Private investigators are used in a wide variety of situations, from family law to employee litigation, if you want to know what someone is doing or someone else is interested in you. If you’re involved in a lawsuit, you may find that a private investigator helps answer key questions like whether someone is as injured as they claim to be by observing them in their day-to-day behavior. They can also answer questions about where someone is and what they’re doing and dig into their internet history to see what they’re saying about themselves online.
Can a Private Investigator Take Pictures?
If the party under investigation is out and about in a public place, or somewhere else that anyone can see them, then yes, a private investigator can take pictures. Often, when the litigation is over the extent of injuries sustained in an accident, the pictures from the private investigator can show that a party is, or is not, as injured and unable to work as they claim. That said, licensed and high-quality PIs are not taking pictures of you through your windows, even if what’s happening is clearly visible outside.
Can a Private Investigator Track Cars?
If the litigation concerns a work vehicle that you own, you don’t need anyone’s permission to place a GPS tracking device on that vehicle to see where it is going. In fact, many companies do this even if they aren’t anticipating or involved in litigation. In some cases, with a permissible purpose, a licensed Private Investigator can also place a tracking device on a private vehicle. While law enforcement officers must have a warrant in order to place a device, PIs are often able to do so and still be within the bounds of the law. A good PI, such as the ones we work with, will ask a lot of questions to determine whether tracking is both legal and effective.
Can a Private Investigator Record Calls?
The laws on recording calls vary significantly state by state. In Utah, at least one party must consent to the recording. So a PI cannot record a call between two parties on the opposite side of the litigation, but if the PI has the consent of either person involved in the call, then the call can be recorded. Similarly, if the PI is one of the parties on the call and is making a call to someone, then they can give consent for the call to be recorded.
If you’re involved in civil or business litigation, the team from Dunn Law Firm can talk to you about different methods available to gather the evidence necessary to make your case. If you need to employ the services of a PI, they can recommend reputable, licensed practitioners and help supervise their work to ensure all evidence collected is admissible in court. To discuss your case, reach out to the Dunn Law Firm by calling (435) 628-5405 and set up a free consultation today.
