Equipment - How To Become A Private Investigator

Common Types of Private Investigator Equipment

Private investigators today use a wide range of different types of equipment to help them with the various aspects of their jobs. The days of the gumshoe only needing a trench coat, fedora, and a snub nose .38 are long gone. Let’s look at some of the most common types of private investigator equipment.

GPS

Maps are great, and investigators will likely have some paper maps in their vehicle that they can use when needed. However, GPS devices, whether they’re installed in the vehicle, on the phone, or a standalone device will make figuring out routes much easier. Investigators can record the routes that are taken, as well, which can come in handy when calculating mileage, for example. The GPS also ensures that you don’t get lost or turned around, which is beneficial when entering unfamiliar areas.

Surveillance Equipment and Computers

Surveillance equipment tends to be some of the most important gear that an investigator will have. This will include cameras, such as a DSLR. Often, investigators will want to have a camera that can not only take quality photos but also video. It’s a good idea to have a backup camera just in case something happens to the main camera. Don’t forget extra batteries, plenty of memory cards, and tripods.

Having a pair of binoculars can allow the investigators to sit further back and still see the subject without the risk of being detected.

It’s also a good idea for a laptop to be a part of the private investigator’s equipment. This allows them to work when they are on the road without needing to do everything on their phone.

The Go Bag

While not quite as technologically advanced as a nice computer and cameras, a “go bag” is an essential part of the private investigator’s equipment. This is especially true whenever they are conducting surveillance. They want to make sure that they have some extra clothes, cash, toiletries, and the like in case they need to follow a suspect out of town or for a longer period than they initially thought. This simply ensures that they have everything they need just in case.

The Extras

Of course, there’s also all of the miscellaneous gear that needs to be brought along. This will include extra batteries, chargers that can be used in the vehicle or with a power bank, and even some basic tools to work on the vehicle in case something happens to it. This might include a tire repair kit, for example.