Surveillance is generally used to catch a criminal or to determine whether or not someone is engaging in a particular activity. Professionals like, private investigators, are trained in the art of surveillance. These people know how to set up and run a successful surveillance operation. What’s more important is that people like private investigators know how to set up and run a legal surveillance operation. However, much of the equipment and tools used to run a surveillance operation is available to buy online. This means that anyone can purchase surveillance equipment, set it up, and run an illegal surveillance operation.
What is Illegal Surveillance?
People who buy surveillance equipment often have a goal in mind. They want to use the equipment to spy on someone. They do this to prove something like his or her spouse is cheating.
In Canada, setting up surveillance in a person’s home without that person’s knowledge is illegal. This applies to video, photographic, and recorded surveillance. Therefore, if you decide to set up surveillance equipment without telling anyone that it’s there, you do risk getting a fine, or even going to jail.
To get even more specific, illegal surveillance really applies to those who wish to harm a business or person with the evidence found. For example: let’s say someone secretly records a conversation with the intention of blackmailing the other person. This is completely illegal. In some areas of the United States, it is legal to set up a video camera in your own home without another person’s knowledge. However, it is illegal to set that camera up in an area where privacy is expected (like a bathroom). Another example might include one company bugging the office of the CEO of a competing company to learn business secrets.
Illegal surveillance can literally turn someone’s life upside-down. In the case of a woman in Winnipeg, this is exactly what happened.
Abusive Spouse Spies on Ex-Wife
CBC News recently published an article regarding a woman who came home one day to discover that someone had broken in. She then discovered a strange socket in her bedroom that she had never seen before. She tried to pull it out but decided she needed help. The woman called the police, who quickly discovered a video surveillance camera in her bedroom wall. They also found a USB cable outside the house and another surveillance camera in the living room.
The woman and the police suspected her ex-husband is behind the break-in and illegal surveillance, as she had recently left him.
Police found evidence in her ex-husband’s home, which led to his arrest. He currently faces 6 charges including,
- Break and Enter
- Voyeurism
- Distributing Intimate Images Without Consent
This story doesn’t end there. Apparently the woman’s ex-husband shared some of the images and video footage with his family. Now, the woman must deal with threats from his family about the illegally gathered surveillance. She also worries that her ex-husband shared some of the images and video with people in Winnipeg.
As it stands, this woman is currently working with police to try and make sure that her privacy remains intact.
Who Can Help?
If you or someone you know is a victim of illegal surveillance, you can always turn to a private investigator for help. While the police can and do provide some support, sometimes you need a dedicated individual or team to help you.
Private investigators are required to earn a license in order to operate throughout Canada and the United States. They receive special training to help clients deal with illegal surveillance situations. Private investigators also specialize in working together with a client. They can provide a strong support system for the client to rely on in severe cases. In addition, a private investigator can work with the client’s lawyer and provide valuable—legal—evidence to support their client in court.
Therefore, if you suspect that someone has bugged your home or office, or that someone has installed illegal video surveillance equipment, a private investigator can get you results, fast.
Spotting the Signs of Illegal Surveillance
One of the ways you can stay protected is to keep an eye out for signs of illegal surveillance. If you know what to look for, it reduces the chances of recording too much information. The woman in Winnipeg for example, did everything right. She noticed a strange plug, and took action immediately.
So, if you’re worried that someone may be monitoring you or your office, here’s what to look for:
- Strange sounds on your phone during a phone call
- Disturbed items in your home or office
- An electrician or plumber shows up when no one’s called them in
- Dust or debris on the floor by a wall or on a table from the ceiling
- A light patch mysteriously appears on the wall
Overall, if you suspect that something strange is going on in your home or place of business, don’t hesitate to call in a professional. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
Private Investigator Illegal Surveillance & Bug Sweeps
When a private investigator is called in about a suspected illegal surveillance or bugging operation, the very first thing he or she will do is organize a sweep. A sweep requires a team of private investigators to enter the home or business. They will search for any evidence of surveillance or bugging equipment. Items can include video cameras, tapped phone lines, exterior modifications, and more.
The reason why a private investigator will bring in a team is that this type of sweep or search is extensive. If searching a house or an office building, nothing must be left unturned! While some illegal surveillance is clumsy and obvious, the technology is getting smaller and more difficult to catch. A good private investigation team keeps up to date on all the latest gadgets, which means they know how to spot the signs of illegal surveillance.
Other Private Investigator Services
Once a private investigator uncovers evidence of illegal surveillance, he or she can help you to seek justice. In the case of the woman from Winnipeg, a private investigator could help her to make sure that none of the illegal surveillance video or images appeared online or elsewhere.
A good private investigator will also know how to gather evidence in a way that can eventually be used in court. He or she can also employ other services like interviews, research, general surveillance and more to really help you and your lawyer to build a strong case.
At the end of the day, your privacy is one of your most important assets, and a private investigator can help you to keep it safe. Don’t let illegal surveillance get the best of you, reach out and get the support you need today.
Interested in hearing more about our private investigator services? Contact us for details!
Info@SmithInvestigationServices.com or 416-479-8474
About the Author
Whitney Joy Smith
Founder of The Smith Investigation Agency in 2014, Whitney Joy Smith’s extensive background as a private investigator is matched only by her passion for the role. A graduate of several respected institutions, including Northwest Florida State College and George Brown College, her early years in life were spent between Canada and the United States. This education, along with her formative years as a private investigator in various agencies, informed much of her knowledge of private investigative laws, regulations, and operating standards in both countries.
The recipient of numerous industry awards and accolades, including the Consumers Choice Award, Best in Ottawa, and many others, Whitney takes pride in working closely with her ever-growing agency to raise the bar, maintain compliance, and meet the investigative needs of clients. Whitney is active in various membership and supporting roles, including the CPIRC, CBN, CAPI, Canadian Women’s Chamber of Commerce, and many others. Her experience-driven, thought-provoking articles have been featured in everything from Readers Digest to Business News Daily, and she strives to continually redefine standards for those in the private investigative and security fields. Learn more about Whitney and the team at The Smith Investigation Agency today.
