Miami Private InvestigationsWhat surveillance actually is
Surveillance is the discreet, lawful observation of a person's activities in public, documented with time-stamped photo and video. It is used to confirm infidelity, verify an injury claim, support a custody case, or establish a pattern of behavior — anywhere the truth depends on what someone actually does, not what they say.
The process, step by step
A professional job follows a clear sequence:- Pre-surveillance research — vehicles, routines, and locations, so time is not wasted
- Positioning — setting up where the subject can be observed without being detected
- Documentation — continuous, time-stamped video and photos with a clean chain of custody
- Reporting — a detailed written log of what happened, when, and where
What surveillance can — and can't — prove
Done right, surveillance provides objective, admissible evidence of behavior: who someone met, where they went, what they were physically able to do. It cannot lawfully capture what happens inside a private home or on a private phone line — and a professional will never try, because that evidence is illegal and worthless.
What drives the cost
Surveillance is usually billed hourly. The main cost factors are:- Hours required — an active subject takes longer to document
- Number of investigators — a mobile subject may need two
- Travel and setup time around the subject's locations
- Deliverables — court-ready footage and detailed reporting
A reputable firm scopes the case and gives you an estimate and a retainer arrangement before starting.