Section overview

Private investigators often encounter a multitude of different situations on a regular basis. They need to have a thorough knowledge of research techniques, surveillance techniques, interviewing techniques, industry specific equipment and how to collect and preserve evidence. It is also imperative that private investigators understand how to take proper and complete notes. The trainer details the techniques and skills required to conduct investigations.

Suggested duration

In class: 14 hours
Outside class: 2 hours

Minimum requirements

  1. explain commonly accepted approaches for the following
    • collecting, preserving and presenting evidence
    • storing, disseminating and destroying information of a personal nature
    • handling and sealing audio/visual materials.
  2. list the relevant sections of the Ontario Evidence Act and Canada Evidence Act that pertain to admissible evidence
  3. describe the sequential steps of an investigation and different investigative methods
  4. explain the following research techniques
    • how to access public/proprietary sources of information (e.g. industry-related databases)
    • how to access industry-specific information
    • the basic techniques used to gather information on people, places or things
  5. describe the different types of surveillance and address the following surveillance techniques
    • observing the physical environment
    • attending to environmental details
    • situational awareness
    • identifying unusual behaviour/situations/activities
    • maintaining awareness/vigilance of surroundings
    • choosing an optimal location for surveillance
    • drawing on knowledge and experience to focus observations
    • recording appropriate/relevant details and ensuring accuracy of information
    • consistently re-evaluating the situation.
  6. explain standard interview techniques and discuss the following
    • how to conduct an interview in an arrest situation and in a non-arrest situation.
  7. provide instruction on the proper use of industry related equipment
  8. provide instruction on how to write a report

Note: This section has eight components: Handling and sealing audio/video materials, Ontario Evidence Act and Canada Evidence Act, Conducting investigations, Research techniques, Principles of surveillance, Interview techniques, Using industry related equipment and Report writing.

Handling and sealing audio/video materials

Outline

Private investigators often need to handle and seal audio and video materials from investigations. The trainer outlines the proper hands-on procedures for dealing with these materials to ensure their admissibility in court. Concepts will include an introduction to the process and protocols for handling evidence, including:

  • collecting, preserving and presenting evidence
  • inventory control and evidence chain of custody
  • the six core steps for containing evidence:
    • collect
    • secure
    • preserve
    • identify
    • continuity
    • log

Storing, disseminating and destroying information of a personal nature should be addressed.

Working/detailed knowledge

Detailed

Suggested methodology

  1. pre-reading on handling and sealing audio/video materials
  2. demonstration and practice with audio/video equipment
  3. learning journal

Ontario Evidence Act and Canada Evidence Act

Outline

Private investigators protect evidence and appear in court as witnesses. The trainer instructs the student how to collect, preserve, and present admissible evidence in court while avoiding contaminating the evidence. Reading material from Section 3 should be reviewed and there should be a focus on the six key steps for processing and managing admissible evidence (collect, secure, preserve, identify, continuity and log).

Working/detailed knowledge

Detailed

Suggested methodology

  1. pre-reading on the relevant sections of the Ontario Evidence Act and Canada Evidence Act
  2. lecture with discussion on the six key steps and common mistakes
  3. structured exercise applying all six steps and the process/protocols of handling evidence
  4. learning journal

Conducting investigations

Outline

The primary responsibility of a private investigator is to conduct investigations and it is vital that the student learn the proper techniques to be successful in the occupation. The trainer provides an introduction to the fundamentals of investigation and addresses preliminary, detailed and follow-up investigations. Trainers should refer to the various types of investigations (e.g. corporate espionage, workplace theft, insurance fraud, etc.) while discussing techniques.

Working/detailed knowledge

Detailed

Suggested methodology

  1. pre-reading of an overview of the investigative process
  2. lecture on conducting investigations
  3. learning journal

Research techniques

Outline

Private investigators must be capable of conducting research to assist their investigations. The trainer explains fundamental research techniques including how to conduct a full background/due diligence check and how to cross-reference. Available sources of information and research tools should be discussed (e.g. internet, databases, archival data, etc.).

Working/detailed knowledge

Detailed

Suggested methodology

  1. lecture
  2. exercise that requires the student to perform a background check using public/proprietary sources of information and basic techniques
  3. group discussion of the exercise results
  4. learning journal

Principles of surveillance

Outline

Private investigators must be capable of conducting surveillance and are required to understand the legislation governing criminal harassment and intimidation as these offences relate to surveillance operations. Reading material from Section 4 should be reviewed and the following fundamentals of surveillance should be introduced:

  • methods of surveillance
    • overt/covert
    • mobile/stationary
  • surveillance techniques
    • strategic positioning - distance, pacing, location
    • preparation work - content of vehicle, site surveillance/scouting, scheduling, etc.
  • cross-reference note taking, surveillance data, and reports (matching process)
  • best practices
    • situational awareness guidelines for assessing, recognizing and recalling investigations.

Working/detailed knowledge

Detailed

Suggested methodology

  1. lecture discussing the fundamentals of surveillance
  2. instructional video depicting core techniques and field work examples
  3. demonstration using maps, blueprints, and still pictures that demonstrate optimal camera angles and optimal location
  4. video of a mock surveillance that requires the student to observe and complete reports (i.e. note taking, identifying key elements in surveillance, drawing conclusions) with group discussion afterwards
  5. group discussions on what to do if a private investigator has been identified by the person being observed (referred to as “being made”)
  6. learning journal

Interview techniques

Outline

Private investigators are required to interview individuals in order to obtain information for their assignments. The trainer provides an introduction to fundamental interview techniques and addresses the following:

  • the difference between interviewing and interrogating
  • different types of interviews
    • narrative versus cognitive interviews
    • civil versus criminal interviews
  • note taking procedures
  • the protocols for statement taking and the law in relation to statements
  • utilizing other resources (statement analysis, profiling)
  • communication theory
  • how to assess the credibility, reliability and suitability of a witness.

Working/detailed knowledge

Detailed

Suggested methodology

  1. lecture on the types of interviews and when each type should be used
  2. introduction to interview and communication skills
  3. demonstration of each type of interview
  4. role playing each type of interview (practice with coaching/feedback)
  5. learning journal

Using industry related equipment

Outline

The trainer discusses how to select and operate necessary occupational equipment for different situations. The student is introduced to the basic technical knowledge needed to efficiently use the equipment and routine maintenance should be addressed. The following tools are discussed:

  • tape recorder
  • video camera - overt/covert
  • camera
  • dictation recorder
  • day/night goggles
  • binoculars

Working/detailed knowledge

Working

Suggested methodology

  1. product demonstrations that require student participation
  2. lecture on which tools are appropriate for different situations
  3. learning journal

Report writing

Outline

Private investigators regularly complete written reports of occurrences, duties performed and comprehensive descriptions of their tasks/observances. They need to create reports that are objective and standardized. The student is introduced to different types of situational reports (e.g. legal or insurance) as well as basic report writing protocols such as: date, time, location, actions/behaviours, description of individuals, observations, time of completion, etc. In addition, the trainer explains the legal implications of reports (e.g. for auditing or evidence purposes).

Working/detailed knowledge

Detailed

Suggested methodology

  1. pre-reading of sample reports
  2. lecture on the different type of reports
  3. lecture on the elements of an objective report (e.g. focus on factual information, written in third person, avoids use of emotional terms, avoids introspection, presents the information in a clear and concise manner)
  4. report analysis exercise: detect and discuss in small groups problems with reports (e.g. missing information, bias, etc.)
  5. learning journal

Suggested training evaluation for section

A quiz with components that address audio and video evidence, the Ontario Evidence Act and Canada Evidence Act, conducting investigations and research techniques. Role-playing investigative interviews, student demonstrations of equipment and sample report writing based on case information can also be assessed.