One of the questions I am frequently asked, after people find out that I am a private investigator, is what type of equipment do we use. As an investigator, we deploy several types of equipment depending on the type of case we're working. Below is just a general list of gear that we may use on an every day basis and the ways it could be deployed. Although we have several other pieces of equipment available, these are considered our "basics."

First and foremost on my list is a notebook and writing utensil. I know that sounds archaic, but in this business I have to take good notes and keep track of exact times; it's of utmost importance when  sending reports that the times are correct.

Next and also very high up on the list is a quality DSLR camera. Having the ability to change the lenses depending on how close or far away I am is critical. On some surveillance's there may not be a place a decent distance away to set up so my only option with a view may be to get close and use covert actions (we'll get into that in another blog). Going along with the camera, we also use a tripod or at minimum a mono-pod to steady the camera for those long day time or night time shots. Many times the evidence we collect ends up in court and a blurry picture is no good to anyone when we are testifying and trying to prove a case. Often times we are asked for the metadata to verify the validity of the file so we always keep the original file, but may include a cropped version for the report.

We use an HD quality video camera with the ability for image stabilization to keep targets in focus. The videos are clear, and as steady as possible to make the most of our time. We are able to zoom in and out as need to focus on the target as well as document the location and environment. We may also use a tripod for the video camera to be able to keep a steady hand.

We use a variety of covert cameras that are disguised as anything from sunglasses, to a pen, to a key chain. They are very low-key because sometimes I can't just walk in carrying a big DSLR or video camera. I need to be discrete but still capture the evidence we need to support your case. We also use 1080P dash cameras on every investigation; the ones we use have built-in GPS tracking and map overview capability. This covers us in two ways; we always have the target in view and and we have the exact location at all times while we follow the target. If there is every any question about the amount of time spent with the target, the video can always be provided. 

Another important thing to have is an excellent option for night vision and a way to adapt it to our cameras. We use the latest third generation night vision technology so that we never miss anything, even on the darkest nights. Many companies are limited on night time investigations by what they can see and prove in court because they don't have the correct gear. At SIG, it is our policy that if we can't see it, we can't testify to it so we deploy every option to get you the evidence you need.

In my vehicle, I run a mounted computer with online access so that as cars or people show up, I can identify them on the spot if needed. As investigators, we have access to law enforcement grade databases and DMV records. We can quickly pull up backgrounds, addresses, car ownerships, etc. I also have the ability to live track GPS if it is being used in an investigation which leads us into the next tool.

As an investigator, we are currently granted certain privileges to deploy GPS trackers on vehicles as long as very strict criteria is met. We use GPS trackers to track movement, determine a pattern of movement, and to help determine if the target is being truthful in their movements. This also helps us to set up an ideal visual contact by giving us potential places to set up surveillance, obtain video or camera evidence, or to assist in following a target. Under Texas Penal Code Section 16.06(d)(3) it is lawful for a licensed private investigator to install a GPS tracker on a vehicle with the vehicle owner's written consent, as well as the owner's written consent to enter the property the vehicle resides on to actually install the device. That being said, there are some very grey areas to be aware of, the main one being if the vehicle is jointly owned and the spouse is the sole driver of the vehicle. Another thing to consider is if there is a restraining order in place or some other type of court order barring the client or their "Agent" from access to the vehicle. At SIG, we will only legally use GPS and will at times turn down business if a client is only looking to use GPS due to potential conflicts or criteria not being met. It should also be noted for anyone out there who has used, or has considered using a GPS monitor on their own in Texas it is a class A Misdemeanor punishable by up to a year and jail and up to a $4,000.00 fine.

The last tool we'll discuss is computer forensics. I have worked multiple investigations both criminal and civil that someone thought items were deleted from a phone, computer, or personal device. This can include deleted photos, videos, call histories, location history, search histories, as well as things like snapchats which are touted to be temporary. It isn't. Please note that most times just because someone hits delete, it does not mean that whatever they deleted isn't still saved somewhere on the device. We have the ability to search almost any electronic device and find what a person has been doing, who they have been talking to, if there were any messages or pictures deleted, what web pages have you been visiting, etc. If someone had access to a device for even a short period of time (such as while you were sleeping) there may have been enough time to install tracking or malware on a device. Using computer forensics we are able to track and locate all of that information. We have even used cell phone data in criminal cases to clear our clients based on where their phone was on a particular day and time. 

Again, these are just some of the tools we use on a day to day basis. It is important to note that no matter how much fancy gear an investigator has, without the training, knowledge and ability to successfully deploy it, it could be useless. We call it trade-craft and it is something that is learned through many years of experience.

So what is a private investigator? The basic definition is a detective who carries out investigations on behalf of private clients such as law firms, insurance agencies, corporations, private individuals, courts and other entities. Most private investigators have a relevant background in some type of legal field such as law enforcement, federal,  paralegal, criminal justice, etc. that gives them the skills and knowledge needed to prepare them for the cases that may come their way.

Typically a private investigator will do all of the legwork for you in finding out information (written, visual, audio) that is buried, hard-to-find, or needs legal documentation. A private investigator has access to in-depth background investigation programs and police grade data bases, as well as access to high-quality equipment, including cameras, video equipment, generation 3 night vision, and GPS tracking. Our investigators backgrounds in law enforcement and federal agencies gives us the experience necessary to pick apart an investigative report related to a case (criminal or civil) to be sure that all of your legal rights were recognized as well as all legal barriers were strictly followed. We have access to experts in every field we work in and are able to quickly and efficiently obtain evidence and information to support our reports. ​​

Being a private investigator is not at all like you see in the movies; at times it can be long, boring hours of sitting and watching nothing, just to do it all over again the next day just for a few minutes of video. Equally, it could be long days of pouring over every word, picture or video of discovery in a large criminal case. Like any job it has its highs and lows but if you have the right mind set it can be very rewarding and satisfying.

Welcome to Special Investigations Group (SIG) new blog series. Throughout this series we will be going over several subjects that I am asked about on a daily basis. Hopefully, it will help you gain a better understanding of what we as Private Investigators at SIG actually do.

My name is Chris Monroe and I am the owner and manager of SIG. I have been a licensed Private Investigator in the state of Texas for over 17 years and as this series progresses I will be answering multiple questions about who we are, what we do, and how to respond to certain situations for those who are just starting out or who may just have an interest in investigations. SIG has several expert investigators on staff with experience in many different areas, including law enforcement, federal agencies, and private investigations. 

There are many different types of investigation companies: some specialize in one or two things, for example computer forensics, or child recovery and child custody. We at SIG have investigators who specialize in many different areas, including missing persons, surveillance, civil cases such as child custody and infidelity, ranging into more complex criminal cases such as drug charges, capital murder, manslaughter, aggravated sexual assault and more.

While researching the company that best fits your current needs, it is critical to choose one that not only has the skills, experience and backgrounds to handle multiple types of cases, but also has the legal knowledge to make sure that the investigation is completely lawful. This ensures that any and all evidence obtained during the course of your investigation is 100% admissible in court. That is a very big deal when dealing with a company, as there are many fly by night companies out there who will make you promises and take your money but when push comes to shove either they can't, or won't deliver because the evidence was obtained illegally, which makes it no use to you or your case. We will always follow the letter of the law to make sure that all evidence is 100% admissible.
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Before determining which company to hire, it is imperative to verify that they meet all of the licensing and legal requirements for the state the the investigations will be occurring. SIG is owned and operated in Texas. By entering in a company name or license number here: https://tops.portal.texas.gov/psp-self-service/search/index you will be able to find and verify any companies registered in Texas. We have been insured and licensed since day one; our license number is A-17325. All investigation companies should have their license number on all websites, business cards, and advertisements. They should be able to supply you with their information immediately with no hesitations so that you can verify their company information independently.

It is especially important to have a contract that outlines the requested services so everyone knows exactly what services are being provided and for what amount. This is meant to protect you and the company you are choosing. At SIG, we require a contract before starting any investigative services. Our contracts outline exactly what services we are agreeing to provide, what the hourly rate is, if a retainer is required and how much that will be, as well as any other expenses that will be incurred along the way. Our contract also guarantees a written report within a specified amount of time from the close of the investigation. At SIG we will work with you going over all potential problems that may arise so you are well prepared for anything. A contract does not guarantee results only that we will provide the services promised at the specified times.