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How to Choose a Surveillance Investigator
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Training Seminars
L&W is always willing to conduct in-house training and seminars for SIU Personnel and claims department staff regarding
- How To Choose an Investigator
- Timing of Investigations for Maximum Effectiveness
- Proper Preliminary Investigations Leading to Surveillance
- Evidence Utilization and Presentation
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More money is wasted on poor surveillance operations than any other type of investigation. This is due in part to the many investigators who falsely claim to be a specialist, coupled with a lack of screening standards by the customer.
There are many agencies from small to large that claim to do great investigations and surveillance. We know that very few actually do as promised. At L&W, we produce to you - the client - our Quarterly Report Card. This report card will help to keep a data base on the outcome of cases we do for you. Receiving this quarterly will allow you the ability to choose the best agency by hands on results.
Choosing a Surveillance Investigator
- Know who the surveillance-investigator is that will actually conduct the surveillance and assess the skill and experience of that investigator, not just the owner of the firm.
- The investigator should know the state laws governing invasion of privacy and how it applies to private investigations.
- Seek an agency or investigator that specializes in surveillance and AOE/COE investigations. Many agencies do everything - all types of investigations - and may not be as skilled and experienced as one who specializes.
- Seek out local firms. They do not perform volume work, therefore may work harder and be more quality conscious.
- Always check references on a prospective surveillance investigator and determine the approximate number of cases and quality of work performed.
- Always meet the investigator and examine the equipment and surveillance vehicle. Vehicles should be nondescript with tinted windows and fully equipped for surveillance. They should be compatible for both stationary and mobile surveillance.
- Consider what experience the prospective investigator has conducting the type of surveillance needed.
- Obtain a copy of a sample report and current fee schedule. Make sure there is no hidden fee and get an estimate on the total cost.
- Verify the person is a licensed private investigator in the state where the service is needed and is insured for at least $1,000,000 in Errors & Omissions.
The Bottom Line: It is the skill and resources of the person in the field conducting your surveillance that will determine the quality and success of the investigation...no one else.
Physical surveillance is an art form that requires complete dedication to be consistently proficient and successful. The few specialists who excel at this craft know it takes skill, experience, sophisticated equipment, creativity and an innate sixth sense.
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