How To Tell if a Private Investigator is Following You
February 27, 2021 - Reading time: 14 minutes
Updated on: April 30, 2024
Have you ever wondered how you can tell if a private investigator is following you? The goal for private detectives is to remain hidden and unnoticed by the subject during an investigation, and if the investigation is conducted properly then the subject should never be made aware that they are being followed. However, there are certain clues to look for that a PI might be following you, and steps you can take to verify that this is the case.
Is there a reason for a private investigator to follow me?
This is the first question that you should ask yourself if you believe that you are being followed or watched by a private eye. Hiring a private investigator to conduct surveillance and follow someone around is not usually a cheap endeavour and is typically only undertaken for good reason.
Have you recently made an insurance claim which is likely to be investigated? Are you currently in the midst of divorce or child custody proceedings which involve allegations of infidelity or improper conduct? These are some of the situations where a detective may be instructed to place you under surveillance.
Perhaps you have been warned by your legal counsel that you may be placed under surveillance by a private investigator pending legal proceedings, or have suspicions that a partner or ex-partner may decide to keep tabs on you by hiring a private detective. If any of these points apply to you, then you might decide to be extra vigilant with the hopes of blowing the detective’s cover.
How to tell if a private investigator is following you?
If you suspect that someone might be following you, then this should act as a cause for concern. While private detectives operate within the law and are merely tasked with following and photographing their subjects, private investigators are not the only people that might place you under surveillance. An assortment of different crimes such as kidnapping, burglary, or extremism, all rely on an element of surveillance so that the perpetrator can gather intelligence prior to committing their crimes.
We have put together the following 12 tips that can help you to tell if a private investigator is following you.
1. Change your routine
People are creatures of habit and tend to form routines in their day-to-day lives. Most people take the same route to and from work every day, they shop at the same stores, and develop predictable routines. Perhaps you always mow the lawn on a Sunday afternoon or wash your car on Saturdays… Whatever the case, it’s likely that you have developed a routine which a private investigator would look to understand and use to their full advantage.
Changing your routine can help to notice any abnormalities and make surveillance a more cumbersome task. You could take different routes to work each day, for example, and try to keep a mental note of any vehicles in your rear-view mirror. If the same vehicle continues to reappear despite you taking different routes, this could be a sign that perhaps you are being followed by a private investigator.
2. False indicating and abrupt turns
If a person suspects that they are being followed, they will sometimes use tactics such as indicating to turn right, but instead turning left at the last moment. Whilst doing this they can check to see how the vehicle behind them behaves. Was the car behind also indicating to turn right but instead turned left? If this is the case then it can be taken as a strong indication that you are being followed.
3. Doubling back
Doubling back is another common tactic that a person might use if they believe they are being followed, and this tactic is effective in many cases. For example, during one infidelity related case, we were tasked with following a gentleman that was taking a break from his wife in a hotel. An agent was placed outside the subject’s hotel and after a period of time the subject left the hotel and was followed on foot.
The subject was followed for approximately 600 meters before he reached a crossroads. Once he reached the crossroads he stopped, turned around and walked back. We then followed him for several minutes before he again stopped, turned around, and double backed. This continued several times.
As it turns out, the subject was visiting the area again after some years and was trying to familiarize himself with the location. However, his tactic of turning around many times would have hampered the efforts of most detectives.
If you turn around more than once and notice the same person behind you, remember their face. If this person continues to appear then perhaps they are behind you for a reason.
4. Make three left or three right turns
If a vehicle is continuing to follow behind you after you have made three left turns in a row, or three turns right in a row, then this can act as a fairly strong indication that you are being followed by that vehicle.
Competent private detectives are trained to spot abnormal behaviour and would likely notice that a subject vehicle has made 3 left, or 3 right turns, and would then either end the surveillance assignment or break off and allow a different agent in a different vehicle to continue following.
5. Making abrupt exits
What do we mean by making abrupt exits? Well, if the subject is making a visit to a supermarket, gym, or restaurant, for example, then it would be reasonable to assume that they will spend anywhere from 30-60 minutes inside those type of establishments. If a subject walks into a gym carrying their gym bag, and then turns around and walks back out 2 minutes later - this will potentially catch the agent off guard, as they won’t be expecting such an abrupt exit.
Strange or unexpected activity like this can cause a private investigator to lose the subject, as they might have started to follow on foot and struggle to return back to their vehicle in time, or if the agent is waiting inside their vehicle, they may be in the process of preparing or repositioning themselves.
6. Be unpredictable
A subject that is making odd and unpredictable movements is usually the most difficult for a detective to follow or keep tabs on. Certainly, if the subject’s movements are so strange as to warrant concern, then surveillance might be called off altogether for fear that the subject might be catching on to the detective’s activities.
If a vehicle stops abruptly on the side of the road, or drives more than once around a roundabout, for example, then it may be difficult for the detective to continue following the subject while remaining unnoticed. If a vehicle is expected to travel a short distance, but instead drives a very long distance, this can also make surveillance more difficult if the surveillance team are not setup for such an eventuality.
7. Check your vehicle for tracking devices
GPS tracking devices are small gadgets which are often used by private investigators. Trackers are usually attached underneath cars using powerful magnets or tape. The tracker can then provide the detective with the vehicle’s exact location at any time of the day or night. GPS trackers will track the movements of a vehicle 24 hours per day, with the detective able to view this information through an online control panel.
GPS trackers are usually fitted to the vehicle using strong magnets or tape in some case. Taking a look underneath your vehicle for anything unusual would be a good idea if you suspect that a detective could be following you; although it should be noted that many trackers are very small and when fitted correctly can prove difficult to spot. Once your vehicle has been thoroughly checked for trackers, it should then be parked in a secure location to prevent any trackers being fitted.
8. Check for bugging devices
Hidden cameras and microphones can be easily purchased on the internet. Anyone, whether they are a private detective, jealous partner, or business rival, are able to purchase bugging equipment with the goal of eavesdropping on your private conversations. Bugging equipment poses a significant threat to privacy when misused.
Thousands of hidden microphones and cameras are sold on the internet every day, and these devices end up in homes and businesses all-over the country. If you suspect that your home or business has been bugged, or that a tracker has been placed on your car, then we can help to check your property or vehicle for any bugging devices. Using specialised debugging equipment our detectives are able to seek out any bugs or tracking devices. Please read our bug sweeping page for more information on this service.
9. Be more vigilant
There is a fine line between having well founded concerns that a private investigator could be following you, and being paranoid. With that said, if there is a valid reason that a private detective is likely to follow you, then being more vigilant of people or vehicles can help to discover that you are being followed and blow the detective’s cover.
Let’s say you spot a vehicle parked on your street in the morning before driving to a supermarket where you spot the same car again. While the odds of this occurring naturally are slim, it may not be cause for concern by itself. However, if you spot the same vehicle again in a different location later that day or the following day, the odds of this being a coincidence are further reduced.
10. Check your social media
It is no secret that private investigators frequently use social media to gather information on subjects. In some cases, valuable clues and pieces of information can be gathered using social media.
As many people choose to lock down their social media privacy settings, and limit their post visibility to “friends only”, private investigators will often create many different social media accounts for use in these cases. The detective can then choose whether he will send a friend request using a fake account where he poses as an attractive female, or an elderly man, or anything in-between. Sometimes private detectives will first send friend requests to people on the subject’s friends list, this way the detective’s account and the subject’s account will have mutual friends, and the subject might be less suspicious and more likely to accept the detective’s friend request.
The bottom line is that social media can be used by private detectives, or other adversaries, to gather information. Paying extra attention to your social media presence would be a good idea if you feel that you might be getting followed be a private investigator.
11. Use counter-surveillance
We frequently perform counter-surveillance across the UK. Using proven techniques, our detectives can help to identify private investigators or other individuals that are conducting surveillance against our clients. Once we have confirmed that surveillance is taking place, we will alert our client and work with them to hinder the surveillance operation by feeding disinformation and red herrings to the other side. Cleverly feeding disinformation in this way can help to draw out the surveillance campaign and cause it to be as expensive as possible for the other side.
If you feel that a detective might be following you, then we can help to check if this is the case as part of our counter-surveillance service. Please click through our website for more information and pricing.
12. Camera up!
If you suspect that a private investigator, or even a stalker might be following you, then we would suggest using cameras to your advantage. CCTV cameras on your home can help to alert you of suspicious vehicles or people; though we would also recommend a dash cam system for your vehicle (preferably with at least front and rear cameras).
The person following you may not always be a private investigator, and they might be surveilling you in order to gather information which could aid them in committing a crime against yourself or your property. Camera systems can act as a deterrent and also help to gather information which could be used should you be subject to a hostile act at a later date.
What should I do if a private investigator is following me?
Is you suspect that a private investigator might be following you, our advice would be not to panic, and not to immediately throw your cards on the table either. What do we mean by this? Well, if a private investigator is following you pending legal proceedings, then taking the opportunity to demonstrate that your claims are correct, or that no foul play is taking place, could actually work in your favour.
If the subject of an investigation freaks out, or simply makes it known that they are aware they’re being followed, the detective will use more tricks to avoid being noticed in the future. This could mean using a different vehicle each time surveillance is conducted, using different agents which the subject will not recognize, sending agents to take photographs on foot instead of using vehicles, parking further away in order to remain unnoticed, or using multiple vehicles while conducting surveillance.
While a competent detective should not gather attention from the subject of their investigation whilst conducting surveillance, if you have noticed that a PI is following you, and you make this known, then the detective will almost certainly take extra precautions to ensure that their cover is not blown again in the future.
If a detective suspects that a subject might be catching on, they will typically use more tricks to avoid being noticed in the future. The best idea in most cases would be to “play dumb”. Private investigators work within the law, and contacting the police will not stop a legitimate private detective from following you. In some cases private investigators may even forewarn their local police force that they will be conducting surveillance, in which case the police might decide not to respond if they are contacted by suspicious members of the public.
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Window Tint For Private Investigators
February 21, 2021 - Reading time: 8 minutes
Updated on: August 27, 2025
When it comes to conducting surveillance from inside a vehicle, the aim is usually to remain unnoticed by the subject or anyone else that happens to be in the area where surveillance is taking place. In many cases window tint can help private investigators to achieve that goal of remaining invisible.
What type of window tint do private investigators use?
5% limo tint is the most popular choice for private investigators. The “5%” figure refers to visible light transmission (VLT) - meaning only 5% of outside light makes it through the glass, with the other 95% blocked. This makes the window look very dark from the outside and, in most cases, stops anyone being able to see in. Some detectives even opt for a 3% or 1% tint, which works well in daylight but can be very difficult to see out of at night.
In countries where it’s allowed, many detectives apply window film to the front driver and passenger windows, as well as the windscreen, giving total privacy to their vehicle. For this type of setup, 5% on the front windows and 35% on the windscreen will achieve a good balance.
In the UK we are not allowed to apply dark film to the front driver and passenger windows or to the windscreen. Very light film (70-75%) can be applied to these windows, but it would be so light that no real privacy could be achieved. In the UK we are free to tint the rear windows of our vehicles to any level.
Photo: Though private investigators traditionally opt for very dark tint (such as 5% limo tint), some detectives prefer to use lighter tints and window coverings, believing that this makes them appear less suspicious.
Window film is always measured by how much light it lets through. So a 5% film means one twentieth of the light passes through, making it look very dark. A 20% tint lets through a fifth of the light and appears noticeably lighter from the outside.
How dark should window film be for privacy?
It’s difficult to see through window film which allows 20% of light (and under) to pass through. Films with a lower percentage of light transmission will provide better privacy, but also make it more difficult to see out of the vehicle in low light conditions.
If you are applying film to the front side windows of your vehicle (in jurisdictions where this is allowed) then 20% film provides a nice balance between privacy and being able to see out during low light conditions. If you are tinting every window in a vehicle, then the inside of the vehicle will be darker and thus harder to see into overall. In the UK where we can only tint the rear windows in our vehicles, a darker tint will need to be used in order to achieve that same level of privacy.
5% film provides better privacy than 15% or 20% film, however 5% is much more difficult to see out of at night. If there is more light inside your vehicle than outside (on an unlit road for example), then the effect of your film will be reversed, and you won’t be able to see outside.
What is ceramic window film?
Traditional window tint is made from layers of plastic with dye sandwiched in-between those layers. The technology behind window film is constantly being improved – for example, the film on some older vehicles tended to turn purple over time. This is no longer an issue with high quality modern films.
Ceramic window film is one of the latest innovations which is slowly becoming more prevalent in new vehicles. Whereas regular window film is made by trapping dye between layers of plastic, ceramic window film is made using microscopic particles of titanium nitride which are infused into the thin layers of film.
The benefit of this technology is that windows fitted with ceramic window film can reduce heat far more than with regular film. Switching from regular window film to ceramic, you will likely notice a big reduction of heat inside your vehicle on hot days. For private investigators that are spending a lot of time inside their vehicles conducting surveillance, upgrading to a ceramic window film can be a worthwhile investment for the reduction in heat alone.
Another benefit of ceramic film is that it can be easier to see out of at night, and more difficult for people to see in from outside the vehicle. Although ceramic film does cost slightly more than normal window tint, it is usually money well spent.
Installing window film in your vehicle
Unless you have some practice tinting windows, we would recommend hiring a professional to install film in your vehicle. This will ensure that you have a professional finish which is free from bubbles and imperfections. The cost of professional window tint installation in a standard 4 door hatchback starts at around £200, depending on the installer and quality of film being used. After installing window film, you will likely need to notify your insurer that your vehicle has been modified.
Disadvantages of tinted windows
Window film works best in the daytime when the amount of light outside your vehicle is greater than the amount of light inside. If a laptop screen is being used from inside a vehicle at night for example, then it will be easily visible to anyone outside. Taking photos/video from behind window tint can also become more difficult in low light conditions for this reason. If surveillance is being performed at night then the agent’s setup might be slightly different, as window tint cannot be relied on for privacy at night.
Sunshades and blackout curtains for surveillance vehicles
One solution to overcoming the issue of window tint during surveillance operations at night, is covering the windows using blackout curtains. A popular trick is to cut cardboard or foam pieces the same shape as your windows, the pieces can then be covered with black cloth and wedged over the windows when needed.
Curtains inside surveillance vehicles will need to be dark blackout curtains, which block all light from passing through. By covering windows in this way, the agent will be able to use their cameras, laptops, or any screens, and avoid being seen from the outside.
We would always suggest blocking windows with a black material, the reflective type sun shades shown below tend to stick out and are a lot more noticeable.
Photo: Reflective sunshades are effective at stopping people from seeing into your vehicle, but are not discreet and tend to stick out.
If sunshades or curtains are being used in the vehicle, then the agent will typically rely on cameras in order to see outside the vehicle and photograph the subject. If a vehicle is fitted with a dash cam, then often the investigator will hook-up an external monitor allowing them to see out. Dash cams which also feature cameras at the rear (or sides) of the vehicle are even better for this purpose and can allow the detective to see all around their vehicle while remaining totally hidden.
In some cases, temporary window film (usually static cling film) can be used to tint a window temporarily and then be removed and reused where needed. Temporary window film is especially useful if the agent is using a rented vehicle and cannot make any permanent modifications to the vehicle.
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Essential Equipment & Gadgets for Private Investigators
February 19, 2021 - Reading time: 13 minutes
Updated on: August 27, 2025
Private investigation is an area which relies heavily on different gadgets and new forms of technology. As new equipment is constantly being developed and released, competent private detectives should try to familiarize themselves with the latest technology as much as possible. In many cases, having the right tool for the job can make the difference in reaching a successful outcome.
Of course, much depends on the individual preferences and techniques favoured by the particular agent, as well as the environment and circumstances surrounding the case. When it comes to surveillance, we believe that there is not always one correct way of doing things, or one correct piece of gear which should be used. We have however written this article to provide tips and a general guide.
This article will touch on some of the equipment and gadgets which many detectives find essential during their work on surveillance assignments.
1. Mobile phone
Photo: An Australian federal police investigator uses a mobile phone fitted with a lens attachment to photograph a subject during a surveillance operation.
Mobile phones an essential tool for private detectives. From providing directions to an assignment with GPS navigation, or communicating with clients, or even collecting audio/photo/video in some cases, the mobile phone has an infinite number of different uses during private investigations.
What type of phones do private investigator use?
Although this is really a matter of personal preference, many private investigators favour the latest model iPhone for use at work, others may prefer an Android based device and choose a Samsung device. When a mobile phone is being relied on during assignments, it really pays to have a decent device which is on the higher end of the scale. Having a more powerful processor in your phone, and more RAM, can make a noticeable difference in the amount of time it can take to perform tasks. Higher end phones typically have better cameras and image sensors which can also make a big difference.
Although some firms frown on the use of mobile phones to collect evidence during surveillance cases, the practice is becoming more and more common as camera technology has continued to gradually improve… Although a mobile phone may not be suitable for taking long range photos, if the subject is in a confined space then collecting good photos/videos at short range can be achieved with relative ease. Although it should be noted that having a practiced sleight of hand, and a rehearsed technique of discreetly taking photo/video in this way can make a big difference in the end results.
Mobile phone accessories
- Privacy screen protectors
In cases where surveillance is taking place in a crowded area, using a privacy film on the phone’s screen can be beneficial. Privacy phone screen protectors work by blocking vision of the screen unless it is being viewed from straight on. This means that no-one sitting or standing next to you is able to read messages on your phone or see what is on your phone screen – this is the theory at least. Using a privacy screen protector can be useful when a phone is being used in crowded areas, and with the legal minefield surrounding data protection, protecting your phone screen can be a good idea if you are dealing with private information.
Privacy film protectors work best when the screen brightness is turned as low as possible. In addition to mobile phones, they can also be used on laptops and tablets.
- Power bank
If an assignment has the potential to continue for a prolonged period, then a fully charged power bank may come in useful if there is no other source of power available.
- Tripods & lens attachments
A tripod should be used to stabilize mobile phones when they are being used for photography wherever possible. Although our general consensus is that a dedicated video camera or DSLR would generally produce better results, some detectives do use lens attachments to capture photos using their mobile phones, and the results can be surprisingly good in some cases.
2. Camera
Many private detectives also have a keen interest in photography and may use some very advanced (and expensive) camera setups. Being a photography geek can really help during many investigations. If the subject is very far away, for example, then a telephoto zoom lens which can zoom in on people from literally miles away, would be needed in order to stand any chance at capturing usable images. Having the knowledge to take good photographs during low light conditions, or when the subject is moving, are essential during surveillance cases.
Whatever camera setup you decide to use, having full knowledge of your equipment will be necessary, as well as a rudimentary understanding of photography, at the very least.
What type of cameras do private investigators use?
The answer to this question all comes down to personal preference and the location of the assignment. However, 4K resolution is fast becoming the standard for most new camera equipment. We would recommend a good all-round camera such as the Canon EOS Rebel SL3, which offers 4K and a vari-angle touch screen. The Sony FDR-AX53 4K is another very popular choice for private detectives, due to its Sony's SteadyShot technology which does a good job at keeping videos stable.
When selecting a camera, it would be wise to consider how it will be used and choose an appropriate device. During static surveillance, for example, a popular tactic is to position a camera towards a vehicle or property, and then connect an external monitor to the camera. This allows the agent to keep an eye on the target while remaining out of sight themselves, and is another reason for the Sony FDR-AX53's popularity in detective circles.
In some cases where video is being taken at close range, action cameras such as the GoPro can also be used. Covert body cameras, or "bullet cameras" are slightly more discreet than action cameras and are also favoured by many private detectives.
Surveillance agents will typically collect a variety of cameras or lenses and choose the most appropriate tool for the job in each case.
Covert cameras used by private investigators
Covert, or "hidden" cameras can be concealed in virtually any object or item of clothing, and they come in useful during a wide variety of different cases. A competent detective will often have a covert camera on hand which they can use should the need arise. We typically use covert cameras which are concealed in accessories that can be incorporated into many different outfits.
Photo: Cameras hidden in headwear can be incorporated into many different outfits easily and quickly. This agent is photographed wearing a camera hidden in a baseball cap.
3. Laptop
Photo: MacBooks are great pieces of kit, but are they a must have for private detectives?
Laptops are essential pieces of kit for private investigators. From writing reports to e-mailing clients and editing photos or videos, many tasks could not be completed on the fly without a laptop computer.
What type of laptops do private investigators use?
Any laptop with sufficient power can be used during private investigations. Realistically, editing photos or videos will be the most resource heavy activity that a private investigator requires. Many detectives choose to purchase the latest and best Apple MacBooks, however any laptop which is capable of running your chosen editing software without problems (such as Photoshop or Premiere Pro), will suffice in most cases. High-end laptops such as those made by Apple have the advantage of being higher quality and with higher specifications, and are usually worth the investment if you are not constrained by a budget, however, any laptop with enough processing power can be used in most cases.
We recommend upgrading the hard drive in your laptop to an SSD (Solid State Drive) - if your laptop is not already fitted with an SSD, then upgrading from a traditional HDD (Hard Disk Drive) will usually make the laptop run much, much faster; there is also less chance that you will lose data through the drive failing or malfunctioning. If you are using your laptop for any kind of important work, then upgrading the drive would be a wise investment.
Netbooks and tablets, while useful for performing many tasks such as responding to e-mails, are typically not a replacement for laptops. The power and versatility which comes from a laptop cannot be replaced with these devices in most cases, although we have seen cases where agents use high end tablets to manipulate photos/video, most detectives tend to rely on laptops whilst performing their duties.
4. GPS trackers
GPS tracking devices are being used by private investigators more now than at anytime before, and it's easy to understand why. By using GPS trackers, detectives are able to track the whereabouts of a vehicle or person at anytime, and also plot the past locations on a map. This information can help us to decide which dates and times are best for us to conduct surveillance and collect incriminating photos or video.
GPS trackers are typically very small and can be quickly attached to vehicles in a matter of seconds. Private detectives generally learn the best locations to conceal trackers depending on the type of vehicle - each car has crevices which can be used to conceal a tracking device in a matter of seconds. When our client advises us that they require a GPS tracking device to be installed, we will typically ask them which make/model of vehicle they would like to track. We can then decide the best location for a tracking device; this may also depend on how and where the target vehicle is parked. The battery life of the tracker will depend on which device we are using in your case.
Please read our GPS tracker installation service page for more information on this subject.
5. Provisions
Occasionally we are asked to perform surveillance for a fixed amount of time such as 8 hours, and during this allotted time we might observe something interesting or unexpected - perhaps we have observed the subject incriminating themselves and there are likely to be more opportunities to photograph them if we continue. In some cases our clients will decide that they would like to extend the surveillance for a longer time, and if we are able to accommodate these requests then we will typically do so.
For this reason, we always try to ensure that our agents are prepared for their assignment and possibly even overtime. The provisions that a private detective are likely to need could be anything from fuel for their car, electricity for their camera gear (and/or a battery pack which can be used to recharge camera gear), food/drinks, money, and anything else that they are likely to need.
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What Clothes Do Private Investigators Wear?
February 12, 2021 - Reading time: 9 minutes
Updated on: April 30, 2024
Private investigators are often depicted in films and television programs, and if Hollywood movies are anything to go by, then the average private investigator is typically a chain-smoking middle-aged man donning a trench coat. Of course, the reality of any modern detective agency could not be any further from this type of stereotype. However, as many people might never be in a position where they decide to instruct a private detective, they might have little understanding about private investigators and how we operate.
Private investigators are usually required to blend in with their environment; if a private investigator is working in one of London’s business districts then they will need to wear business attire such a suit in order to blend in. For surveillance work in urban or suburban areas, agents will typically wear normal street clothes and try to remain as unnoticeable as possible. If surveillance is taking place in a rural area then perhaps a wax jacket and wellington boots are more appropriate. The key is to blend in and match the surrounding environment, as well as to present a reasonable excuse for the agent to be in the location of the assignment.
If surveillance is taking place in a shopping mall, for example, then the agent will need to look as though they are genuinely shopping – taking steps such as carrying shopping bags can help to make the effect more convincing. On the other side of the coin, if surveillance is taking place in a small village or a rural location, then posing as a dog walker might help the agent to blend in and not look out of place. By dressing appropriating and using suitable props, we can ensure the best likelihood of success in each case.
There are also times when a detective might choose to disguise themselves overtly, rather than covertly, in order to better fit in. From posing as a dog walker, a courier, or workman, there are countless different professional disguises which can be used depending on the circumstances and nature of the assignment. Virtually any occupation or hobby could be used as a cover for a detective conducting surveillance.
If utilizing a disguise is more likely to produce a successful outcome during a surveillance assignment, then it may be a path that is considered by the agent, depending on their preferences and what they think is most likely to produce the best possible outcome.
Typically, a private detective conducting surveillance will aim to blend themselves in with their surroundings as much as possible. The goal is to fit into the crowd and not present any visual features which could make the agent more memorable. The correct attire would all depend on the circumstances and the location of the assignment. Whether or not it would be appropriate to use any form of disguise would also depend on the circumstances and location, as well as the detective’s preferred methods.
In some cases, if a detective is conducting surveillance from the comfort of their vehicle, then it doesn’t really matter what clothes they wear, as they might expect to remain out of sight for the duration of their assignment… Though a competent agent will remain prepared to exit their vehicle if doing so is necessary and likely to benefit the case.
What type of clothes should private investigators not wear?
What type of clothes should private investigators not wear? Bluetooth ear pieces, clothing with camouflage patterns, any type of “tactical” gear such as tactical pants, any clothing which carries insignia linked with law enforcement or military. Suffice it to say that both trench coats and fedoras would be strictly off-limits for any detective that is tasked with conducting surveillance – besides from maybe the occasional fancy dress party.
The goal is to avoid clothing or accessories which hint at your occupation. Even small accessories such as paracord bracelets (which are popular with law enforcement/military) or Bluetooth earpieces can act as subtle clues and should be avoided.
Do private investigators wear suits?
Yes, some private investigators do wear suits during their day-to-day business of meeting with clients, organizing assignments, or writing reports. For court appearances or other formal occasions, a suit would be a likely outfit for a private detective. During a surveillance operation however, it would be wise to wear clothing which is most appropriate for the setting, and this may or may not be a suit depending on the circumstances.
Whether or not a detective wears a suit would be a matter of company policy in most cases. In general however, people that wear suits on a day-to-day basis within a detective agency are more likely to be staff that are tasked with meeting clients face to face or acting as a representative for the company. Agents that are tasked with conducting surveillance generally do not wear suits unless the occasion calls for it… In many cases, formal clothes such as a suit would be more of a hinderance during undercover surveillance work.
Hiding hidden cameras inside clothes
During certain investigations the agent may decide that using a hidden camera could benefit the case. A competent private detective will be able to hide hidden camera equipment inside items of clothing or accessories which could be incorporated into any outfit in their wardrobe.
Modern hidden camera and recording equipment is small and discreet enough to be incorporated into virtually any outfit or style of clothing with relative ease. Private detectives are usually equipped with the best and latest in camera technology, and choosing an outfit capable of concealing camera equipment is never usually an issue.
Changing clothes during surveillance
There are some cases where during surveillance it is beneficial to change items of clothing. Typically, if “on foot” surveillance is taking place for any prolonged period in multiple different locations, then changing items of clothing could help to make the agent less noticeable.
If the subject is being followed on foot through multiple different shops, for example, then some detectives would seek to alter their clothing or appearance to try and ensure that the subject does not remember or notice them. Accessories which obscure the face, such as sunglasses or hats for example, are thought by some to help make their faces less memorable, but these accessories should only be used where they are tasteful and appropriate... Dark sunglasses at night for example, might draw attention to the agent when their aim is to remain unnoticed. The goal is to “not make yourself look like a private investigator”.
Do private investigators wear bullet proof vests?
We should make clear that information which is published by PrivateInvestigators-UK obviously relates to the United Kingdom only. For a private investigator working in the UK, there should be no need for them to wear a bullet proof vest or a stab proof vest while conducting surveillance assignments. During surveillance the objective is to collect evidence in the form of images/video while remaining unnoticed by the subject… If an agent feels that they are likely to become noticed and potentially attacked whilst conducting surveillance, then frankly they are not doing their job properly.
Surveillance assignments, when conducted properly and by trained agents with the right experience, have a very low risk of going wrong or resulting in an outcome where violence is used towards the investigator. However, if that same investigator is also involved with work such as close protection (security, or even process serving in some cases), then they might decide that wearing protective clothing such as a bullet/stab proof vest would be a good idea. This would be a matter of personal preference or company policy in some cases.
What type of cars do private investigators drive?
Just as private investigators typically wear clothes which blend into their environment, detectives usually take the same approach with vehicles. Surveillance vehicles can be either covert civilian vehicles, or in some cases they might be more overt and adopt the method of hiding in plain sight. If you are interested in the subject of surveillance vehicles, then read our blog post What type of cars do private investigators drive? for a more comprehensive answer to this question.
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