How do you go about investigating people?

Investigation is both a science and an art form. There are three basic techniques of investigation. The art of investigation comes with understanding the ultimate use of and proper mixture to most effectively achieve desired results.

The first technique is interviewing. Interviewing can be defined as an exchange of information between parties whether in writing, orally, electronically, or in any other format. We may take depositions, interview neighbors, obtain copies of emails, ask questions by phone, or any one of a number of other ways to obtain information. BIA's investigators take nationally recognized classes as well as our own classes taught through our training subsidiary in how to interview persons and subconsciously compel them to provide us with the information we desire. An effective interview is more than simply calling someone up and asking the question. We strive to constantly create a situation where it is in the witness's best interest to be cooperative and forthcoming.

The second general technique of investigation is research. It is a truism that there is virtually nothing of lasting importance in a person's life that is not committed to a record of some sort. Every courthouse has over 1,000 different types of records that are available for filing there. If you think about it, every major event in your life is chronicled with a record filed with some governmental entity. A thorough understanding of where those records are located, the legal and pragmatic basis for obtaining those records and an ability to review and summarize those records once found can be invaluable in determining historical evidence. Many records that even other professionals believe must be obtained by subpoena or are believed totally unobtainable can be obtained when approached with the proper experience. Research tends to generate historical information and not current information.

The last general technique of investigation is surveillance. Surveillance is one of the more frequently used techniques. It shows recent and current activity by creating a witness in the investigator who observes the activity. Whether the surveillance is by remote video, tailing, drive-bys, or other legal types of surveillance, information gathered may be testified to by an investigator of his own personal knowledge or may be documented by camera. Modern surveillance techniques have made surveillance much more effective and comprehensive than in years past. Yet, the most tried and true following by vehicle often yields the greatest result.

Experience dictates when to surveil, interview or research to actually obtain the best results in a particular case.