Equipment

Technology is an invaluable resource to any professional investigator, especially those who engage in the Art of Surveillance. At the same time, it is just as important for private detectives not to get caught up with technology, and attempt to solve their cases without applying some good old-fashioned sleuthing first, not-to-mention, some common sense.

We use only the highest quality equipment and supplies in order to insure that we obtain the best evidence possible in each and every case. All of our investigators carry a number of options in order to be ready for the unexpected.

sUAS (Aerial Drones)

We are very excited to add the use of Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS), or Aerial Drones, to our toolbox. Drones can be used to assist us with the collection of intelligence, gathering of evidence, and the production of courtroom exhibits, including obtaining aerial photographs and video of real property and crime scenes. We maintain a Code of Federal Regulation (CFR) Title 14 Part 107 Remote Pilot certification rating, issued to us by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). By federal law, anyone who uses a sUAS for commercial purposes must possess this special certification, which requires passing an extensive knowledge exam and a background check performed by the Transportation Security Administration. Although there are numerous restrictions on the use of these systems in U.S. airspace, especially here in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area, there remain many applications where they can still be used to support our investigative efforts, and in some cases temporary waivers of these can be obtained from the FAA as well.

GPS Vehicle Tracking

We maintain a large inventory of Global Positioning System (GPS) tracking devices. Using this equipment allows us to be more efficient and cost effective.  It also helps lower the risk of us being detected when performing surveillance and tailing. It is important to note that some states, including the Commonwealth of Virginia, have laws regulating the private use of GPS devices. In fact, it is currently a crime for a vehicle owner in Virginia to track the location of their own vehicle without the driver’s permission, unless the owner has contracted the services of a licensed private investigator in that state. This is an excellent example of why it is important to contact a professional investigator before trying to perform any sort of investigation on your own.

“…it is currently a crime for a vehicle owner in
Virginia to track the location of their own vehicle
without the driver’s permission, unless the owner
has contracted the services of a licensed private investigator.”

Cameras

We also utilize some of the most advanced photographic and videographic equipment available to the industry. Some of the tools we maintain in our inventory include:

  • Long range digital photo cameras
  • High definition video cameras
  • Infra-red, low-light and night-vision scopes & video cameras
  • Indoor and outdoor hidden motion-activated video camera systems
  • Body worn and carried hidden video cameras
  • Time-lapse VCRs, DVRs and signal transmitters
  • Portable physical security surveillance camera systems

It is important to note that it is also a crime in most states to install a hidden camera in a bedroom or bathroom, or in any room where the occupants would have a reasonable expectation of privacy… even if the person installing the device owns the property.

Vehicles

In order to be successful at performing surveillance in today’s security-conscious neighborhoods, it is crucial for private detectives to blend in with the environment in order to avoid attracting attention and to evade detection. This is why we maintain a number of specially equipped surveillance vehicles. Gone are the days when a private investigator could sit in a person’s neighborhood for countless hours, and not be brought to the attention of local law enforcement. Therefore, it is crucial for today’s practitioner to remain aware of his or her surroundings; be prepared if confronted; and to always look for ways to be creative in an effort to avoid being detected in the first place.

To Learn More

For more information on the Equipment we use to perform our investigations, please contact us using the information listed below.

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