An activity check is a short-term surveillance assignment in which a licensed private investigator observes and documents the physical activities of a subject during a defined time window. The goal is to verify whether a subject's behavior, movements, or level of physical functioning aligns with claims made in legal, insurance, or personal matters. Results are typically delivered in a written report and may include photographic or video documentation.
An activity check is essentially a focused observation of what someone is doing in their daily life. An investigator watches and records the subject's movements and physical activity in public spaces during the agreed time frame. The findings are then compiled into a report that clients can review and, if appropriate, share with attorneys or other relevant parties.
An insurance company suspects a claimant is physically more active than their reported disability allows, and needs documented evidence before making a coverage decision. A spouse involved in divorce proceedings believes their partner is misrepresenting their lifestyle or employment status to influence alimony calculations. An employer managing a workers' compensation claim wants to verify whether an employee's stated physical limitations are consistent with their observed daily activity.
Licensed private investigators may conduct activity checks in public spaces where subjects have no reasonable expectation of privacy, including streets, parking lots, and publicly accessible commercial areas. Investigators cannot legally enter private property without permission, record subjects in locations where privacy is legally protected, or access sealed records or restricted databases to support an activity check. Applicable laws vary by state and country, so investigators must operate within the specific statutes governing surveillance in their jurisdiction.
How long does a typical activity check take, and what kind of documentation will I receive at the end?
Most activity checks are conducted over one to several days depending on the scope of the assignment and what is observed. At the conclusion of the surveillance, clients generally receive a written report summarizing the investigator's observations, along with any photographs or video footage captured during the assignment. The length and format of the deliverables can vary based on the agency and the specific terms agreed upon before work begins.
Can the footage or report from an activity check be used as evidence in court?
Documentation gathered by a licensed private investigator during a lawfully conducted activity check can often be used in civil legal proceedings, though admissibility is determined by the court and depends on how the evidence was collected. Investigators should follow proper documentation procedures and operate within the law to preserve the evidentiary value of their findings. Clients are advised to consult with their attorney about how to present the materials within their specific case.
