Factual vs. Surveillance Investigators: What’s the Difference and Which Is Right for You?

The one who will carry out the investigation is one of the first steps in your case success. The right choice of the investigator can be a real game-changer; nevertheless, the wrong one – case breaker. The examples of the right type of investigator to be hired are many but let us consider just a few. Such are factual and surveillance investigators, the former being the common ones, the latter less common yet the most misunderstood roles.

AusCovert Investigations is a master of both disciplines; our services are characterized by careful data collection and hidden monitoring. Over the years, we have provided professional services in those fields to all the states of Australia, so which one do you need?

Let’s clear it up that way.

Basic Differences between the Factual and Surveillance Positions

Factual investigators get their hands on information and proof through interviews, records, and documentation. They, basically, have research done by people as their major source. This is the stage where statements are taken such as witnesses, administrative, claimants, or third parties. The evidence provided by them is in the form of factual reports that are admissible in court.

Surveillance investigators, on the other hand, deploy concealed watching techniques – e.g. tailing the subjects, recording their activity, taking pictures or shooting videos. This expert is needed to be contracted when a situation comes that one has to investigative interview.

Factual → Types of Cases Handled by Factual Investigators

Investigative interviews are designed to realize a communication interaction between the investigator and witness that can aid in the investigation and reproduction of the incident under review.

A Surveillance Carried Out With Technological Means About Investigations In The Field

The method of surveillance of such investigations is normally done through:
• High-definition video cameras
• Long-range lenses
• Discreet vehicle tracking (where legally permitted)
• Time-stamped photographic evidence
• Covert field observation techniques

This way of doing investigations is most effective when one has to visually confirm some information such as:
• Suspected workers compensation fraud
• Infidelity
• Unauthorized workplace behavior
• False injury or disability claims

The manner of the operation is not only limited to precise timing and it is only inclusive of certain behaviors but also it needs one.

One misconception shared by many people is that: “It’s just basic interviewing.” No way! In fact, the skill of factual interviewing is regulated by the law and needs to be practiced. Now, Emotional Intelligence, Neutrality, and Legal knowledge are the basics of this skill truthfully.

Video evidence on its own is not enough evidence that can be presented in the majority of the court cases, on the contrary, most court cases require written statements presented along with the visuals mentioned earlier.

People are so typically wrong who think that all any person can do is ask questions. On the other hand, professional interviewers are those people who are trained in the field and are skilled to create well-thought-of reports, as well as being without any prejudices so that these reports can legally be used.

Working for Independent Agencies Like AusCovert Investigations

Performance-driven professionals of private detectives and investigators tend to work with independent agencies such as AusCovert, which allows investigators to cope with:
• Countrywide client networks
• Training and guidance for juniors
• Legal resources and case management tools
• Various cases of all types for the gain of diverse experience
• Secret, high-ranking investigations

Regardless of whether you are a rookie or an experienced investigator, being employed at an Australian agency with a good reputation will surely guarantee your professional and career growth. And more than that, credibility will definitely follow.

Training Pathways for Both Investigation Types

If a career in the field is something you are thinking about, here understand these plans of different types of procedures:

Factual Investigator

• Certificate III or IV in Investigative Services
• Interviewing techniques and statement-taking modules
• Legal compliance and ethics training
• Industry mentorship with agencies like AusCovert Invesigations

Surveillance Investigator

• Field surveillance courses
• GPS and video surveillance training
• Understanding privacy and evidence laws
• Physical endurance and tactical driving skills

Most of the time, professionals will end up becoming dual-skilled due to the market demand, and as dual-skilled will provide both factual and surveillance force capabilities, which are really appreciable in more difficult types of investigations.

Which Type of Investigator Does Your Business Need?

Still unsure which type of investigator suits your situation? Here your hot-line:

If You Need To… → Hire a…
• Interview witnesses or staff → Factual Investigator
• Collect statements for insurance/legal claims → Factual Investigator
• Monitor someone’s behavior without notice → Surveillance Investigator
• Confirm fraud through video/photo evidence → Surveillance Investigator
• Investigate workplace injury or harassment → Factual Investigator
• Track suspected dishonest activity in real time → Surveillance Investigator

In most situations, an integrated approach is more suited to the investigation, which is the service that AusCovert Investigations offers.

Need Help? Speak to a Licensed Investigator Today

At AusCovert Investigations, we offer customized investigation services, for example, factual, surveillance, or both in all major parts of Australia. Our experts are not only authorized but also committed to adhering to user privacy.

🕵Don’t know how to start? Reach out to us for a private consultation and get answers for your case.

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