| If you are interested in becoming a private | | | | - A good pair of binoculars. While doing surveillance |
| detective, there are some necessary tools and | | | | work, you will need these to be able to see at a |
| equipment you will need in order to do your job | | | | distance. |
| efficiently. The cost of some surveillance | | | | - Cell phone and computer. I'm sure most |
| equipment can run into big bucks, so you may | | | | everybody already has these items, but they |
| want to start off small and then buy more | | | | deserve a mention anyway. |
| equipment as your budget allows. However, there | | | | Now for the good stuff. If your budget will allow |
| are some equipment and tools that are essential | | | | it, there are some really nifty gadgets out there |
| to begin with, while others will just make the job | | | | that you will want to get. These not only will help |
| a bit easier. | | | | you with your investigative work, but they are |
| Depending on what kind of private investigating | | | | fun to use too. |
| that you will be specializing in, sometimes a lot of | | | | - Voice Changer. Use this to make calls when you |
| the expensive equipment won't be necessary. | | | | don't want your voice to be recognized. |
| You'll just have to play it by ear and see how it | | | | - Watch Voice Recorder. This fully functional |
| goes, and then go from there on what you really | | | | watch is also a media player with a built in flash |
| need to purchase for your business. | | | | memory. |
| Here are a list of things that you will definitely | | | | - Pocket Size GPS. The small size makes it handy |
| need: | | | | to carry with you wherever you go. |
| - Access to the Public Records Database. This is | | | | - Spyglasses. These beauties allow you to walk in |
| one the most important tools that you can have | | | | front of a suspect to keep an eye on him or her. |
| in private investigative work. By having access to | | | | They work like the rearview mirror in a car. |
| these public records, you can find almost anyone. | | | | - Sound Amplifier. Increases sound and picks up |
| You can also check criminal records, marriages, | | | | sounds from a distance. |
| divorces, death records, military records, do | | | | - Bug Detectors. These will detect wireless hidden |
| reverse phone lookups and a whole lot more. This | | | | cameras and bugging devices such as hidden |
| resource is also used by law enforcement to | | | | microphones and telephone bugs. |
| access public records. | | | | Being a private investigator can be a very |
| - A digital camera. Cameras are a must have. | | | | rewarding job, but it can also be a challenge at |
| - A video camera. Video cameras are necessary | | | | times. If you're serious about doing investigative |
| when doing surveillance in a room or place when | | | | work, it's important that you have all the |
| you can't be there. Also a good alternative for a | | | | necessary tools and equipment to do an effective |
| camera if needed. | | | | and efficient job. |
| - A tape recorder. Used for taping interviews. | | | | |