By Spyville (USA)   Tue, Nov 17, 2009

Hidden Cameras: Hidden cameras are just that a camera that is hidden in an object so it can not be seen. The come in a few styles, Wired Hidden cameras this type needs a wire run to a recorder to record the video from the hidden camera, Wireless hidden cameras that send a wireless video signal back to a receiver , the receiver is then connected to a recording device.


Wireless Cameras: Wireless cameras are a camera and a transmitter that send a video signal back to a receiver that then can record the video. Wireless cameras come in several forms as well. They can be hidden (see above) or just a mini (small) camera with a transmitter. EVERY wireless camera needs power, power is supplied by a battery (batteries last approx 4 hours) or plug into the wall (the camera and transmitter run indefinitely) Wireless camera are best used in temporary situations only. They send a receive interference and cause problems with wireless routers, baby monitors, some two-way radios and more. Sometimes the cameras have static and sometimes there is no picture at all due to interference. A solid white or black horizontal line on a wireless picture means it is getting interference from an outside source. Static means the camera is to far away or that the signal is being blocked.



Mini Cameras: Mini Cameras are very small cameras that you can hide on your own. The average size is 3/4 X 3/4 and they need a very small hole 1/8 inch to see from The camera is usually mounted behind a flat surface like a picture or the face of a portable device like a clock radio or air purifier. Mini camera can be wireless or wired.



Board Cameras:
Board cameras are much like mini cameras (above) but they are board level. The circuit board is visible and therefore this type of spy camera must be handled carefully. Board cameras are for more advanced camera builders.



Self Contained Cameras: Self Contained Cameras are spy cameras hidden cameras and mini cameras all in one. Self contained cameras have a camera that is connected to a devices power and a built in DVR ( digital video recorder) the DVR uses some form of media to record video. Be it and SD card or internal flash memory. This is the preferred type of spy camera as it is self sufficient and in many cases you can just take a SD card out and play it on your PC. OR connect the device to your TV to view the recorded videos.



Hopefully this will help you in your choice of a spy camera. Please feel free to visit www.spyville.com for further information.

By KJB Security (USA)   Thu, Jul 15, 2010

Digital Covert Hidden Cameras

There are many types of hidden cameras on the market today.  Hidden cameras are used to monitor your home, your business, or anywhere that you need to discreetly monitor what is going on when you are not around. One of the biggest advantages of many hidden cameras is the ability to wirelessly transmit the video feed from the hidden camera to a TV, standalone DVR, or even your PC!  The best way to accomplish this is with our digital covert line of hidden cameras (link).

Our digital covert line (link) features cameras in common items – air purifiers, wall clocks, mantle clocks, cube clocks, and even digital picture frames.  These digital covert hidden cameras transmit video wirelessly via a digital signal, rather than an analog signal, so that you will enjoy two important of benefits:

-          All Digital Transmission: No interference and no static (like you would get with analog)

-          Encrypted Transmission: No one will be able to pick up your wireless video feed

All of our cameras have built-in digital transmitters, and then it is up to you to decide whether you want to pair the camera with an RCA or USB receiver to pick up that signal.  The RCA receiver is great for viewing and recording your video feed on your TV or standalone DVR system. 

The USB receiver goes one step further, and allows you to view and record your hidden camera feed on your PC, as well remotely view your feed via your internet connection!  With this remote-view feature, as long as your USB receiver is hooked up to an internet-enabled PC, you can stream your video live over the internet, where you can view the video feed from anywhere in the world!  All you need is your computer IP address and a login and password that you set up!  Watch your house from the other side of the world while you are on vacation!  Monitor employees at a warehouse across town!  The possibilities are limitless.

-----------------------------------------------

Adam Turean

Marketing Manager

KJB Security Products, Inc.

By Janie A. Duncan, Duncan Investigations (Canada)   Thu, Jul 15, 2010

Due Diligence is an investigation process to verify the accuracy of information, in an effort to reduce risks to your organization.  At Duncan Investigations Inc., we conduct due diligence investigations for employment screening purposes, mergers & acquisitions, business investments and competitive intelligence.

EMPLOYMENT SCREENING DUE DILIGENCE

When conducting due diligence for employment screening purposes, we require the written consent of the applicant before we can proceed, including their full name, date of birth and photocopies of two pieces of identification.   Identification that is acceptable is a copy of the applicant’s driver license and passport.  As part of this investigation, we will verify the authenticity of the applicant’s credentials, previous employers, positions held, dates of employment and their education.    We will also check on the criminal record of the applicant, verify any regulatory licensing, revocation, suspension or other actions.  We will search and locate all published accounts of the applicant, inlcluding material that is  both  positive and derogatory in nature through our Canadian media data base.  This data base consists of all Canadian newspapers that date back many years.  In some cases, we will search Canadian and United States court indexes for any excessive records consisting of litigation and bankruptcy against the applicant. 

MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS & BUSINESS INVESTMENTS

We are increasingly being called upon corporations in an effort to provide a detailed account of businesses on behalf of clients that are conditionally entering into a purchase agreement.  These investigations include an extensive assessment of the market overview, corporate background, culture of the company, employees, benefits, intellectual property, branding strategies, risk management, assets, liabilities, equity, profitability, cash flow, client lists, sales, product and process development, technology, internet, legal issues, litigation and compliance history.   

COMPETITIVE INTELLIGENCE 

Whether you are entering into a new market, expanding operations or developing a new product or service, we will conduct the necessary intelligence so you can make informed business decisions.  We carry out these types of searches without the consent of the principal, as we utilize all public records.

SUPPLIER VERIFICATION

We act on behalf of global manufacturers to  ensure their suppliers are authentic. We will investigate their businesses to ensure they are a legally registered corporation.  We will conduct the necessary corporate registration searches and other relevant data base searches.  We visit the sites  to confirm the business exists, identify the directors, and to ensure they are export-ready.   We will verify their credentials and conduct the necessary personal and corporation credit record checks.  We also  work closely with the intellectual property rights holders to ensure products sold are not counterfeit. 

At Duncan Investigations Inc., we ensure that you make the right decisions, by providing you with reliable data, in an effort mitigate risks.

By Janie A. Duncan, Duncan Investigations (Canada)   Wed, Jun 16, 2010

          For twenty years, I have represented major corporate and insurance clients in civil investigations, in  an effort to uncover and prosecute fraud.   These types of investigations primarily involve surveillance activities  to monitor claimants suspected of abusing a form of disability benefit or sick leave.   These cases are generally referred to my firm by the adjuster of the insurance company or management of an organization.   As an investigator, I have accumulated thousands of hours in surveillance investigations and over these years, I have also  developed  a solid understanding of the laws in Canada with respect to conducting these types of investigations,  by applying the best practices in our industry.    For the purposes of this article, I will be discussing the federal requirements governing covert video surveillance in Canada relative to both domestic and commercial matters, including best practices that corporations can follow,  to ensure compliance with the Federal Privacy Legislation in Canada.

            Domestic cases  include surveillance for uncovering adultery, locating missing persons and background investigations.  These investigations are not commercial activities and therefore the Federal Privacy Legislation has no jurisdiction over these cases. The Federal Privacy Legislation applies only to activities of a commercial nature.  The guidelines governing surveillance for commercial organizations  are very important, as these can protect your organization, should you become the subject of a privacy complaint by an employee or claimant.     

            If you suspect that one of your employees is abusing sick leave, this is a good starting point, however, it by no means gives you the legal basis to commence an investigation.   You cannot hire our  service on suspicion alone in commercial matters.  You need a solid evidentiary legal basis to commence a surveillance investigation.   One example of a  good legal basis would be a third party advising you that the claimant is working under the table while collecting disability benefits.  If you receive these types of tips, it is important to document this information, as this will form the basis for commencing an investigation. You will also have a written record, should a complaint be lodged against your organization for violating the privacy rights of your employees or claimants.    It is important to have policies and procedures  in place to follow these guidelines and to determine what is a good evidentiary basis for your organization.  These policies will also protect you should a claimant make a complaint to the Federal Privacy Commissioner.  Surveillance can be considered to be extremely invasive of one's  privacy even when it is conducted in the public.    As an organization, you will want to show that you have exhausted other possible alternatives before resorting to a surveillance.  It may also be wise to have the claimants or employees sign a consent form authorizing you to undertake any investigations to verify the authenticity of claims early on  in the application process.  As an organization, you will also have to demonstrate the purpose of the surveillance and what you want to achieve.   This purpose should be clearly documented in your case files and conveyed to our firm by email,  in order to carry out the investigation legally.  If the purpose of the surveillance is to determine where the claimant is working, we are only authorized to carry out that investigation for the specific purpose of determining where he/she is working.   It is important to include all the specific goals that you wish to accomplish when hiring our firm.  We generally require the name, address, description, alleged injury, make model and license of the vehicle the party is operating.  We will also require the terms of surveillance.  Generally three full days to one week is standard for both insurance and corporate clients.  Our surveillance investigations are conducted in a fair and legal manner.  We use video surveillance only  when the party is out in the public , as there is no reasonable expectation of privacy. However, we do respect the privacy rights of individuals and  we will only use video when it is required.

             We provide detailed reports that are in a format consistent for quality assurance with respect to our surveillance investigations.  Within these reports, we include the purpose of the surveillance, the name of the party under surveillance and the means by which we can identify this person.  We include a brief synopsis of the video surveillance taken for that specific day and their activities.  This will include the number of minutes or hours of video surveillance,  make,  model of the video camera and the format of which this evidence is copied onto the DVD.    We structure the report by the dates, including all activities undertaken for the specific day.  These  reports are emailed to our clients along with the video coverage.  All copies are sent by original mail.

                At Duncan Investigations, we are licensed, bonded and insured with both General  Liability Insurance and Errors & Ommissions Insurance.   We  have a reputation for delivering results and if we make any errors in our surveillance, we do not charge our clients.  We have seen many firms that have gone out of business or acquired by other firms,  but we have found the key to any success is delivering results and keeping apprised of the laws that govern our  profession.  This is the reason why we are Canada's choice for investigation services.

           
Janie A. Duncan is Canada's most prominent investigator and  founder of Duncan Investigations Inc. (1989).    She is responsible for scheduling major corporate and insurance accounts.  
 
Ms. Duncan has accumulated thousands of hours of surveillance time, saving  major corporations millions of dollars.  She develops risks assessment plans for major corporations to target loss and conduct undercover buys.  She has assisted thousands of families in personal matters and she is the investigator that people rely on for confidential matters.  
 
Other achievements include investigating a music piracy operation which resulted in the largest seizure of counterfeit product in Canada by the RCMP. 
 
Her biggest accomplishment were helping James Driskell who  was wrongfully convicted of murder and as a result of her investigation and tenacity, he was released from prison in 2003.  Ms. Duncan was also at the forefront of the wrongful murder conviction investigation of Frank Ostrowski where she was the first to find the fresh evidence in support of his release from prison.
 
Ms. Duncan is currently a student at the University of Winnipeg and she is also embarking on a new career in Investigative Journalism.  Please visit her online newspaper at www.thebestcanadianinvestigator.com

By Janie A. Duncan, Duncan Investigations (Canada)   Thu, Feb 04, 2010

 As an investigator, I  conduct spot audits of DJs sound recordings while they are playing their music in bars, socials, banquet halls, and weddings.  Many  people  are  uncertain of the law as it relates to reproducing sound recordings in the public forum and therefore I hope to also clear up any misconceptions.  

The Copyright Act is federal legislation in Canada that governs the reproduction of sound recordings in the public.  Section 18(1) of the Act states that only the creator has the sole right to reproduce or consent to the act of reproduction.  The creator of the sound recording is the originator.    It would be very difficult for a DJ to obtain the consent directly from  the  owner  to play a copy of his/her music and therefore copyright collectives manage and administer the program on behalf of the creators of sound recordings.  

Audio Video Licensing Agency (AVLA) is the copyright collective that administers the licensing in Canada on behalf of the originators of sound recordings or record label companies for public use.    They collect the licensing fees directly from DJs and banquet hall managers to ensure compliance.    

A license is required anytime you are reproducing music in the public. If DJs are playing the original sound recording,  a license is not required.    An original medium can be a  CD, cassette or vinyl album.  These can be identified by the original artwork and logo.  A  DJ license is only  required when DJs reproduce sound recordings on a recording medium.    

A regular DJ license is required if a DJ is reproducing music on a CD-R, cassette or mini disc.  This permits DJs to reproduce music up to  100 physical mediums.  An additional  license is required for each additional  100 physical mediums.    The cost of a standard license per year varies in each province and it is  very minimal.  

A hard drive license is required when DJs reproduce music on their hard drive in  MP3 format.  DJs may copy as many sound recordings as required, however,  for each additional hard drive; an additional license is required.  The hard drive license fees also  vary in each province and the fee is a few hundred dollars per year.    All original licenses must be displayed at the station where the DJ is performing.  

Downloading music for public purposes is illegal. Some programs  include, but are not limited to:  Kazaa and eDonkey.  You can download this music for private enjoyment but when you are playing this music in the public forum, this is illegal.  However,  "PromoOnly" which is an AVLA licensed music service has introduced the first legal pay per track download site in Canada for commercial subscribers. This new service is called PODDS and is the first legal alternative for Djs. Users of this product are permitted one download and 3 burns per track. If the DJs source is only PODDS, they do not require a license. 

If a DJ is subscribing to an AVLA Music Supply Service CD, a license is not required, as these subscriptions are already AVLA licensed.  However, you cannot copy Music Supply Service CDs.  This is illegal.  As a DJ, you want to convey a professional image to your clients.  By doing so, you can ensure that all your sound recordings are properly licensed to avoid the risks of violating the Copyright Act.  

In summary, just remember that a license will be required anytime you copy onto a medium.  You do not need a license if you are playing the original CD at your function.  These licenses can be obtained by application to Audio Video Licensing Agency at www.avla.ca  Downloading music at public functions is strictly prohibited, and copying AVLA Music Supply Services CDs is also illegal. 

Those of you planning your wedding, social or banquet, ensure your DJs sound recordings are properly licensed, especially when they are copying music.  Ask the DJs for their license, and check to see that it is valid by looking at the expiry date.

    
Janie A. Duncan is Canada's most prominent investigator and  founder of Duncan Investigations Inc. (1989).    She is responsible for scheduling major corporate and insurance accounts.  
 
Ms. Duncan has accumulated thousands of hours of surveillance time, saving  major corporations millions of dollars.  She develops risks assessment plans for major corporations to target loss and conduct undercover buys.  She has assisted thousands of families in personal matters and she is the investigator that people rely on for confidential matters.  
 
Other achievements include investigating a music piracy operation which resulted in the largest seizure of counterfeit product in Canada by the RCMP. 
 
Her biggest accomplishment were helping James Driskell who  was wrongfully convicted of murder and as a result of her investigation and tenacity, he was released from prison in 2003.  Ms. Duncan was also at the forefront of the wrongful murder conviction investigation of Frank Ostrowski where she was the first to find the fresh evidence in support of his release from prison.
 
Ms. Duncan is currently a student at the University of Winnipeg and she is also embarking on a new career in Investigative Journalism.  Please visit her online newspaper at www.thebestcanadianinvestigator.com

By Spyville (USA)   Wed, Feb 03, 2010

When I worked for an installation company my boss was forever pushing us to sell home inspections. At the time he charged 29.99 and would go out and look around, print a report and collect money.

What you need to do is put yourself in the place of a criminal. Take an hour one afternoon to figure out a way to get into your house NOT break into your house. Walk around the whole house check all the doors and windows including the garage and basement doors. You would be surprised at the number of people who leave a door unlocked. Look at the basement windows you may not be willing to crawl through them but a criminal would. How about you shed or barn is it locked? A simple padlock will send a criminal next door or down the street (hopefully to another neighborhood) That is the point. Make them work and they will leave, if criminals wanted to work they would get a job, knowing it will be easier somewhere else makes their choice for them, why work when they can just walk in to somewhere down the street.

Why bother to lock my garage there is nothing there to steal. Well unless you have a big empty room and keep nothing but your car in the garage there is something to steal. Plus once a criminal knows of an unlocked door what keeps them from coming back when the car is there? Or waiting for you to return. Home invasion is rampant in the US so why give that extra edge to them? Even a handful of tools and some old appliances can be sold for cash for what ever the needs of the person who steals it.



TEN TIPS TO HELP KEEP YOUR HOUSE SAFE.
(in no particular order)
1. Screw your basement windows closed. ( you can break them if you need to get out for a fire)
2. Lock your doors. You paid for the locks you might as well use them.
3. Don't leave easily removable items in the yard. I would guess that crimes of opportunity must be a large percentage of overall theft. A bike or a small lawn mower left in the yard overnight night just disappear.
4. Use door guards on your sliding doors this is as easy as cutting a broomstick to fit.
5. Don't advertise what you buy. A giant cardboard box in the front of your house from that new flat screen is an invitation
6. Old but good, stop your mail and newspapers when you go on vacation
7. Lock your car doors. Cd's and ipods are easy to grabs and walk away with.
8. Keep your wallet in your pocket and put some cash in your pocket. Same for a purse. Why show everyone how much or what is in your wallet or purse.
9. Don't leave notes on the door for deliveries letting them know that you are at work all day or next door having coffee.
10. Video tape or take pictures of everything you own ( it really does not take that long)you can give this to the police if something should happen.

If you make it easier for the police they can do a better job. Just like everything else in life if you take a little time to be prepared you can avoid theft for the most part.

Sometimes someone wants in so bad they will find a way. They may have an reason, they may not. That is where a video security system or alarm system can come in handy.

Complete security systems: http://spyville.com/comsecsys.html

By Spyville (USA)   Thu, Jan 28, 2010

Video Camera built into a pen. This pen spy camera records live video and audio right inside! Its unique design allows you to take it anywhere. The built in high quality 1280 x 960 video camera resolution produces a beautiful picture and the audio is crisp and clear. Set it up and leave it to take advantage of the audio detection mode. This spy pen camera will turn on when it hears sound to save battery life. To play back on your PC by simply connect to a USB port and play your videos and view your pictures.

Our Video Pen camera has a massive 8 GB storage built in and will hold approx 6 hours of video. The internal battery lasts about 1 hour after being fully charge via a USB port (approx 45 mins. to charge) So charge it up and head to your meeting or next surveillance case where you need quality video of the boss or the claimant doing what they shouldn't. Remember you need to respect other peoples privacy and that it may not be legal to record in all areas.

The unique design and slim pen size offers Multi-functions with great features that will allow you to use it anywhere and anytime. We offer the slimmest pen camcorder with high-definition digital video recording and it offers outstanding high-definition digital video camera recording and USB data transfer and charging.


This Video camera pen functions as a 2 Mega Pixel Still shot camera as well. Great for those quick pictures when you don't have you regular camera. Also built into our spy pen camera is a web cam simply connect to your USB via the included cable and load the included software. You can start doing video conferencing right away use it for your IM or just to record video for your own use. Its also a functioning ink pen with an included refill.

By Spyville (USA)   Wed, Feb 03, 2010

Lets first look at what ranges Bug detectors cover. Many detectors cover from 50MHz - 6.0GHz. This covers the normal frequencies that wireless devices use.
50 MHZ (megahertz) is the low end of the scale this is where you will find most voice transmitters. As you move up the scale to the GHZ (gigahertz) you get into the wireless camera frequencies.
MHz and GHz are just frequency denominators IE: 1000 MHZ is equal to 1 GHZ so a 2.4 GIG camera can also be considered to be a 2400 MHZ and a 5.8 GHZ can be a 5800 MHZ.
This is not to be confused with say a 10 meter radio that runs around 29.0 (lower than the range) or 27.0 (cb radio).

Between 50 and 6000 MHz are where most spy devices are located. The federal government uses between 406- 420 MHZ ( approx).

The process for locating bugs is simple but time consuming. You need to be aware of all the wireless devices you possess. This can include but is not limited to,
Baby monitors 900 - 1200 MHZ (many others)
Wireless Routers 802.11 -(close to 2.4 GHZ)
Cordless phones 5.8-6 GHZ
Some Cell Phones (approx) 900MHz
Wireless Keyboards and Mice
Wireless speakers
There are many other wireless devices that can set off a bug detector so everything that you know to be wireless needs to be turned off, so you can avoid false signals. Other things to keep in mind are that your neighbours may have wireless devices such as routers and cordless phones.

So to start the process turn off everything that you know is wireless. The simple conclusion here is that what ever else you find is a bug or a wireless camera but that is not always true. You need to take interference into account. There is RF every where and our bug detectors are sensitive enough to pick it up.

How do you know if you find a bug? Well if you cant use the sensitivity setting on a detector to tune out the alarm . Then you start looking for devices. Bug detectors will not just light up and point to the bug it is a process. If you get a reading from a solid wall go to the other side of that wall and make sure that ther are no other wireless devices.

Remember that who ever put the bug is had to have access for a certain amount of time, you must take into account wether they had time to open a wall and then repair it so well that you cant tell. Look for more obvious places like in or around cluttered areas or under furniture. that is a much more likely location.

By SVAT Electronics (Canada/USA)   Tue, Apr 20, 2010

Rebuilding America One DIY Project at a Time

America was built by hard work, determination, and the willingness to take our lives and well being into our own hands. This can be something as simple as mowing your own lawn, fixing your leaky faucet, and taking the time to read instructions (especially difficult for us men).

Recently, a new type of DIY product has emerged which is helping protect homes and businesses. DIY Video Security keeps crime rates low, keeps would be thieves away, and empowers people to take control in the safety of their families and belongings.

The more Video Surveillance a neighborhood has the lower the crime rates will be in that area. With lower crime rates comes higher property values and overall improved quality of life.

If you’re not sure which product to buy, it’s helpful to have an expert guide you through the many choices out there. Spyville www.Spyville.com is a great example of an expert in the field of video security with a friendly and knowledgeable staff who can help guide you through the process.

By Spyville (USA)   Thu, Apr 08, 2010

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Installing CCTV Cameras

Return To Spyville.com

Installing your own CCTV Cameras or a camera system can seem like a daunting task. Installing cameras is not difficult but does require a certain method in order to obtain the best possible results from your efforts.

First off you will need to obtain a security camera system there are many different types of camera systems CCTV (Closed Circuit Television) is usually used in commercial applications and the cameras are not plug and play.

A cctv camera is usually made to be used indoors and has a wide assortment of
lenses that can be used with it. CCTV Cameras do not include lenses and have a specific style lens that needs to be used based on the camera format. Most CCTV cameras are 24 volt AC instead of the more used 12dc that spy cameras and hidden cameras use. Some cameras are available in dual voltage they have a special circuit inside that allows you to use either 12 volt DC or 24 AC power.

There are many types of lenses for cctv cameras they include powered and non powered lenses. Auto iris and manual iris zoom , vari focal and fixed .

1. Powered: A powered lens takes power from the back of the camera using a four pin plug or a 2 conductor cable
2. Non Powered: The lens requires no power to operate.
3.  Auto Iris: An auto Iris lens adjust automatically f to the amount of light available.
4. Manual Iris: You need to set the Iris to a position that allows just so much light in. (Not used much any more)
5. Vari-Focal Lens: The lens can be adjusted manually and locked in position. This type of lens is very good for on going construction and for loss prevention people who move their cameras often.
6. Zoom lens: A powered lens that uses a control to zoom in and out live.
7. Fixed Lens: A fixed lens is a permanently fixed field of view.
   
   CCTV cameras are set up a little different than spy cameras are. We will start with site design.
   
   Sometime ago I wrote about how to position your cameras so Ill skip that for now.
   
   Installing security cameras

The basic concept is the same but CCTV cameras have a much wider adjustment range and are very visible and add to the overall effect .

By Janie A. Duncan, Duncan Investigations (Canada)   Thu, Feb 04, 2010

This case involves a patient named D. Ferenczy.  She sued her doctor for professional negligence in the diagnosis and the treatment of a cyst located on the inner part of her left wrist. The procedure was carried out on February 17, 1999. The plaintiff, D. Ferenczy, claimed that as a result of the failed procedure, she was unable to hold small items for a long period of time with her left hand. She further claimed that she was unable to work, and she subsequently claimed she suffered a loss of income.

The defendant, the doctor, disputed her claim. A private investigator was retained by the Canadian Medical Protective Association to dispute the credibility of the plaintiff's evidence. This association provides defense assistance to physicians who are being sued for medical malpractice claims. The private investigator conducted a surveillance on Ms. Ferenczy and collected an eight minute video surveillance footage of Ms. Ferenczy holding a coffee cup at a coffee shop without any visible signs of physical impairment. This investigation was carried out without Ms. Ferenczy's consent.

The Issue:

Whether or not the video tape could be admitted as evidence against Ms. Ferenczy as the Counsel for Ms. Denise Ferenczy argued that the taking of the video and its disclosure contravened the Personal Information and Protection of Electronics Act [PIPEDA], and therefore submitted the evidence rendered be inadmissible.

Court Ruling

The court ruled that the PIPEDA applies to personal information that is collected and disclosed for "commercial purposes", and that defending a liability claim is not considered a commercial activity but that the collection of the information is being used for the purposes of defending the doctor in a civil lawsuit. The court also ruled that the collection, use, and disclosure of the videotape would not contravene the PIPEDA on the basis that private investigators are acting as agents for their clients, and furthermore, Ms. Ferenczy implicitly consented to the collection of the videotape evidence when she filed action against the Defendant. Justice Dawson further ruled that the collection of the videotape is related to the investigation of a claim, and therefore ruled the videotape evidence tendered at trial be admissible.

Janie Duncan is a licensed private investigator and founder of Duncan Investigations in Winnipeg, Manitoba. She manages this licensed & bonded private investigation agency that has served clients throughout Canada.

    
Janie A. Duncan is Canada's most prominent investigator and  founder of Duncan Investigations Inc. (1989).    She is responsible for scheduling major corporate and insurance accounts.  
 
Ms. Duncan has accumulated thousands of hours of surveillance time, saving  major corporations millions of dollars.  She develops risks assessment plans for major corporations to target loss and conduct undercover buys.  She has assisted thousands of families in personal matters and she is the investigator that people rely on for confidential matters.  
 
Other achievements include investigating a music piracy operation which resulted in the largest seizure of counterfeit product in Canada by the RCMP. 
 
Her biggest accomplishment were helping James Driskell who  was wrongfully convicted of murder and as a result of her investigation and tenacity, he was released from prison in 2003.  Ms. Duncan was also at the forefront of the wrongful murder conviction investigation of Frank Ostrowski where she was the first to find the fresh evidence in support of his release from prison.
 
Ms. Duncan is currently a student at the University of Winnipeg and she is also embarking on a new career in Investigative Journalism.  Please visit her online newspaper at www.thebestcanadianinvestigator.com

By Janie A. Duncan, Duncan Investigations (Canada)   Thu, Feb 04, 2010

By Spyville (USA)   Sat, Jan 30, 2010

Complete video security systems

By Spyville (USA)   Tue, Nov 17, 2009

Good report writing although you may find it tedious and unimportant is a necessary part of Surveillance. Most of the people who will be reading (and trying to comprehend) your reports are not experienced in the field. Doctors, Lawyers and insurance people are in their field because they are good or they excel at it. They are not investigators. In this publication we will discuss direct statements that will inform the layman of observed occurrences that may go unnoticed.

1.    WRITING MEDIA

2.    OBSERVED OCCURRENCE

3.    RECORDERD STATEMENT

4.    PRESENTATION OUTLINE

Writing Media at the beginning of my work was pencil, paper, and a notebook. (Thats a paper notebook) Today laptops and personal organizers are the more accepted media. Still the basics remain the same. You should be able to record what you observe while it is happening or shortly after. This reduces errors. During investigations a portable tape recorder or digital recorder to keep a record of what was observed and who observed it. Used during surveillance to keep track of movement, locations, descriptions and vehicles.

        The way you keep notes should be what youre comfortable with as long as you can keep accurate records and be able to present learned information in an accepted manner.

          Mini recorders can be obtained inexpensively at most every store; the tapes can be saved for reference with out taking up a lot of room. You may want to consider this purchase as there are many options that will be important. Is it easy to use? Does it fit in your hand? Does it play back at double speed? You should be able to operate it with one hand and without looking at it. This may seem trivial but while tailing, looking away from your target can be the end of the day. Ten seconds of fumbling for the record button and your target can turn off, change lanes to turn, accelerate to pass another vehicle or an uninvolved vehicle can pull out. Any one of these can cause you to lose your target. Worse an accident can happen.

          Laptops are an excellent way to type reports. You can remain on the surveillance site and begin your daily report. With wireless modems, public lans and email you can accomplish many things. I believe that your report should be finished when your job is. The most accurate reports are completed while the observations are fresh in your memory. The type of laptop you choose is unlimited. It should be able to be powered by your vehicle and should have a word program of some type. Spell checking and grammar checking are also important. Our companys typist and I use the same word program. I asked her for a copy of the template she uses and now I just fill it in. If you and your company use similar programs you can transfer files on floppy or e-mail them in. This was not company policy but I arranged it with the typist. This is also good for missing reports a second copy is easily obtained. Repeat cases that you have a record of can be copied and pasted to save more time.

          Also available are hand held personal assistants. These can be programmed to recognize handwriting and turn it into text for you. You can use the device for notes and report writing. There are not as many Internet options for these but they are compact and easy to use.

          As I said before how you do it is not as important as turning in a good quality report.

OBSERVED OCCURRENCE

          Stop reading and look around you. Thats long enough. What did you see? What did you actually see and what did you assume was there? You can easily assume any thing even though you did not observe it. If you see a claimant walking away from a vehicle with an open trunk, you can assume that the claimant opened the trunk, but you didnt observe it. You can say: (The claimant was observed walking away from his vehicle, towards the residence. The trunk of the vehicle is now open.) This may or may not be important later but it could be a basis for trouble. IE What happens if you turn in the report that reads you saw him open the trunk? Now two days later you do the same surveillance and he has a wireless electric opener for the trunk. You have to be careful what you report. You must report only what you actually see, no matter what had to have happened. It may seem overly cautious but you should be careful how you make statements. IE. You know that a person driving a car got into the car. Did you see them get in? You can assume that they indeed boarded the vehicle. But did you see it? This may seem trivial now but later it may come back on you. When an attorney asks you about a report from two years ago that states you saw the claimant enter the vehicle when in fact the claimant had a garage where he entered the vehicle and there was no way you could have seen it. Will this cause you to lose the case? Will you now appear to look inept at your job? Little things make all the difference when youre in court.

RECORDED STATEMENT

You may never have any reason to take a witness statement (hopefully). There are many factors to consider when taking a statement. Never take anything for granted. I do recorded statements and even though the subject is looking at the recorder and has said that it is ok to record. Do you have it on tape? Make the subject state their full name the date and that they are aware that they are being recorded.  IE my name is John Smith today is Monday July 4 2005 I have given permission and I am aware that I am being recorded. This is the best start. Adjusters and lawyers will begin to expect this on all your recorded statements.

          Please allow the subject you are interviewing to state the details. The details of the event in their own words. Do not offer them words to help them. A witness statement is just that, A Witness statement. Have your questions ready so you do not have to look for details or paperwork during the recording. You must have the who, what, when and how questions ready. Try to stay away from the what do you think questions.
IE:  Q. Mr Smith what time did you observe the action.
      A. About 10:00 oclock
      Q. Was that am or pm Mr smith?
      A. PM
      Q. Can you tell me how you knew what time it was?
      A. I had just had my coffee break.
      Q. Please describe what you saw.
      A. I saw a white guy with a gun. He was pointing it at the clerk.
      Q. Where did you see this?
      A. At the abc mart.
      Q. Can you describe the white male?
Try to clarify the answers rather than add the answers
IE:
      Q. Mr Smith what time did you observe the action.
      A. About 10:00 oclock
      Q. was that at night? (You added content here)
      A. Yes. (Try to get the witness to provide the information)
     

This again may seem trivial but when the statement is reviewed the lawyer will have a way to make waves. Remember that just the slightest doubt may get a criminal free.

PRESENTATION OUTLINE

      After you have generated all the material that you will present to the client. You should outline all the basic steps taken. This is also beneficial to you billing statement. The client should be able to immediately be able to see all the results you obtained and how you obtained them. Brief descriptions of what work was done and when.


12354
Surveillance and Investigation  Preformed on John Smith
Todays date 1-1-2005


Work Preformed.
On Tuesday 7-09-03
we obtained video of the claimant mowing his lawn for approx. 1 hour.
Full details on page four of this report.

On Wed 7-10-03 We obtained a written statement from Jack Sprat
Jack stated that he observed the claimant throw his lawn mower over the fence at  his (The claimants) residence.
Full details on page nine of this report.

On Friday 7-12-03
We contacted your office at 9:00 Am and spoke to Bob Johnson.
He asked that we discontinue the surveillance and attempt to obtain one other recorded statement.

On Monday 7-15-03
We made an attempt to contact Millie Myerson for a statement.
On Tuesday 7-16-03
We contacted Millie Myerson and she declined to give a statement.
We then contacted your office and again spoke to Bob Johnson.
He requested that no further work be preformed.

This format will allow your client to have the information at hand quickly. Just one time of fumbling for paperwork from another company to answer questions from their boss and you will get more jobs. When you make your client look good you look good.

By Spyville (USA)   Thu, Jan 28, 2010

Security Dome Cameras are used for locations where you may not want people to see what direction the camera is pointing. A smoked or tinted dome can deter theft in many locations even though the camera is not pointed towards the person. All though They do not know where the camera is looking they ususally would move on rather than find out. Most criminals know that there may not even be a camera in the dome or that it only can see in one direction but it still works. Criminals like easy jobs so they will go where they know there are no cameras.

Another type of dome camera is a vandal proof dome camera this type of camera has a very smooth surface and special tools (usually included with the camera) to mount and adjust the camera. This makes it hard for someone to move the camera to keep them hidden from view. So you have a good chance of getting a picture of a vandal even if they manage to destroy the camera.

There are also night vision dome cameras that will see in total darkness and can be vandal proof as well as used indoor and outdoor.

Some dome camera are varifocal, this means the the lens in internally adjusted. This high resolution dome camera has a built in 2.8mm to 10 mm lens making it very adaptable to many situations that you may need a camera for. The lens size determines the focal range (view)of the camera. In example a 2.8 mm lens is a very wide picture approximately 25 feet wide @ 10 feet away the edges do become blurry at that lens size (also called a fish eye lens) and at the other end of the lens 10 mm picture is only about 4.5 feet wide at ten feet away. The subject of the picture is much more magnified at 10 mm than at 2.8. You can use a vari focal to set the view the way you want it.