Private investigators now rely on technology more than ever to trace missing persons and those intent on evading justice. This includes conducting computer searches as well as examining paper records. Also, they will view social media platforms and track mobile phones and other related gadgetry. Now, in a step beyond this, a Vancouver Private Investigator such as a member of the New Data Investigations team can even conduct specialist cyber investigations.
So, with all the above in mind, this article will explore just how much use private investigators make of computer technology and the range of mobile devices now at their disposal. Such devices as the type we use to contact one another as people go about their business wherever in the world they happen to be residing, in plain sight or covertly.
Computer Searches
The ability to search effectively on computer systems has become a necessity for private investigators. It is the new way to find people that were previously only listed in residential and trade directories. We can now look up companies and their employees and all communications they have had with someone through social media or via email. Invariably, even people hiding to escape justice will make mistakes and do something on social media that reveals their location to those who can put the digits together.
GPS (Global Positioning System)
Tracking has become ever more sophisticated with GPS and the types of tracking devices that are now available. It is now possible to precisely pinpoint the position of where someone is located. This can be anywhere in the world.
The kinds of sophisticated GPS trackers used by private investigators are small, so difficult to spot. They are also waterproof, meaning that they can be used outside. There is no escaping their surveillance range. Also, they will be wireless. This means that a tracker device can be hidden more easily and not be detected and that a private investigator only must be within range to benefit from its use. Magnetic surfaces allow for GPS trackers to be placed under vehicles or attached to other metal objects. The technology currently available also means that GPS trackers are engineered to work in real-time. This is important if a private investigator is to catch up with who they are seeking and not miss the moment.
Drones
Drones have become a useful way of keeping an eye out for someone where access is limited. Drones can not only view but take high-definition photographs as evidence. They are a safe way when it would be too dangerous to move in closer in person. The drones can, instead, be controlled expertly from a distance by those who are skilled in flying them. Users need to adhere to certain rules regarding their flightpath but private investigators know the law as well as anyone, so know when and where their use will be permitted. If they do not know, they certainly have the means and methods to find out.
Cyber or Desk Investigations
Private investigators will now conduct cyber or desk investigations, when appropriate. This can also be known as an open-source investigation. This is an investigation that will normally be conducted from the desk of the private investigator and generally not one that involves any field or out-of-office work. It can be a more cost-effective way of investigating as the costs of travel are eliminated. It is a new way to investigate and one which has been developed over the years as technology has allowed. It is now possible for a whole investigation to be conducted from a computer. This might sound like this could then be conducted by anybody with a computer, but this is far from the case because much expertise is required to successfully conduct an investigation solely by computer.
There is no doubt that social medical platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn, to name a few of the major ones, play their part in locating those that are missing. There can potentially be something about everyone to view digitally that will give away their location, even if they do not themselves use a computer or mobile device. There can certainly be enough to raise sufficient suspicion for further investigation, which can then be conducted either by computer or using traditional methods, as appropriate.
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