Long Island Investigations, Inc., Blog 516-795-3368

Long Island Private Investigator - Suffolk County Private Investigator Tinted Windows

2010-02-20T09:21:00.002-05:00

Oh here we go again.
Lots of talk on the IRC channel about the pros and cons of tinted windows. You all know my opinion. Anything added to a vehicle makes it stand out. Tint makes your vehicle noticeable and memorable. You can argue the point, but I have debriefed hundreds of counter surveillance experts (you know who: the bad guys) and in their counter surveillance training in South America, tint is a area covered.
Best case is to get a mini van that has factory tint and sit in the back while stationary. Works well.

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Long Island Investigations

Private Investigator Long Island New Site - Suffolk County Private Investigator.com

2009-09-03T11:04:00.001-04:00

Announcing a new site to replace this five year old site. See our new site here.

Summer Surveillance at Beaches - Private Investigator Long Island 516-795-3368

2009-07-17T06:23:00.002-04:00

With summer in full swing, we have had several beach surveillances conducted in Nassau and Suffolk County. We have had some interesting findings..very interesting.
If you need it that bad, I assure you, the dunes are not private enough!
Enjoy

A Career In Private Investigations as a Private Investigator

2009-03-31T10:13:00.003-04:00

Posted by Long Island Private Investigator
We receive several calls weekly from people interested in becoming private investigators.
A career in private investigations can consist of several positions. If you choose to become an investigator, working out in the field, then experience is a must in NY, in order to obtain a license. It is law in New York and most other places, to obtain a license to be a private investigator. For those individuals who have prior law enforcement experience,obtaining a license is fairly simple since you already meet the requirements. But for those inexperienced people looking to break into the filed, it is more difficult to qualify.
The only advice I can give is to call and send resumes to as many established agencies as possible, seeking employment. You do not need to be licensed if you are an employee of a licensed agency. After you complete the specific amount of time required by the state, you can then take the steps to apply for a license.

Private Investigator Long Island - TrueScoop on Facebook

2009-03-18T08:31:00.004-04:00

Posted By Private Investigator Long Island

There is a new app on Facebook called TrueScoop that allows Facebook account holders to search for quite a bit of private information including criminal records. There is some information stating that this is NOT a substitute for a true criminal background or any background check. But will people realize this?
Am I the only one who sees the potential problems with this service? This is surely no substitution for a REAL criminal background investigation using the tools of our trade and going straight for the court systems for accurate records. Privater Investigators sound off.

Private Investigator Long Island : Google Latitude

2009-02-07T07:50:00.003-05:00

Google Latitude is out for mobile devices. This sure does bring up privacy issues and concerns. Seems the more technology we use, the less private our lives have become. Any thoughts? Sound off!

Private Investigator Long Island - Holiday Shopping and Keeping Safe

2008-12-10T07:42:00.001-05:00

Here's an article I found while scanning sites for Holiday Safety:

Holiday Shopping Safety Tips

Private Investigator Suffolk County Nassau Long Island - Wall Of Shame Update

2008-11-16T11:04:00.002-05:00

As you know we have been following this closely. The latest news is that Nassau County has fired up the wall of shame again, but this time it lists only those convicted of the DWI type offenses. This seems much more acceptable, doesn't it? I wonder why it's limited to DWI?
Sound off!

Wall Of Shame Taken Down! - Post By Private Investigator Long Island

2008-10-31T14:15:00.004-04:00

Sound off!
The Nassau County powers that be, have decided to take down and discontinue The Wall of Shame.
What do you think?
So far, most replies agree with the decision.

Private Investigator Suffolk County Nassau Long Island - DWI Wall of Shame

2008-10-09T12:31:00.003-04:00

Posted by:
Private Investigator Long Island
Private Investigator Nassau County
Private Investigator Suffolk County
Private Investigator New York City

Nassau County officials recently unveiled a new program. This program targets DWI arrests. What the county is doing, is posting arrest photos and personal info of anyone caught driving while intoxicated. Notice I wrote "arrested" and not "convicted." Herein lies the debate:
Recently, a woman was involved in an accident. When the police responded, they interviewed her, the driver, and subjected her to a breath test, which she passed. Based on her demeanor or actions, or whatever they viewed, they arrested her based on the assumption she was driving while under the influence of some unknown drug. Her photo and personal information were posted on the "Wall" and displayed on Newsday's (our Long Island paper)web site and for all intents and purposes, labeled a drug user.
Well, guess what? She was a diabetic who was having some sort of diabetic illness at the time, accounting for her accident and actions. She was completely innocent and all charges were dropped. County officials simply said "sorry."
I would guess this woman will file a legal suit, as I believe she should.
So, please sound off! What do you think of this policy? Should people be subject to this type of public embarrassment BEFORE they are convicted?

Minimum Retainer Fee Lifted! - Private Investigator Suffolk County Nassau County

2008-08-24T09:38:00.003-04:00

No Minimum Retainer or Hours Fee!

Effective August 24, 2008, Long Island Investigations, Inc. has initiated a new policy with regards to minimum retainers. We no longer have a minimum retainer/hours policy for surveillance cases. Cases such as child custody surveillance, locates, photo evidence, cheating spouses and workers compensation cases will be reviewed along with the client's input, to determine the actual hours required to begin a case.
Thank you to all clients who have requested this policy; we have listened and we have acted.

Private Investigator Long Island Nassau County Suffolk County - Women Cheat Too!

2008-07-28T09:44:00.001-04:00

Here's an article for male victims of infidelity. Caution, there is a bit of foul language.

When It's The Woman

Posted by Private Investigator Long Island
Nassau County Private Investigator
Suffolk County Private Investigator
Private Investigator Nassau County
Private Investigator Suffolk County
Long Island Private Investigator

Private Investigator Nassau County Private Investigator Suffolk County - New Service Areas Posted

2008-07-20T19:57:00.002-04:00

Posted by Suffolk County Private Investigator, Nassau County Private Investigator, Long Island Private Investigator

Please visit our newer site as well, at http://www.privateinvestigatorlongisland.com

With the addition of new investigators based and licensed in New Jersey, we now cover Northern New Jersey and upstate New York. Call anytime516-795-3368 for a free consultation.
Private Investigator Nassau County
Private Investigator Suffolk County
Private Investigator Long Island

Suffolk County Private Investigator Video Ad

2008-06-23T06:33:00.002-04:00

Check out our latest video ads on the web that we quickly threw together:
Private Investigator Nassau County
Private Investigator Suffolk County

We can create high quality ads for you. Call 516-795-3368

Posted By Suffolk County Private Investigator and Nassau County Private Investigator, Long Island Investigations, Inc.

Private Investigator Long Island - Advertisement

2008-06-20T20:39:00.009-04:00

Hey! Take a look at our ad in today's paper

Long Island Investigations, a Nassau County and Suffolk County Private Investigator

Long Island Private Investigator - Another Court Testimony Seminar

2008-05-15T10:09:00.003-04:00

Posted by Long Island Private Investigator and Nassau County Private Investigator
Paul and Tom are in the process of putting together another seminar for anyone interested in learning the finer points of court testimony and report writing. Based on last years turnout and positive reviews from attendees, we thought we would try it again.
Paul Massimillo will be on hand to lend his expertise to those who lack court experience or simply need help with their methods and would like to be a better witness.
Paul has testified in Federal and local courts, both Civil and Criminal, in several states and in nearly every imaginable type of case, including Grand Juries, trials, Huntley, Map, search warrant applications, suppression, eavesdropping applications, civil cases, parole hearings, Family Court and much more. He has been cross examined by some of the nations best attorneys and his techniques are proven to work, based on results and juror interviews.
There are three potential speakers scheduled to be on hand with similar experience and credentials.
If you would like to improve your court testimony techniques or maybe you just want to join us to meet others in the field, please respond by emailing Tom, as we are trying to obtain an approximation of attendees.
This seminar will take place some time in mid August, at a location in western Suffolk County or eastern Nassau County, Long Island. Everyone is welcome.

Suffolk County Private Investigator, Nassau County Private Investigator, New York City - Wire Taps

2008-05-13T13:20:00.004-04:00

There have been many inquiries regarding "phone taps." It is illegal to tap (eavesdrop) a phone unless by law enforcement and court approved! It is ONLY legal to tap a phone when an eavesdropping warrant is issued by the court, for that particular device or line. There is an incredible burden of proof needed to obtain a warrant for this. There is also the "exhaustion" rule. You must have exhausted all other means (and you must prove that to the court) of investigation as well as proving the phone, fax machine etc., is being used to commit crimes.

Suffolk County Private Investigator - Video Time Stamps - A thing of the past

2008-05-10T09:07:00.006-04:00

Some years ago, video timestamps were the normal procedure for documenting time and date that a video was taken. Anyone who has been questioned "on the stand" as to the possibility of the time stamp being altered, can attest to the fact that time stamps are antiquated and simply not usable today.
Video time stamps are only as accurate as the time that is manually set in the video camera. As many defense attorney's use a strategy to put doubt in a jury's mind or to attempt to discredit a witness, they have often questioned the accuracy of the time and date. Questions arise such as: Can the time be altered? Did YOU set the time? How do we know FOR A FACT that this was correct? etc, etc. Now we all know that it is simply a tactic to throw doubt into the minds of jurors. Answered truthfully and convincingly will usually counter the attempt to put doubt into the validity of your evidence. But some juries are taken by it and influenced. Someone experienced in court testimony (meaning hundreds of hours of actual testimony in a variety of hearings and court cases) can almost always turn the attack around and make the attorney look foolish. But a large majority of private investigators do not posses the experience.
We do not use time stamps. We haven't since our inception. Back in my NYPD days, we ran into this issue. It was easily remedied. We simply capture video of a cellular phone displaying the current date and time. Periodically during a video, the time and date will again be captured. Cell phone time can't be changed. Another method that has become of more use with recent technology, is to make a voice request for satellite time. This too, can not be altered. We use this for periodic time checks during video capture to maintain time continuity.
These methods kill the defense of altered time. It has been proven to work. I highly recommend it.

Suffolk County Private Investigator - DNA Gathering and Use

2008-05-04T07:45:00.002-04:00

DNA Gathering and Use
Posted by Suffolk County Private Investigator

The use of DNA as evidence has become very common in adoption and identification type cases. After carefully gathering the evidence, maintaining it's integrity is crucial. Properly indexing, packaging and maintaining the custody of evidence is necessary for this to be used in court or otherwise. Above all DNA must be safeguarded by proper processing in the correct containers, depending upon the type of DNA sample it is. And chain of custody procedures, well documented, must be used.
Most investigators are unaware of the proper procedures for gathering evidence, due to lack of experience. That's why we employ only experienced investigators from the ranks of law enforcement investigative units.

Suffolk County Private Investigator - Email Passwords

2008-05-04T07:42:00.002-04:00

Posted By Suffolk County Private Investigator
Password retrieval on a computer is common and again, has privacy issues. If it is a common computer, you go ahead, so long as you have researched your local laws, and they permit such intrusions. There are many ways to obtain the information, including a key logger. There are software based key loggers like ghost key logger and hardware based loggers such as "keykatcher." "Keykatcher" is easy to use since you simply place it in-line with the keyboard wire and then access it's memory to retrieve the information/data.
Posted by Suffolk County Private Investigator Nassau County

Suffolk County Private Investigator,Nassau County Private Investigator - Video Documentation or Still Photography, Suffolk County Private Investigator

2008-04-29T14:00:00.010-04:00

Posted by Suffolk County Private Investigator:

Clients and we investigators are increasingly using and requesting video documentation as opposed to traditional still photographs. At Long Island Private Investigator, a Suffolk County private investigator, Nassau County private investigator and New York City private investigator, we have been favoring video for years.
Our investigators are always equipped with both High Definition Camcorders and also with still cameras. usually, video does tell the better story. Still pictures are used for identification purposes or other types of cases needing that particular documentation, such as a picture of a dwelling, building, auto or a person needing to be identified. But for the majority of cases, such as cheating partner or infidelity, and insurance fraud, child care and divorce, video has a clear advantage.
There are no issues with video in regards to lighting. With cameras, there are lighting limitations when trying to be covert. We can obtain low light pictures without the use of flash photography, but not in complete darkness without infra-red. Infra-red still photos can be are "fuzzy." Infra-red video, on the other hand, is better quality, and we can record in virtually any light; even in total darkness. No concerns about slow shutter speed, blurring, etc. With video,it is all automatically processed.
In addition, with video, we can capture quality stills directly from the video. With High Definition camcorders, the captured still photos are of fantastic quality. So that completely ends the need for still photography in many cases.
In conclusion, there continues to be a small place in the documentation of investigations, for still cameras. But video has become the tool of choice.

Posted By Suffolk County Private Investigator and Nassau County Private Investigator

Global Positioning System (GPS) Surveillance - Suffolk County Private Investigator, Nassau County Private Investigator New York City

2008-04-26T12:57:00.005-04:00

Posted by Suffolk County Private Investigator:

There are many variables regarding the use of GPS devices for surveillance purposes. First, there is the legal issue. Depending on your state laws, you can or cannot use a GPS device to track someone. In New York, so long as there is permission from the owner, it is legal. This type of surveillance tool is used mainly in matrimonial cases where the vehicle is considered owned by both parties. We also conduct many "teen tracking" cases, when hired by concerned parents.
GPS as a tool is wonderful. But it is just that..a tool. It does not replace physical surveillance. Think about it; you can track a vehicle and monitor it's location. But what does the subject do when the vehicle stops? Where do they go? Only an investigator at the scene can find out. That's why it's a tool and not a substitute for surveillance.
In many cases, it can eliminate the need for a second investigator, therefor cutting costs to the client dramatically. It also serves as an assurance that the subject will not be "lost," as can happen during any surveillance.
At Long Island Investigations, we use the latest devices on the market, which we recently upgraded, as technology in this area changes often. We can locate the subject vehicle virtually anywhere, including garages, tunnels and other locations traditional GPS devices fail. Our device has a three step locater that uses cellular and GPS locates. The device is smaller than a cell phone and has a thirty day battery life. We can easily secrete the device inside or outside the vehicle, with little chance of the device being detected.
Our GPS tracker has been proven to work flawlessly in our coverage area of Nassau County, Suffolk County and New York City. It is normally accurate within six feet!

Suffolk County, Nassau County Private Investigator Services

2008-04-15T15:46:00.004-04:00

We are a licensed, bonded and insured private investigator, based in Nassau County, Long Island, serving Suffolk County and New York City as well. We specialize in matrimonial infidelity cases, cheating spouse or significant other investigations, worker's compensation fraud, insurance fraud and much more.
Our experience is second to none!
We can locate unknown or hidden assets locally, statewide or nationally.
We now offer asset searches worldwide! For the most comprehensive and cost effective asset searches, call for a free consultation: 516-795-3368
Also visit our other site: Private Investigator Long Island

Sex Offender Data Base: Know your neighborhood! Nassau County and Suffolk County Private Investigator

2008-04-03T08:07:00.005-04:00

Most people are aware of the fact that convicted sex offenders of certain degrees are mandated to follow rules and regulations concerning location of their residence, what can be displayed on Halloween (in some places, as to not attract trick-or-treaters), etc. But there is much more that you need to know! Be informed!
I strongly suggest everyone visit this site, where sex offender information is available on line for free:
http://www.nsopr.gov/
Know your neighbors and your neighborhood!

Internet Database Information Searches - Posted by Suffolk County Private Investigator:

2008-03-24T17:29:00.004-04:00

After so many calls recently, concerning internet database searches, I have decided to address this subject. This is my opinion, based on my knowledge of the common resources and information received from clients who spent money online just to be disappointed with the lack of information they received.
Some publicly accessible internet databases are fairly informative. Some are acceptable for things such as finding a past friend or school mate, a phone number etc. Some others though are not so great. Regardless, the publicly available searches are in no way as comprehensive as resources available to private investigators.
The databases we use as professional PI's, are available to licensed investigators or their corporations as well as, of course, law enforcement. They are quite accurate, up to date and a great resource for investigations such as locating people, background checks, criminal records, sex offenders, warrants, properties owned, New York State criminal records (from New York State Court Administration, the only accurate source)and an abundance of other information. A typical background search done by Long Island Investigations, will surely give you much more information, such as department of motor vehicles information, associates, property deeds, tax liens, bankruptcies, business associates and so much more that is not available through the other information resources.
So before you plunk down cash for on online data service, think about using a professional.
Call us for your background or criminal check.
Long Island Private investigator, Serving Suffolk County, Nassau County and New York City