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So, you want to be a private investigator?
It takes more than having great sleuthing skills and a knowledge of the area that you are located in.
While many private investigators choose to go to it using their smarts alone, our top seven must-have gadgets will make your job as a PI much easier.
If you’re checking on a situation, you’re going to want to be able actually to see the situation.
Long reach binoculars will be the best option for this, but they will also help you to see things that you need to see even if they are relatively close to you.
While a high-quality set can be pricey, they will be worth it.
While most phones have GPS systems on them today, you still need a GPS unit to place in your car or carry along with you.
Your phone may not have great service, or it may run out of battery, and you’ll want your GPS to help you have a backup method for getting into or out of a situation.
You never know what you’re going to come across.
A toll road, a quick meal at a restaurant that only accepts cash, and necessary extras all may require you to have cash.
While we don’t recommend carrying around a ton of money, you should have, at least, anywhere between $20 and $50 on you at all times.
Make sure that you have a variety of bills so you can pay and get out of where you’re stopping at quickly.
You don’t want to waste time while your cashier counts out change for you.
Whether you plan to work at night or not, you’ll still need to have a flashlight.
The flashlight can help you look into dark corners and parts of your vehicle if it breaks down, or something happens.
While your flashlight can be any size, it is essential that you use one that has a relatively high powered light.
It is also a very good idea to keep some spare batteries in your private investigator bag or the car with you in case your flashlight runs out.
Even if you don’t plan on it, you may get caught staying somewhere that is away from home for the night.
Pack a bag that has all of your necessities in it including toiletries and a change of clothes.
This won’t take up a lot of space in your vehicle, but it will be extremely valuable if you end up needing to stay at a hotel for a night or two.
You should also make sure that you have food and water that is readily available to you in case you are staked out for an extended period of time.
If you plan to sleep in your car, these are a necessity.
If you intend to stay a private investigator, these are a necessity.
Vehicle window shades will keep the sun and prying eyes out of your vehicle.
You can even get privacy shades that allow you to see out while others can’t see in, making it easier for you to record or take pictures.
While you don’t need to have the biggest, best video camera when you are just getting started, you should have some device to record your findings on.
Whether it is a voice recorder, a video camera, or a high-quality camera, you will need something that can capture what you have found.
Just writing down your findings will be sufficient for you to remember, but will not be sufficient evidence for you to take back to your clients.
Be sure that you know how to use the equipment so that you aren’t scrambling when the time comes to utilize it.
There are many pieces of equipment that you can add to your private investigator arsenal as time goes on, but you should start small.
The seven gadgets that you must have for your private investigator business are just a starting point, what else would you like to add to it?
Interested in starting a private investigator business? You can find out more about the industry, how much you can expect to make and more when you check out how to start a private investigator business.Â
