The following comment was posted by RobK on the "Becoming a PI" blog post. As questions about techniques are a whole separate issue, I've chosen to start up a new post covering any questions you might have regarding any technical or procedural surveillance issues.
How many cars should a PI have "ideally"? I have only one car which looks quite conspicuous and in a very good condition. It was new when I had bought it in less than six years ago and think of either buying something different instead OR keeping and buying a second hand one which can be 'blended nicely' (I think it is important to choose the right one based what I have gathered from the US Websites) Any type(s) (Make & Model) you might suggest? Some say a big VAN would be ideal. I personally would be interested in both factual & surveillance but more so, factual side of it. What types would the most successful PIs usually use in Australia? I couldn't find any website suggesting to the Australian PIs about the ideal cars they should use. They all are from the USA!
18 Comments
Jarris
25/10/2014 06:29:00 am
The choice of a surveillance vehicle is usually a very personal one and successful surveillance can be accomplished in small sedans, mid-sized vehicles, 4WDs and vans. A larger vehicle means you will have more room inside for all the various equipment you might need - including such things as a cooling system for surveillance in summer, extra deep cycle batteries for extended power, etc.
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Hi Jarris
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Jarris
26/10/2014 03:04:42 am
You won't need a lot of sophisticated hi-tech gear when starting out. A $200-$250 Hi-Def camcorder from a reputable brand (Panasonic, Sony, etc.) will handle around 95%+ of your needs when taking video from a car.
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RobK
26/10/2014 08:40:52 am
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Jarris
28/10/2014 06:51:34 am
To answer your questions in the same order:
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mike
17/11/2014 04:47:03 am
Hello,
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Jarris
17/11/2014 05:02:47 am
Magnetic signs that are quickly/easily removed can work really well. We've used "Aged Home Care" and "Domestic Cleaning" service signs, which help explain why an "unattended" vehicle has been present in a street for extended periods. Overly curious neighbours can be a problem.
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mike
18/11/2014 03:31:19 am
Oh that's great to know, thanks for the response! I've thrown this idea out to other investigators in the company I work for, but I think their complacency has gotten the better of them at times.
Setting up a website just for a car sign might be a bit of overkill IMO. If the sign is generic enough (e.g. "Aged Care Services" / "Domestic Cleaning Services") you could add a legitimate phone number that goes through to a large service provider of that type.
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mike
18/11/2014 11:54:12 pm
Yes I agree, and think the 'Aged Care Services' & 'Domestic Cleaning Services' is a great idea. I may adopt a form of either or, thanks again.
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mike
1/12/2014 06:20:10 am
Here's a 'touchy subject' at least among some investigators I work with; it involves '3rd party awareness.'
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Jarris
1/12/2014 07:52:01 am
Hi Mike. I guess anything is possible - maybe he has a particularly good pretext and the capability of selling it just the right way. But, for that to work 100% of the time it would have to be done so as to make it extremely incumbent on the third party to keep his actions totally confidential. That's a tough ask as anything out of the ordinary tends to make for good local gossip and this is why I wouldn't do it unless the situation/location made it necessary.
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mike
2/12/2014 12:01:01 am
Hi Jarris, yes I agree, great example you gave. I have done the very same thing as you suggested, except my target was building a new house, and I acquired permission from a nearby home to shoot video from their driveway.. I was fortunate as well that it worked out.
Jarris
17/1/2015 12:42:03 am
You don't say whether you are referring to SLR-type cameras or video camcorders, but with camcorders offering more than 60x optical zoom (some at x72) and SLR cameras having around the same capabilities with removable lenses, that distance isn't too much of an issue. But, that said, if you are shooting through glass (particularly on an angle) or it's a hot day with heat haze, getting a clear image will be a challenge regardless of the camera.
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Hi Again Jarris
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Jarris Fuller
6/4/2015 07:13:30 am
I'd suggest not making any purchases at this point. Until you actually have your license and have gone out with an experienced Operative a few times, you really won't know whether this line of work will be suitable for you.
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