As a private investigation firm, we have a wide range of tools and techniques that we use, and some of these techniques require the use of technology. This is no more apparent than when we conduct infidelity investigations. The following are common uses of technology for this purpose.

surveillance

Video Cameras for Surveillance

Of course, a video camera is an obvious way to discover whether your spouse is cheating on you, but even with top-of-the line, electronic equipment, it is not easy. The best way to record evidence is to find the right spot and let the suspect come to you. This is usually a rendezvous point for a spouse and his or her secret lover. However, even if you know where this meeting is likely to take place, it takes skill to find the right spot to wait. It also takes patience and the ability to record without being noticed. This is the type of skill a professional investigator has. In addition, knowing where it is legal to record and where it is not is another reason to leave this type of surveillance to a professional.

Using Tracking Devices

Rather than follow your spouse, you may have already thought of using a device to track his or her movements. In some cases, this is a good idea, but you need to understand that there are limitations to what can be done legally. You can get yourself into trouble quickly with the law, and alert your spouse of your suspicions, giving him or her a chance to cover their tracks. When legal, it is possible to use your spouse’s smartphone to track their movements. In addition, it is possible to use a GPS tracking device that is attached directly to a car. You will need to have legal ownership of the car to have this done.

Smartphones and Other Mobile Devices

Often a cheating spouse will send and receive text messages and emails from their lover, but they will delete these messages from their phone. With certain phones, it is possible to recover these deleted messages and find out exactly who your spouse was communicating with. The same is true with emails. Although emails are deleted, in certain circumstances, they may still be recovered, and this may be the evidence you are looking for to catch your spouse. Keep in mind, however, that even with the ability to recover text messages and emails, a private investigator must still work within the boundaries of the law.

While much of the technology used by a private investigator is available, in some form, for consumer use, the temptation to use it yourself should be avoided. The way the technology should be used and in which situations takes experience as well as the legal knowledge of knowing what is allowed by law. If you suspect that your spouse is cheating, then give us a call. Once you give us the specifics of your situation, we can let you know what types of technology can be used to verify your suspicions about your partner.

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Bruce Robertson

Bruce Robertson is a private investigator and founder of Tristar Investigation, California’s premiere detective agency. Bruce is also a media commentator for the investigation industry, featured in the New York Times, CNN, History Channel, MSNBC, Los Angeles Times and many more. You can find him on Google+ LinkedIn and YouTube.