Investigative video refers to video footage recorded by a licensed private investigator during the course of a surveillance assignment. It is used to document a subject's activities, behaviors, movements, or interactions in locations where there is no reasonable expectation of privacy. The footage serves as visual evidence that can be reviewed by clients, attorneys, or courts.
Investigative video is simply recorded footage that a private investigator captures while watching a subject in a public or semi-public setting. It provides a factual visual record of what the subject was doing, where they were, and when. Clients often use this footage to support or challenge claims in legal, civil, or personal matters.
A client suspects a person receiving disability benefits is performing physical activities inconsistent with their claimed limitations, and video documentation is needed to support that concern. In a child custody dispute, a parent may request investigative video to document whether the other parent is maintaining a safe and appropriate environment during custody periods. An employer investigating suspected workers' compensation fraud may commission investigative video to observe a claimant's daily activities outside of the workplace.
Licensed private investigators may record video of individuals in public locations, such as streets, parking lots, parks, and other areas where no reasonable expectation of privacy exists. Recording inside private residences, through windows, or in areas restricted from public access is not permitted and may constitute a criminal offense. Laws governing video surveillance by private investigators vary by state, and investigators must comply with all applicable local statutes.
What will I actually receive when the investigation is complete, and how long does video surveillance typically take?
Clients generally receive a written surveillance report along with edited or unedited video footage, depending on the scope of the assignment and the firm's deliverable standards. The length of an investigation varies based on the subject's routine, the complexity of the case, and how many surveillance days are authorized by the client. Most single-subject assignments range from one to five days, though some cases require extended observation over multiple weeks.
Can investigative video be used as evidence in court, and are there any limitations I should be aware of?
Video recorded by a licensed private investigator in lawful locations is generally admissible as evidence in civil proceedings, though admissibility is ultimately determined by the court based on how the footage was obtained and documented. Investigators typically time-stamp footage and maintain chain-of-custody documentation to support its use in legal settings. Footage obtained through unlawful means, such as recording in areas with a reasonable expectation of privacy, would likely be inadmissible and could expose the investigator to legal liability.
