GPS tracking in Virginia for Private Investigations

I consider GPS tracking an extension of surveillance. There is hardly a difference between having a four man investigator team follow the target of an investigation or putting a real time GPS tracking device on a car. There are differences though. The primary difference is that the GPS tracking cost is fractional compared to a four man investigation team assigned 24 hours a day. To go on a tangent I think police departments could work more efficiently if they could deploy GPS tracking devices more liberally in the course of investigations. This would save tax payers a lot of money. You may be able to utilize this technology under Virginia Code Section 46.2-1088.6. If you are able to use GPS it will most likely save you money in the course of your investigation.

By: John Leonard

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Private Investigator Licensing in Virginia

It is important when hiring a firm to conduct an investigation in Virginia that a licensed firm be hired. In many cases a private investigator will never have to testify in court. This is primarily due to advances in technology. Evidence is primarily video taped, and many cases are settled out of court once this evidence is produced. In some cases though it may be necessary for an investigator to testify in court. When this happens it is very important that the firm hired and the investigator hired are in compliance with Virginia Department of Criminal Justice regulations and Virginia Code. You should look for a VA DCJS number on company materials and advertisements. If you don’t see this number call and ask if they are licensed in Virginia. If they are not, then hire a company that is. You can also check out the Virginia DCJS website.

By: John Leonard

All rights reserved. Do not copy, distribute, or reproduce without permission from VersaTek, LLC.

Bug sweeps and TSCM

I get requests from time to time to perform bug sweeps (electronic device detection) on vehicles or in residences. I was speaking with a woman the other day who wanted some piece of outdated equipment that would detect taps all the way back to the phone company. Well things are a bit more sophisticated now and the device she described is pretty much useless.

A TSCM inspection will help you figure out if there are devices in your residence, but an inspection is worthless if you cannot control access to the area and surrounding areas. Beware of all the fancy gadgets and radio equipment. They may work just great if the listening device is transmitting a wireless signal. Drop devices can record and be retrieved later. These devices will only be detected by physical inspection. The phone lines must be metered if they have a drop device. There are voice actuated recorders capable of storing hours of conversation when connected to phone lines or simply located in a room. The jist is this: If they had access to plant the device originally, they probably have access to retrieve it. On my website I suggest numerous ways to improve site security. Usually a good combination of high security locks, intrusion detection systems, and security cameras will stop entry by a would be technician.

You may also have an inside threat. If this is the case probably no amount of money is going to alleviate your problem.

It is also very important that the inspection not be announced. You may want to do all the scheduling from a pay phone or from a phone you never use. A pre-paid cell phone is a good option for communicating with a TSCM inspection team.

By: John Leonard

All rights reserved. Do not copy, distribute, or reproduce without permission from VersaTek, LLC.