator OS Supported: Windows 98SE/ME/2000/XP/Vista (32 bit version only) /Windows7 Continuous Recording Time: About 2 hours on full charge File Size: 1 hour of audio/video will use about 2...

	Koolertron (TM) Micro Spy GSM Listen, Audio Bug Surveillance Device (Remote Bug Monitoring) Sale Price: $29.99
	Description: Simply insert a GSM SIM card of your desired phone number inside for the bug device, then put it in anywhere you want in the world! Whatever what you want to monitor, just dial up the bug's inserted phone number and listening anytime, anywhere from your mobile phone / telephone at hone, office...

	Spypoint Digital Surveillance Camera (Camo) Sale Price: Too low to display
	The IR- gives you a 6.0 megapixel picture quality. It has a removable internal camera for easier handling and very compact. The night-time illumination is 46 infrared LED. Automatic infrared level adjustment...

	Keylogger Surveillance Manager - Spy on All Computer Activity Secretly. See social chat, websites, email, passwords and more... Sale Price: $24.99
	Keylogger Surveillance Manager is extremely popular with parents, partners and employers who are interested in monitoring all computer activity. Keylogger Surveillance Manager software will automatically monitor all websites visited, chat conversations, email and more...

	Spy Net Night Vision Infrared Stealth Binoculars Sale Price: $32.99
	The Spy Net Night Vision Infrared Stealth Binoculars are the ultimate in spy tools. Children can record reconnaissance missions and covert operations with these fantastic binoculars that have real night vision technology...

	Mini Wireless Color Camera with Microphone Sale Price: $24.95
	Tiny and wireless, this inconspicuous camera offers effective surveillance protection . It has an operative range of 150 feet, providing full motion, real-time, color video with no delay. It is easily concealed and the built-in microphone provides great sound quality that's perfect for presentations or interviews.

	Original Sphere Pen Camera - Hidden Video Spy Pen in Silver-trimmed Black Executive Pen. 100% Genuine Sphere Gadget Technologies brand product. 640 x 480 pixel. 4GB. Comes in original Sphere gift box with official logo marked. Sale Price: $39.99
	Brought to you by the leading spy camera brand in USA: Sphere Gadget Technologies. 100% Genuine version, NOT the generic brand. Packaging and instructions marked with our official Sphere logo. The original SPHERE spy pen to catch your family and friends on video without them noticing! Encased in this elegant looking executive pen is a 2...

	Understanding Surveillance Technologies: Spy Devices, Privacy, History & Applications, Second Edition Sale Price: $107.99
	Understanding Surveillance Technologies demystifies spy devices and describes how technology is used to observe and record intimate details of people’s lives—often without their knowledge or consent...

ave their tools and even if you don't consider a private eye a tradesman in the true sense of the word, you've got to admit, without private investigation equipment they would be sunk.

Without the appropriate tools a private investigator would find it very difficult not only to find consistent work but to retain the services of major clients which are the "bread and butter" of a P.I.'s business.

Going Solo Or Part Of A Team

You may be thinking what if a private investigator is part of a large outfit who supply all his or her equipment?

Good point however, keep in mind the ability to earn well in the P.I. business is usually going solo or starting ones own business so if you are working for a large firm and know down the track you want to go into business for yourself then picking up your own private investigation equipment along the way is good business practice.

P.I. Tools Requirement

Let's take a brief look at some of the equipment a P.I. could reasonably be expected to use at some stage of their working lives. Here's a shortlist:

- Night vision equipment which would include goggles, scopes, binoculars and infrared merchandise.

- Surveillance equipment are a necessity in a private investigator's schedule but what constitutes surveillance tools? Well, how about Audio receivers, digital cameras, telephone logging, vehicle equipment, DTMF decoders and remote audio monitors.

- Telephone equipment could fall under the surveillance tag but this area is reasonably broad and has plenty to offer the "super sleuth" such as cassette recorders, voice logging equipment, digital recorders and test equipment.

- Tracking devices such as GPS equipment are a reasonably new innovation in the sense they are more readily available but have been a great addition to a the total surveillance package.

This method of private investigation equipment helps track the location of a person or vehicle. There are tracking devices for mobile phones, vehicles and even hostage tracking devices.

Is it expensive? Yes and no but keep in mind, if cost is a barrier in building your P.I. business right now your equipment will be gathered as it's required so resist the temptation of purchasing it all in one shopping trip.

Is there a hidden camera program that you can watch live VIA your laptop?

The question explains it all. I am wondering if there is a hidden camera program where you plant the camera (or whatever) and watch the footage LIVE on your laptop or computer.

Yes. Cameras today can fit in the tip of a pen, and they have built in microphones. Google "private investigation equipment" Even though you say your not trying to do it, if u ever decide to, just know the only place you can secretly video record sexual acts without your partners knowledge, is in Italy.

Hidden Camera Bath Prank