There are a variety of ways to carry out surveillance, including the use of electronics, physical observation, conducting interviews, and using technology.

Electronic

Electronic Surveillance is the type of documentation private investigators most often use. It involves utilizing devices like wiretapping, and hidden video cameras to document activity. It also includes monitoring an individual’s use of their phones, email, and social media. Most electronic surveillance is illegal in PA with out a warrant. 

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Pennsylvania is a “two-party consent state,” meaning, generally, that both parties to a private conversation. One need to be aware of, and consent to, the recording of that conversation. Not all states are “two-party consent” states, as some state laws (and federal law) require only “one-party consent”, which allows one person to record a conversation without the other person knowing it.

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This does not apply to video recordings with out audio

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Physical Observation

Physical Observation is when investigators physically follow or watch a subject. This can potentially involve disguises, stakeouts, and multiple investigators. Most of the time the investigator will covertly video with use of hidden body cameras.

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Interviews

Interviews are conducted by private investigators to discover as much information as possible about the subject. The people interviewed could include family members, neighbors, friends, or coworkers.

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Technical

Technical Surveillance encompasses digital photography and video/audio recordings. Private investigators use hand held video cameras with zoom capabilities, hidden body cameras, covert outside cameras, unmanned surveillance vehicles with remote camera capabilities. For legal purposes the cameras usually have a time date stamp on the video.