Why Surveillance Services Require a Licensed Investigator

Jan 16, 2025By Easton Secure Solutions

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Introduction:

Surveillance is a major tool in the private investigation industry, providing great information in cases of, but not limited to, infidelity and insurance fraud. However, surveillance per se is not just a question of following a person and taking some notes. It is rather complex, involving very intricate legal, ethical, and technical issues-developing the rationale that hiring a licensed private investigator is not simply a recommendation; more often than not, it is a legal requirement.

Understanding Licensing Requirements

Private investigators in New York State must meet stringent licensure criteria, including experience in investigations or law enforcement background, a thorough background check, and adherence to ongoing training and legal updates, all of which combine to ensure licensed investigators have both the expertise and ethical standards necessary to conduct surveillance.

In addition to being vetted for professional skills, licensed investigators are held to the highest standards of accountability. This ensures that they operate within the bounds of the law, thus protecting clients from potential legal repercussions.

Legal Compliance and Risk Mitigation

One of the most critical reasons to hire a licensed investigator is legal compliance. Surveillance conducted by unlicensed individuals can result in severe legal consequences, including:

Invasion of Privacy Claims: Licensed investigators are trained in the respect of privacy laws, and evidence is collected legally.

Admissibility in Court: Evidence through unlicensed or illegal surveillance is usually inadmissible in court.

Civil and Criminal Liability: Unlicensed surveillance can expose clients to lawsuits or even criminal charges.

This is most sensitive, of course, in child custody-type disputes, as a poorly collected piece of evidence could ruin an entire case and get any attorney on the receiving end fined for poor performance, if not indeed in violation of a specific regulation regarding their client. Professional, licensed investigators know not just federal but state and even New York-specific statutes in order to maintain all surveillance in complete conformity. 

Professional Training and Techniques

Professional equipment and methods employed by licensed investigators are just inaccessible to the average citizen. These include:

Specialized Equipment: High-quality cameras, GPS trackers (legally deployed), audio recording devices.

Advanced Skills: Training in situational awareness, covert operations, and evidence documentation.

Access to Restricted Databases: Investigators may utilize Tier 1 data access, credit headers, and DMV records to access comprehensive information.

For example, investigators will conduct surreptitious surveillance using the most advanced technologies to document a subject's activities without their knowledge in infidelity cases. Professional investigators utilize both surveillance and data analysis to detect fraudulent claims on insurance policies.

Ethical Standards and Protection of the Client

At Easton Secure Solutions LLC, we prioritize ethical practices in all our investigations. Hiring a licensed investigator ensures that:

  • The investigation adheres to a strict code of ethics.
  • Client confidentiality is maintained.
  • Evidence is gathered without harassment or undue interference.

Poor surveillance can lead to a compromised case and worse, reputational damage. Licensed investigators operate on clear ethical lines that ensure the investigation is conducted with integrity. This commitment to ethics is particularly important in high-stakes cases like infidelity investigations or employee misconduct, where discretion and professionalism are paramount.

The Complexity of Modern Surveillance

Surveillance isn't just about following a target from point A to B anymore. Today's surveillance involves:

Digital Footprints: Knowledge of the suspect's online behavior, including his/her social networking habits.

Counter-Surveillance Awareness: Detecting and avoiding efforts by the subject to identify or evade surveillance.

Interdisciplinary Skills: Merging classic surveillance techniques with cyber investigation and OSINT.

Licensed investigators are trained to adapt to these complexities so that their methods can be updated and effective in a fast-evolving world. For instance, in the case of cyber harassment, an investigator would have to trace the subjects' online activities while remaining within the bounds of the law on privacy.

The Easton Secure Solutions Advantage

Easton Secure Solutions LLC is licensed to provide surveillance services throughout New York City and Long Island. Our expertise ensures:

Customized investigations to suit the client's goals in each and every case.

Legal Peace of Mind: Evidence is gathered in such a way that it conforms to all New York State laws.

Discreet, Reliable Results: Our investigators are professional and discreet in their operations.

Apart from surveillance, we also provide complete investigative services that include background checks, skip tracing, and fraud investigations. Our team members have access to Tier 1 data, which means the information that clients receive is both accurate and actionable.

Real-World Applications of Licensed Surveillance


Licensed surveillance plays a critical role in a variety of cases, such as:

  • Infidelity Investigations: Providing concrete evidence to support or dispel suspicions.
  • Insurance Fraud: Uncovering fraudulent claims through thorough documentation.
  • Corporate Investigations: Monitoring employee behavior to prevent theft, fraud, or misconduct.
  • Child Custody Cases: Gathering evidence to support legal proceedings.

Each one of these situations involves the knowledge and ability that only a licensed investigator could provide. Examples include corporate investigations where surveillance may involve monitoring workplace activities, identifying conflicts of interest, etc., without violating employee rights.

Conclusion:

Surveillance is a powerful investigative tool, but it’s only effective and legal when conducted by a licensed private investigator. At Easton Secure Solutions LLC, we combine state-of-the-art techniques with deep industry knowledge to deliver results you can trust. Don’t take chances with unlicensed operators—contact us today to discuss how our licensed surveillance services can meet your needs.

By choosing Easton Secure Solutions LLC, you are ensuring that your case is handled with the highest levels of professionalism, discretion, and legal compliance. Whether you’re dealing with a personal matter or a complex corporate issue, our licensed investigators are here to help.