PrePre--Surveillance, Surveillance Surveillance, Surveillance & Troubleshooting Techniques& Troubleshooting Techniques

New Hampshire League of New Hampshire League of Investigator’s ConferenceInvestigator’s Conference

November 2014November 2014

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Edward Spicer, CFCEdward Spicer, CFC•• 33 years investigative experience33 years investigative experience-- public & private sectorpublic & private sector•• Licensed PI in Mass, Maine, NH & RILicensed PI in Mass, Maine, NH & RI•• Associates Degree in CJAssociates Degree in CJ•• Professional Designation as a Certified Fraud ConsultantProfessional Designation as a Certified Fraud Consultant•• Board Accredited InvestigatorBoard Accredited Investigator•• Partner in Ocean States Investigative Group, LLC, Beverly, Partner in Ocean States Investigative Group, LLC, Beverly,

MAMA•• Partner in New England PI EquipmentPartner in New England PI Equipment•• 2008 President Maine Licensed Private Investigator’s 2008 President Maine Licensed Private Investigator’s

Association, 2012 TreasurerAssociation, 2012 Treasurer•• Proud founding member Investigative & Security Proud founding member Investigative & Security

Professionals for Legislative Action (ISPLA)Professionals for Legislative Action (ISPLA)•• Proud member of Proud member of IntellenetIntellenet & FAPI& FAPI•• 21 year veteran High school & College Basketball Official21 year veteran High school & College Basketball Official•• Board of Director’s Cassidy Brown FoundationBoard of Director’s Cassidy Brown Foundation

ObjectiveObjective

This presentation will provide you with proven ideas on This presentation will provide you with proven ideas on how to properly prepare yourself for your how to properly prepare yourself for your

surveillance before ever leaving your office, once you surveillance before ever leaving your office, once you arrive onarrive on--site & troubleshooting your surveillance. site & troubleshooting your surveillance.

Information provided will include vehicle types, Information provided will include vehicle types, camera types, computer research (FREE & paid), camera types, computer research (FREE & paid), surveillance myths & facts, fixed, mobile & foot surveillance myths & facts, fixed, mobile & foot

surveillance, single & multiple investigator surveillance, single & multiple investigator surveillance, equipment etc surveillance, equipment etc etcetc..

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“Fail to Plan, “Fail to Plan, Plan to Fail”Plan to Fail”

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Anybody can do Anybody can do surveillance,surveillance,if what???if what???

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They are prepared, They are prepared, have a strong sense of have a strong sense of

vigilance, vigilance, determination & determination & above all have above all have patience!!!!patience!!!!

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Myth vs. FactMyth vs. Fact•• Myth # 1Myth # 1-- Only lousy investigators get caught by the Only lousy investigators get caught by the

claimant!claimant!•• Fact # 1Fact # 1-- The only investigator who never gets caught The only investigator who never gets caught

are those that are never there!are those that are never there!

•• Myth # 2Myth # 2-- A good investigator never loses the A good investigator never loses the claimant!claimant!

•• Fact # 2 Fact # 2 –– False, mobile surveillance is one of the False, mobile surveillance is one of the most difficult tasks to master. most difficult tasks to master.

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Every Profession has it’s tools!Every Profession has it’s tools!•• Carpenter Carpenter –– chisels, block planes, saws, hammer etcchisels, block planes, saws, hammer etc•• Writer Writer –– pens, pencils, computers, reference books etcpens, pencils, computers, reference books etc•• Doctor Doctor –– medical instruments, tests, books etcmedical instruments, tests, books etc

•• Investigator’s are not differentInvestigator’s are not different–– Our tools are varied, specialized & some times they span Our tools are varied, specialized & some times they span

a gamut of equipment, use a variety of skills & involve a a gamut of equipment, use a variety of skills & involve a world of experiences.world of experiences.

–– A PI’s tools are as different as the vast array of cases & A PI’s tools are as different as the vast array of cases & situations they we investigate.situations they we investigate.

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•• The craft of surveillance is just 1 of the many tools The craft of surveillance is just 1 of the many tools that is used in a amazingly large portion of a that is used in a amazingly large portion of a investigator’s work. This tool can be used for just investigator’s work. This tool can be used for just about every type of case that an investigator will about every type of case that an investigator will come across.come across.

What can surveillance be used for?What can surveillance be used for?

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•• Signs of theft and/or harassment in the workplaceSigns of theft and/or harassment in the workplace•• Due diligenceDue diligence•• Industrial AccidentsIndustrial Accidents•• Employee integrityEmployee integrity•• Process serviceProcess service•• Criminal defenseCriminal defense•• Insurance FraudInsurance Fraud•• MatrimonialMatrimonial•• Child CustodyChild Custody•• Hidden Asset’sHidden Asset’s•• NonNon--compete violationscompete violations

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What is Surveillance??What is Surveillance??Surveillance is the observation of a individual and/or Surveillance is the observation of a individual and/or

individuals or actions, normally carried out in a individuals or actions, normally carried out in a discreet, secretive or covert manner. The main discreet, secretive or covert manner. The main

purpose of surveillance is to obtain information, purpose of surveillance is to obtain information, intelligence and/or documentation in regards to the intelligence and/or documentation in regards to the

identities or activities of a subject or subject’s.identities or activities of a subject or subject’s.

Insurance surveillance is primarily conducted to Insurance surveillance is primarily conducted to obtain video contradictory to the injury.obtain video contradictory to the injury.

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Who needs surveillance?Who needs surveillance?

•• There are 4 main types of users of There are 4 main types of users of surveillance.surveillance.

•• Conducted primarily the same for all Conducted primarily the same for all situations. Each & every client has specific situations. Each & every client has specific needs that make THEIR surveillance unique!needs that make THEIR surveillance unique!

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•• 11stst & possibly the highest user is the Insurance industry. Uses & possibly the highest user is the Insurance industry. Uses include but are not limited to: Workers’ Compensation, include but are not limited to: Workers’ Compensation, General Liability, Disability, Personal Injury, Premium Fraud General Liability, Disability, Personal Injury, Premium Fraud & Garaging issues.& Garaging issues.

•• 22ndnd most common surveillance involves Domestic/Family law. most common surveillance involves Domestic/Family law. Client is usually a attorney, spouse or family member. The Client is usually a attorney, spouse or family member. The surveillance is used to confirm or refute infidelity and/or surveillance is used to confirm or refute infidelity and/or obtain documentation in most cases. obtain documentation in most cases.

•• 33rdrd is the Corporate/Industrial client. Surveillance is used in is the Corporate/Industrial client. Surveillance is used in the areas of security, legal defense, theft, embezzlement, the areas of security, legal defense, theft, embezzlement, auditing, operations, etc.auditing, operations, etc.

•• Lastly but by no means, least, is Law Enforcement.Lastly but by no means, least, is Law Enforcement.

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PrePre--SurveillanceSurveillance•• Review case information Review case information aheadahead of timeof time

–– Address (PO Box/Physical)Address (PO Box/Physical)–– Phone # (cell or landline) Phone # (cell or landline) www.searchbug.comwww.searchbug.com, ,

www.411.comwww.411.com etcetc–– Porting of phone numbers (landline & cellular)Porting of phone numbers (landline & cellular)–– Phone # reversePhone # reverse–– Address reverseAddress reverse–– Municipal assessors recordsMunicipal assessors records

•• Picture & description of residence helpful @ 5 AM in Picture & description of residence helpful @ 5 AM in mid Decembermid December

•• Also provides owners name & most recent sale infoAlso provides owners name & most recent sale info

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•• Driver’s Licenses in residenceDriver’s Licenses in residence•• Motor Vehicles in residence, Motor Vehicles in residence, www.progressive.comwww.progressive.com•• AskAsk for & review old surveillance reports, if anyfor & review old surveillance reports, if any•• Obtain background from clientObtain background from client•• Accurate & current description of the subject.Accurate & current description of the subject.•• Photo or video from old reportPhoto or video from old report•• Profile of facts (addresses, associates, prior Profile of facts (addresses, associates, prior

activities, family members, vehicles etc.)activities, family members, vehicles etc.)•• Verify the address, don’t take anything for granted.Verify the address, don’t take anything for granted.•• If you are not doing any preIf you are not doing any pre--surveillance research surveillance research

you are not helping yourself or giving your client the you are not helping yourself or giving your client the service they deserve. service they deserve.

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Cost vs. Value assessmentCost vs. Value assessmentPrior to any surveillance being conducted a Cost vs. Value Prior to any surveillance being conducted a Cost vs. Value

assessment should be completed. Simply put, does the assessment should be completed. Simply put, does the information desired or needed, justify the expense. The information desired or needed, justify the expense. The

assessment should not only consider the $$$$ amount but also assessment should not only consider the $$$$ amount but also the manpower hours & the need. Use free public records the manpower hours & the need. Use free public records

whenever possiblewhenever possible

Remember the more people that touch a file or the expenses Remember the more people that touch a file or the expenses incurred while handling a file that cannot be billed for, cuts incurred while handling a file that cannot be billed for, cuts

into your into your PROFIT!!!!PROFIT!!!!

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Types of Surveillanceof Surveillance

•• StationaryStationary•• MobileMobile•• FootFoot

•• Must be prepared for any & all!!!Must be prepared for any & all!!!

How do we prepare ourselves?How do we prepare ourselves?

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Stationary SurveillanceStationary Surveillance•• Proper clothingProper clothing•• Change of clothes & toiletries in vehicleChange of clothes & toiletries in vehicle•• Discreet vehicleDiscreet vehicle

–– Marks, details or items that draw attentionMarks, details or items that draw attention•• Video camera w/ fully charged camera battery (don’t leave Video camera w/ fully charged camera battery (don’t leave

camera in vehicle in cold weather)camera in vehicle in cold weather)–– Extra videotapes or memory sticksExtra videotapes or memory sticks–– Check date and time on video camera. If working with Check date and time on video camera. If working with

multiple investigators, make sure everybody’s camera is in multiple investigators, make sure everybody’s camera is in sync BEFORE anybody hits the record button!sync BEFORE anybody hits the record button!

–– Some kind of still camera, just in case video camera Some kind of still camera, just in case video camera breaks, still photo is better than nothing!breaks, still photo is better than nothing!

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•• BinocularsBinoculars•• Tripod or monoTripod or mono--podpod•• GPS or map booksGPS or map books•• Paper, pen, tape recorder (safer & easier)Paper, pen, tape recorder (safer & easier)•• Tinted windowsTinted windows-- if allowed by law or clothes rack w/ jacketsif allowed by law or clothes rack w/ jackets•• Cell phone on vibrateCell phone on vibrate•• FoodFood•• Cold or hot drinkCold or hot drink•• Hats, coats, spare shirtsHats, coats, spare shirts•• SunglassesSunglasses•• Props (fishing pole, basketball, golf clubs, dog leash, dog Props (fishing pole, basketball, golf clubs, dog leash, dog

picture, traffic counter, measuring wheel, hard hat, traffic picture, traffic counter, measuring wheel, hard hat, traffic cone, clipboard, magnetic signs cone, clipboard, magnetic signs etcetc) Use your imagination for ) Use your imagination for the area.the area.

•• Safe neighborhood.comSafe neighborhood.com-- Blackberry & Android phoneBlackberry & Android phone

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•• Use audio plug in camera if possible, if not silence is golden Use audio plug in camera if possible, if not silence is golden when recordingwhen recording

•• Spoof cards or Bluff my call (BB, I & Android)Spoof cards or Bluff my call (BB, I & Android)•• Find & use always busy #Find & use always busy #•• Find and use continuous ring #’s 508Find and use continuous ring #’s 508--583583--9997, 6179997, 617--743743--

23622362•• If u need to know the number of a phone, call 800If u need to know the number of a phone, call 800--444444--44444444

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Start TimesStart Times

•• 6:00 AM weekdays6:00 AM weekdays•• 7:00 AM weekends7:00 AM weekends•• Give yourself plenty of time, allow for traffic, weatherGive yourself plenty of time, allow for traffic, weather•• Adjust start time if claimant has early AM appointment & has Adjust start time if claimant has early AM appointment & has

significant travel distance from residence to appointment.significant travel distance from residence to appointment.•• A discreet neighborhood canvas might yield subject’s active A discreet neighborhood canvas might yield subject’s active

times.times.

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Surveillance days to remember

• Black Friday (day after Thanksgiving)• Any Holiday• August (end of summer vacation)• In conjunction with local events like fairs, carnivals,

sporting events, school functions, community events, etc.

• Trash day

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Keys to a successful surveillance

• Pre-surveillance & Set up

• Pre-texting as allowed by law or client

• Ability to follow a subject & obtain good video without compromising the integrity of your investigation

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Checking in with the PoliceChecking in with the Police

Everybody in the room that is required by their Everybody in the room that is required by their State PI Licensing statue to check in with State PI Licensing statue to check in with

local law enforcement prior to commencing local law enforcement prior to commencing surveillance, please raise your hand!surveillance, please raise your hand!

Use common sense, better to check in than have Use common sense, better to check in than have a cruiser roll up on you with the blues on! a cruiser roll up on you with the blues on!

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•• If you are going to check in with the police, GO to the Police If you are going to check in with the police, GO to the Police Station, don’t call from your surveillance position. Why?Station, don’t call from your surveillance position. Why?

•• Pro’s & Con’s of checking inPro’s & Con’s of checking in•• Choose your words carefully when talking to desk officer.Choose your words carefully when talking to desk officer.•• Using an approx. area, not the subject’s addressUsing an approx. area, not the subject’s address

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•• Licensed Private Detectives Association of Massachusetts, Inc.Licensed Private Detectives Association of Massachusetts, Inc.•• COURTESY SURVEILLANCE NOTIFICATIONCOURTESY SURVEILLANCE NOTIFICATION•• TO: TO: ___________________________ POLICE DEPARTMENT___________________________ POLICE DEPARTMENT•• SUBJECT:SUBJECT: PRIVATE INVESTIGATION SURVEILLANCEPRIVATE INVESTIGATION SURVEILLANCE•• FROM: FROM: •• AGENCY :AGENCY : Ocean States Investigative Group, LLCOcean States Investigative Group, LLC•• ADDRESS :ADDRESS : 300 Andover St., # 108, Peabody, MA 01960300 Andover St., # 108, Peabody, MA 01960•• CONTACT:CONTACT: Ed SpicerEd Spicer•• MASS. P.I. License No.: PMASS. P.I. License No.: P--4 PHONE: 9784 PHONE: 978--473473--41544154•• Please be advised that this agency will be conducting a private surveillance in the vicinity ofPlease be advised that this agency will be conducting a private surveillance in the vicinity of••

On or aboutOn or about••

Between the hours of andBetween the hours of and••

Vehicles which may be involved include;Vehicles which may be involved include;•• 2002 Chevy Trailblazer, MA Reg. 4622TD2002 Chevy Trailblazer, MA Reg. 4622TD••

•• Please advise your desk officers, dispatchers and cruiser patrol officers of our presence in this area. As a Please advise your desk officers, dispatchers and cruiser patrol officers of our presence in this area. As a matter of security, please do not advise of our presence using routine radio communications. matter of security, please do not advise of our presence using routine radio communications.

•• If our surveillance overlaps your shifts please provide this information to the next shift.If our surveillance overlaps your shifts please provide this information to the next shift.•• In accordance with M.G.L. Ch.147 ss. 22In accordance with M.G.L. Ch.147 ss. 22--30, Massachusetts Licensed Private Detectives are authorized to 30, Massachusetts Licensed Private Detectives are authorized to

investigate both criminal and civil matters. investigate both criminal and civil matters. •• If you have any question on the license status of a Massachusetts Private Investigator please contact the If you have any question on the license status of a Massachusetts Private Investigator please contact the

Massachusetts State Police Massachusetts State Police -- Certification Unit at 978Certification Unit at 978--538538--6128. 6128. •• We thank you in advance for your anticipated coWe thank you in advance for your anticipated co--operation.operation.•• This form has been developed by the Licensed Private Detectives Association of Massachusetts Inc. for This form has been developed by the Licensed Private Detectives Association of Massachusetts Inc. for

statewide use and reviewed by the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association, Inc. It is provided to you as statewide use and reviewed by the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association, Inc. It is provided to you as a courtesy in the interest of positive public relations and the efficient use of law enforcement resources.a courtesy in the interest of positive public relations and the efficient use of law enforcement resources.

•• LPDAM LPDAM -- Form PW3Form PW3

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Setting up surveillance PositionSetting up surveillance Position

•• Pick a spot with a good view of the residencePick a spot with a good view of the residence•• Try to be at least a block away, if possibleTry to be at least a block away, if possible•• Park between houses, if possible, not directly in front of onePark between houses, if possible, not directly in front of one•• Be observant of vehicles in driveway (unmarks)Be observant of vehicles in driveway (unmarks)•• Face the direction that the subject will likely travel BUT not travel past youFace the direction that the subject will likely travel BUT not travel past you•• Front seat vs. back seatFront seat vs. back seat•• Window coverings (cardboard, landscape fabric, kids sunscreensWindow coverings (cardboard, landscape fabric, kids sunscreens•• Daytime running lights (emergency brake)Daytime running lights (emergency brake)•• Discreet neighborhood canvasDiscreet neighborhood canvas•• PrePre--text formstext forms•• Never use the word “private investigator” USE “investigator”Never use the word “private investigator” USE “investigator”•• Reason for being in the areaReason for being in the area-- “deadbeat” works, choose gender carefully“deadbeat” works, choose gender carefully

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•• Try not to run engine excessively, only draws unwanted Try not to run engine excessively, only draws unwanted attentionattention

•• Keep camera available but concealed so a passerby doesn’t Keep camera available but concealed so a passerby doesn’t see it.see it.

•• Maintain a clear & attentive observation of the subject area.Maintain a clear & attentive observation of the subject area.•• Avoid getting involved in heavy reading.Avoid getting involved in heavy reading.•• Keep detailed & accurate notes of everything you observe. Keep detailed & accurate notes of everything you observe.

Write down the vehicle license plates of any vehicles that Write down the vehicle license plates of any vehicles that arrive at the subject’s location. They might be of use down the arrive at the subject’s location. They might be of use down the road in locating the subject.road in locating the subject.

•• Always have a good pretext ready if approached by a Always have a good pretext ready if approached by a neighbor.neighbor.

•• If you can see vehicle, watch for brake lights or exhaust.If you can see vehicle, watch for brake lights or exhaust.

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Mobile SurveillanceMobile SurveillanceMost likely time to lose the subject is at start.Most likely time to lose the subject is at start.Don’t start your vehicle if subject is outside their vehicle.Don’t start your vehicle if subject is outside their vehicle.Document subject’s appearance, get good look from behind (this is what u Document subject’s appearance, get good look from behind (this is what u

will see most of the time)will see most of the time)Key in on a object on vehicle for surveillance at a distance.Key in on a object on vehicle for surveillance at a distance.Full tank of gas (splash & go)Full tank of gas (splash & go)Coins or Transponder for tolls, avoid cash if possibleCoins or Transponder for tolls, avoid cash if possible--WHY?WHY?Pay attention to method of payment for parking lotsPay attention to method of payment for parking lots-- WHY?WHY?Don’t worry about being seen. 3 solid views before suspicious.Don’t worry about being seen. 3 solid views before suspicious.Do not bring attention to yourselfDo not bring attention to yourselfAttempt to change your appearance (sunglasses, hat, shirt or jacket etc)Attempt to change your appearance (sunglasses, hat, shirt or jacket etc)Headlights/driving lights, sunroof, visors, gps, transpondersHeadlights/driving lights, sunroof, visors, gps, transponders

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•• Keep an eye ahead of subject.Keep an eye ahead of subject.–– Watch for upcoming traffic lights, signs, car turn signals, brakeWatch for upcoming traffic lights, signs, car turn signals, brake--lights lights

and landmarks. and landmarks. –– If you know what is coming up, you can adjust your surveillance so you If you know what is coming up, you can adjust your surveillance so you

don’t get reddon’t get red--balled and lose the target.balled and lose the target.–– DO NOT pass your target unless it is absolutely unavoidable.DO NOT pass your target unless it is absolutely unavoidable.–– Stay out of direct line of sight, try to stay on right side, usually vehicles Stay out of direct line of sight, try to stay on right side, usually vehicles

widest blind spotwidest blind spot–– Do not race around a corner after the subject, they might be pulling Do not race around a corner after the subject, they might be pulling

over, attempt to look from intersection.over, attempt to look from intersection.–– Do not 2Do not 2ndnd guess or assume anything. Simply observeguess or assume anything. Simply observe–– Stay close behind in heavy traffic & further back in light traffic or on Stay close behind in heavy traffic & further back in light traffic or on

winding roads.winding roads.–– Try not to allow more than 2 vehicles between you and the target Try not to allow more than 2 vehicles between you and the target

vehicle. vehicle. –– Keep a normal distance behind a target vehicle at a traffic lightKeep a normal distance behind a target vehicle at a traffic light–– Obey traffic rulesObey traffic rules

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Foot SurveillanceFoot Surveillance•• Secure your vehicle (legally parked)Secure your vehicle (legally parked)

–– Proper clothing & change of clothes, if necessaryProper clothing & change of clothes, if necessary–– Writing instrument or tape recorderWriting instrument or tape recorder–– Change ????Change ????–– Covert camera (if you are not getting covert video Covert camera (if you are not getting covert video

during foot surveillance, you should be)during foot surveillance, you should be)–– Don’t be afraid to follow subject to see what they Don’t be afraid to follow subject to see what they

are doingare doing

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REMEMBERREMEMBER

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ExamplesExamples

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Successful SurveillancesSuccessful Surveillances

Injury: Back

Restrictions: No prolonged sitting, standing, bendingResults: Numerous hours of subject riding a mower, raking and other landscaping activities. Subject had approximately 15 acres of grass around the residence. Subject is unable to work and was TTD.

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Injury: Back & Neck

Restrictions: No bending, Squatting, lifting more then 10 lbs.Results: While out on Disability, the subject started up a house cleaning business.

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Injury: Stress

Restrictions: Claimed to not be able to function normally. Results: Come to find out his job was not the stressful thing in his life

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Injury: Rotator cuff

Restrictions: No overhead movementResults: Subject could not return to work as a store manager, but coached his daughter’s softball team. He probably would use the shoulder less as the first base coach.

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Injury: Multiple

Restrictions: Was suppose to be in a wheel chairResults: The subject and husband decided to run a bar while they both were out on Workers’ Compensation. One worked the day and one worked the night shift. One person was always home to cover the calls from the insurance companies.

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Injury: Shoulder

Restrictions: No heavy liftingResults: Subject could not work but he found time to workout every day. Lifting weights was part of therapy, but I don’t think they had 190 Lbs. in mind.

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Injury: Right arm

Restrictions: No driving, lifting over 10 lbs & no repetitive use of arm.Results: The X had several injuries, all occurring around the same time of year. It turned out, that the subject had a side business of plowing parking lots and his real job was getting in the way.

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Multiple InvestigatorsMultiple Investigators

•• 2 way radios 2 way radios –– keep radio in lap, volume down, voice keep radio in lap, volume down, voice downdown

•• Sync any and all date & time functionsSync any and all date & time functions•• Discuss ahead of time how you are going to conduct Discuss ahead of time how you are going to conduct

both foot and mobile surveillanceboth foot and mobile surveillance

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Detection SignsDetection Signs•• One way street and stopsOne way street and stops•• Sudden stop or a turn to see if anybody else bitesSudden stop or a turn to see if anybody else bites•• Cleaning or blocking themselvesCleaning or blocking themselves•• Going around a rotary several timesGoing around a rotary several times•• Constantly adjusting mirrors Constantly adjusting mirrors •• Pulls off road and sits in car for a long period of timePulls off road and sits in car for a long period of time•• Sudden acceleration & deSudden acceleration & de--acceleration repeatedlyacceleration repeatedly•• Driving speed limit and then either goes fast or goes slowDriving speed limit and then either goes fast or goes slow•• Been using directional & stops using them or vice versaBeen using directional & stops using them or vice versa•• Puts directional on & then goes straight or turns opposite Puts directional on & then goes straight or turns opposite

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SummarySummary

•• Surveillance is a toolSurveillance is a tool•• Like any other tool, takes time & practice to masterLike any other tool, takes time & practice to master•• A good surveillance investigator takes care & A good surveillance investigator takes care &

preparesprepares•• Report what you see, never make assumptions or Report what you see, never make assumptions or

allow your emotions to interfereallow your emotions to interfere

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Remember you are only Remember you are only as good as your last as good as your last

surveillance!!surveillance!!