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.