In film noir movies and popular books, private detectives are tough guys in trench-coats and snap-brim fedoras; the only tools they need to help them investigate a case are their brains and a revolver. This romanticised image of the private investigator is certainly charming, but it is also sadly inaccurate. Real-world private investigators have subtler, more specialised equipment than our fictional counterparts. We don’t investigate cases with a gun at our side – we prefer to use less lethal (and more effective) accoutrements. In fact, you might be surprised by how high-tech modern private investigation is. That’s why we’d like to introduce you to some of the tools of our trade in today’s blog entry.

1. Vehicle trackers and GPS tracking devices

We private investigators can still tail a suspicious individual if we have to (just like in the movies) but, most of the time, it’s best to follow someone using tracking devices. If you want to have a person’s movements investigated, we might use a vehicle tracker or another GPS tracking system to monitor where they go without being physically present for every step they take. This enables us to reduce the risk of detection and cut down on the use of manpower (which can save you money when you hire us).

2. Specialist lenses 

If we need to obtain photographic evidence of illicit activity, we are likely to use long range camera lenses. These enable us to gather evidence from a distance, without alerting the wrongdoer or wrongdoers to our presence. Many of our clients need photographic evidence to confirm that a particular activity has taken place, so we use specialised camera lenses a great deal.

3. Polygraph machines

In some cases, we may ask someone to take a polygraph test to find out if they are lying about key issues. We can’t do this without the person’s consent, but you might be surprised by how many people agree to take a polygraph test in the hope of clearing their names. Sometimes, we use these tests to prove someone’s innocence. On other occasions, we use them to expose liars.

Modern private investigators use a huge variety of specialised equipment. However, it’s important to realise that this equipment would be useless if it weren’t for our expertise and dedication. So if you need a private investigator, don’t look for a man in a snap-brim fedora with a shooting iron in his coat; call us and hire one of our tech-savvy investigators instead.