Working in the field of investigation, private investigators must sort out their own route and sources through which they can obtain information and solve a given case. They usually do not depend on a specific type of source. In fact, by broadening their search, they can conclude their cases quickly and precisely. Listed below are a few sources used by private investigators in the process of detection
- Documents and records
- Computers
- People
- Interviews
- Informants
- Libraries
- Newspapers and magazines
- Video surveillance
- Trailing
- Bills and accounts
Documents and records may be public or private. Public documents may or may not be accessible to a private investigator. In cases when they are accessible, they prove to be a source of valuable information containing details of victims, criminals, suspects, employees, missing persons, wanted persons, etc. Private records are usually available with agencies which is also a great source when investigating about a particular subject. Access to a subject’s computer gives a lot of insight into his personal life, his contacts, friends, communities, browsing activities, chat logs etc.
Questioning a person gives good information to the private investigator as they may have been witness of the crime or may also have heard new facts about the case from someone else. Interviews are conducted in order to confirm the facts obtained through various sources and also to obtain a new angle and insight into the case. Under cover investigations may also take place by not letting the subject know that they are being interviewed. Informants who specialise in their fields are able to provide the investigator with technical information and paid informants remain in the underworld to uncover information about criminals.
Libraries have valuable information in the form of directories. These are mostly professional membership directories and various employments listed by professionals. Newspapers are always up to date with the on going crimes. The newspaper collects miscellaneous information for use in future obituaries. If the private investigator is well connected with the local newspapers and magazines, and they can obtain deep information about all the prominent members in the society. The editors and investigative reporters will also know about the backdrop of the crime and will be helpful in uncovering cases.
Private investigators are well versed in the art of surveillance. Video Surveillance is one legal way through which private investigators can obtain required information without much restrictions. There are various types of surveillance such as – mechanical surveillance human surveillance, stationary surveillance, mobile surveillance, high tech surveillance, low tech surveillance etc. High tech surveillance involves the use of gadgets such as microphones, hidden cameras, thermal cameras, GPS tracking device, etc. while low tech surveillance involves following the subject by food or vehicle and waiting outside his home to see who he meets, etc.
Trailing is a method used by private investigators to follow a subject without his knowledge and record his regular activities. This may take a lot of patience and time. Checking a person’s bills and accounts is a useful way to know his money transactions, whom he has paid, what he has bought, his financial status, anonymous or unwanted transactions, etc.
These various sources help a private investigator or a detective to gain information needed and bring the case to a close.
