Introduction: True Private Investigators and Their Tools

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We’ve all seen movies that have private investigators at their centre. The lives of these people are depicted quite a bit unrealistically in Hollywood movies. The cases they work on in real life are not even close to the high-profile cases that movie PIs constantly keep running in to. Even though the lives of PIs are not that adventure packed, being a private investigator is a pretty interesting vocation to have.
The entire thing gets even more interesting when you add the development of technology to the entire equation. Some things that were just a movie fantasy back in the 80s are available today at a fair price. Sure, PI equipment is not exactly cheap, but you can build it up slowly. If you are wondering what modern PIs use when working on their cases, you are in the right place. In most situations, they get missing person cases or surveillance and tracking cases. Here is the order in which most detectives use their tools when they start a case.

Step 1: Subject Information Gathering Tool


First off, most detectives start by gathering the general information about their subject through interviews, and even by using some online databases. There are even databases that are specialized for their needs. This allows them to function from a position of knowledge and plan the rest of their operation.

Step 2: Important Car Accessories

Believe it or not, most investigators spend most of their time inside their car. It provides them with the mobility they need and the cover they need from both the elements and prying eyes. Still, there are a couple of things that you need to have.

  • Power Inverter - You never know when one of your crucial devices is going to run out of juice. A power inverter will allow you to charge them from your car battery.
  • Shaded Windows - You need privacy in order to conduct your investigation and gather all the evidence you need. Shaded windows ensure that you have it.

Step 3: GPS

In the old days, you needed to plan your route and manage driving and looking at the map simultaneously. Today, things are a bit simpler, since you can purchase a quality GPS device without spending too much and simply punch in the address. This allows you to anticipate those nasty one-way streets and make sure your cover is not blown. It also gives you time to focus on the cases and avoid any problematic situations.

Step 4: Binoculars

As a private investigator, you need to be able to follow the subject without being noticed. In some situations, you can be very close without being noticed, but these situations don’t happen too often. Having your binoculars by your side will allow you to keep an eye on the subject without compromising yourself. The power and size of the binoculars are a matter of personal preference and needs.

Step 5: Camera

One of the most versatile tools in a private investigator’s arsenal is, of course, their camera. It allows them to acquire bulletproof evidence and document the movement of the subject they are assigned to follow. It is important to note that all good PIs have extra batteries (charged, of course), extra memory cards and a charger at hand, always. This way, they ensure that they never miss out on that crucial moment that allows them to crack the case, so to speak.

Step 6: Extra Clothing

You need to pack at least one extra set of clothing into your car since you may need it in various situations. Either you are following the subject for a long time and you might be under the risk of being discovered, or the reason is simply hygienic since surveillances can really drag on. Either way, they are very useful to have, and make sure you make them as different in style as possible.

Step 7: Super Ear

Some cases are not about what’s being done, but what’s being said. The super ear allows PIs to remain at a safe distance and record conversations their subject is having.

Step 8: Conclusion

These are the necessary tools for detectives and the ones most commonly used. Everything else depends on individual skills and dedication. Don’t expect easy glory and success, this is hard work and requires patience and a lot of sleepless nights.