Whenever you are considering using GPS tracking, make sure you understand the local laws. The Supreme Court has ruled that law enforcement needs a warrant to use a GPS tracking device. While this does not directly
Texas law is clear under penal code chapter 16 that it is illegal to install a tracking device on a car without the owner's permission. This also applies to private investigators who need written consent of the owner to install the device.
So, in a nutshell, you (or someone you hire) can put a tracker on your own car - but not on anyone else's car.
Pros: It makes it very easy to locate a vehicle 24/7. Some devices have monthly service charges that can quickly add up to big bucks.
Cons: Don't become one by breaking the law. In a more practical sense if you are being legal - you need to be aware of battery life and placement of the device. It has to be able to access satellites to be effective. Simply sticking it on the bottom of the vehicle with a magnet may not work. You need to test out the device in various vehicle locations beforehand. Every tracker is different - make sure you have an idea of what the battery life is likely to be on each setting.
Remember that whatever you do - stay safe!
This is the Blog of Barry Dunn Advisory Group LLC. You will find information about our company and Private Investigation in general.
Just for Fun - What PI's Do
These seem to be popular all over the place right now. I just thought I would share one of my own.
When Hiring a PI - What Do You Expect?
One of the things that customers seldom understand is that PI's cannot do everything they want. OK, maybe they CAN do it, but they shouldn't do it.
If you are considering hiring a private investigator, ask yourself "What do I want out of this".You need to know what you expect. A good private detective will explain to potential clients what they can and cannot do in a case. The largest complaints against PIs are not about doing inappropriate things, but about not fulfilling expectations.
The accomplished PI will ask enough questions to know what the client wants and expects, and then explain what the PI can and cannot do. Most people are reasonable. Even emotionally charged clients who have been cheated. If the private investigator takes the time to ask enough questions, and then explain what they can legally do, the clients usually understand what can be accomplished. Often clients expect to get graphic photos or videos of a cheating spouse. Unless the cheating is going on in a parking garage, that is very unlikely.
What can be documented is arrival at the same place and time possible on multiple occasions of two people who have no other reason to be together other than an illicit affair. Most cases like this are circumstantial. Rarely is there photo or video evidence of the dirty act. However, when the cheater is presented with evidence, they often cop to the cheating. I hope this helps -
Whatever you do, Stay Safe!
Comparing Surveillance Choices
I love the way things have gone - in a high tech way for digital photography. I have used a Digital Canon EOS with great success as far as long range surveillance photos. I decided to compare still photos from the Canon and a JVC Everio to see this difference.
Both shots were taken free hand (no tripod or other assistance). As you can see, both shots are relatively clear. I must note that I am glad the JVC has image stabilization, as I was shaking quite a bit at full zoom. I do not have a very steady hand.
The shortcoming for the JVC is that the battery fife while in use is a little over 2 hours. Whereas on standby, the Canon is much longer. However, neither will stay on, all by themselves with no activity for a long time. The advantage to the Canon, is the extra weight makes it a bit easier to hold steady (this can be compensated with a camera stabilizer on the JVC is need be). When I know I will be taking far off shots - I will likely be prepared with a tripod or other stabilization tool.
The JVC fits in the palm of my hand, is lighter - so it will pretty much replace the Canon - as least as of now. It will be in my "always carry around" arsenal of equipment while I am working. The still shots have great quality, and the zoom capability is excellent. I like the built in lens cover too. I have not tried the low lux feature yet. A review of that will be coming up shortly.
If you are just starting in the business, I would highly recommend getting the JVC Everio with low lux capability before getting a nice digital SLR. The size, capability, and price difference is well worth it.
What ever you do - stay safe!
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| Canon EOS 80-300mm Zoom - full zoom |
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| JVC Everio 40X zoom -at 40x |
Both shots were taken free hand (no tripod or other assistance). As you can see, both shots are relatively clear. I must note that I am glad the JVC has image stabilization, as I was shaking quite a bit at full zoom. I do not have a very steady hand.
The shortcoming for the JVC is that the battery fife while in use is a little over 2 hours. Whereas on standby, the Canon is much longer. However, neither will stay on, all by themselves with no activity for a long time. The advantage to the Canon, is the extra weight makes it a bit easier to hold steady (this can be compensated with a camera stabilizer on the JVC is need be). When I know I will be taking far off shots - I will likely be prepared with a tripod or other stabilization tool.
The JVC fits in the palm of my hand, is lighter - so it will pretty much replace the Canon - as least as of now. It will be in my "always carry around" arsenal of equipment while I am working. The still shots have great quality, and the zoom capability is excellent. I like the built in lens cover too. I have not tried the low lux feature yet. A review of that will be coming up shortly.
If you are just starting in the business, I would highly recommend getting the JVC Everio with low lux capability before getting a nice digital SLR. The size, capability, and price difference is well worth it.
What ever you do - stay safe!
Three Keys to Success in Investigations
I have had people ask me how can they become a successful investigator? I sat down the other day and came up with these three key points. If you really want to succeed as an investigator, you need to continually learn new ideas and methods, but not forget about the basics. With all of the electronic shortcuts, some investigators forget to actually investigate things, which is a shame. The following are the three key points I have come up with:
1. One of the most important things I know for anyone to have in their work is a passion to do well in their job. This passion may be that you just really love what you do. I for one am one of those people that really love what I am doing right now. I am a people person, and I am constantly meeting people all the time and I love the interaction.
I also love studying people and their behavior. I know of no other job that lets me do this – including being a psychologist. They almost never get to study people when they are totally unaware that they are being observed. If you are a people person, loving the investigations business and having a passion for your work can come easy.
2. Another key element to success in investigation, is perseverance. Now, I know that you will not always be compensated to persevere, so we cannot always check out every single lead to the end. But you need to have the never-give-up attitude. When your clients see this attitude in you – you give them the confidence that you will succeed.
This does not mean you will always catch a cheater cheating. It also does not mean that you will catch the fraudulent insurance or disability claimant. Sometimes they are not cheating. Sometimes the claimant is really disabled. You cannot make them actually cheat or commit fraud. Also, sometimes they can just avoid being caught for a period more than your client can afford to pay you.
3. Honest self criticism is necessary for you to continually improve as an investigator. For the inexperienced investigator, I suggest finding an experienced friend who will do this with you. Do not get offended if they find something you have missed or have done wrong. Be open to suggestions, even from people who are not “experts” as new ideas should always at least be considered.
What I have done when doing self criticism, is that when I notice I did something wrong, or I missed something, I make a note of it, both in the file, and in a notebook I use for generic notes for myself. In a recent case, I forgot something as basic as to confirm the identity of someone I was interviewing. I feel silly for doing it, but I did not even realize I did it until I wrote the report of the investigation. You can bet that is not going to happen again. When I make mistakes in an investigation, I do not charge the client to correct the issue, because that one is on me.
If you do these three things on a consistent basis, you will have good investigations that get better as time goes on. Always study, learn, and especially learn from your mistakes. Becoming not just a good, but an exemplary investigator is goal I have, and you can attain that goal yourself with a little self discipline.
Cell Phone Recon - a Review
I decided to try out Cell Phone Recon. I installed it on my own phone to see how it performs and what all it really does. Here is what I can do. I can see what calls came into the phone, calls made from the phone, text messages to and from the phone. Emails to and from the phone (though some of these have not been tracked well). I also can track where I have been (via the cell phone) by GPS. Also you can switch phones when you want - but you can only monitor one phone at a time.
The program has a way to back up all of this information. I initially tried it out so I could recommend (or not ) the product. I decided it works really well, and I am going to keep it on the phone for 2 reasons.
1. It is a great CYA tool for work. I can prove where I have been and calls I have made, etc.
2. It is a good security tool for the phone. If my phone gets lost/stolen - I can find it via cell phone recon. I really like that idea.
Over all cell phone recon works as advertised. It is a great tool for you to use in investigations (if used properly under the law) and a great security feature for your own phone.
I highly recommend this product. You can get it from Brickhouse Security
Whatever you do - stay safe!
The program has a way to back up all of this information. I initially tried it out so I could recommend (or not ) the product. I decided it works really well, and I am going to keep it on the phone for 2 reasons.
1. It is a great CYA tool for work. I can prove where I have been and calls I have made, etc.
2. It is a good security tool for the phone. If my phone gets lost/stolen - I can find it via cell phone recon. I really like that idea.
Over all cell phone recon works as advertised. It is a great tool for you to use in investigations (if used properly under the law) and a great security feature for your own phone.
I highly recommend this product. You can get it from Brickhouse Security
Whatever you do - stay safe!
No Excuse for Shoddy Investigation!
| Photo: Melissa Phillip / © 2011 Houston Chronicle |
This basic step of investigation really stands out in the case of LaDondrell Montgomery. He was wrongfully convicted of robbery. How do I know he was wrongfully convicted? He was in jail at the time!
It seems more and more I come across cases with shoddy investigative work. Why the basics are over looked in felonies baffles me. Sure, in our age of surveillance cameras and instant information, there are a lot of things that make our job easier. However, you cannot get away from the basics in a good investigation. If you do, it may just bite you in the butt.
See more about the story here.
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