Equipment For Private Investigators

The Complete Guide to Private Investigator Gear (2024 Guide)

So, you want to be a private investigator?

That’s awesome. It’s one of the most fun and rewarding careers out there.

We work with a lot of PIs here at GPS Tracker Shop (they buy a lot of stuff from us), so we know a thing or two about the type of gear they need.

We’ve put together this guide on private investigator gear based on our 10 years of experience helping private investigators catch cheating spouses, expose corporate greed, and uncover fraud.

We’ll cover the gadgets you need, which types of equipment to buy, which stuff you don’t need, and some tips on evaluating the gear before you buy it.

Ready? Let’s go.

First, What Gear Does a Private Investigator Need?

If you want to become a private investigator, you'll need specialized gear to handle various tasks effectively. Keep in mind that you could be following someone in a car in the morning, then staking out their house at night (legally, please).

You need to choose each tool carefully based on the demands of different cases. You must be discreet and adaptable, and do all of that while staying under the radar.

However, there are a few things that you’ll probably always be doing. So, it’s best to have equipment for each of these situations.

Here are some examples of tasks you’ll be doing and the equipment you'll need:

• Surveillance: A high-zoom camera and binoculars to help you capture clear evidence from a distance, even in low light.
• Tracking: A GPS tracker allows you to monitor a subject’s movements without direct contact.
• Recording: Discreet voice recorders or hidden cameras allow you to capture information without raising suspicions.
• Communication: A reliable smartphone or two-way radio keeps you connected during operations.
• Research: A laptop helps access databases and public records quickly and efficiently.

Which Equipment do You NOT Need (or Shouldn’t Use)?

Here’s a tip for wannabe private investigators: never try to act like law enforcement. 

So, no police badges or sirens. That’s going to get you arrested.

Also, don’t blow your budget on stuff you don’t need, like body armor, unless you’re in a really bad area or think things might get dicey.

And one last thing, whatever equipment you use, do so in a legal way.

For example, don’t track someone’s location by putting a GPS tracker on their car without their consent. That could land you in prison.

Always double-check the laws in your area so you’re using your tools the right way.

The 5 Best Surveillance Gadgets For Private Investigators

1. GPS Car Tracker – Best Spy Product For PIs

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A GPS car tracker should be the first thing you buy as a private investigator.

These days, people hire PIs mostly to track their cheating spouses. It ain’t much, but it’s honest work.

Grab yourself a location-tracking gadget like the SpaceHawk GPS tracker. It’ll give you real-time location updates, movement alerts, and even a live link to share with law enforcement if you ever need it.

Just attach it to your target’s vehicle (we recommend putting it under the car), and install the app on your phone.

That’s it, you’re done.

Just make sure to check the laws in your local area, and don’t do anything illegal. If it’s against the law to place the tracker in your state, you’re taking a huge risk doing so.

2. Listening Devices – Best Audio Spy Equipment

Voice-activated listening devices listen in on their surroundings and record audio for you to listen to later. 

Chances are you’re going to need one in your day-to-day work, especially if you’re working with couples or in the corporate world.

Voice-activated recorders are best for:

Infidelity Investigations: They capture conversations that can confirm or dispel suspicions of unfaithfulness.

Child Custody Cases: They record interactions that may influence custody decisions.

Spousal Abuse Situations: You can document evidence of abuse, which can be used in legal proceedings.

Corporate Espionage: They monitor for unauthorized disclosure of sensitive business information.

Insurance Fraud Cases: Use them to gather evidence on false claims and deceitful practices.

The good thing about these gadgets is that they don’t need much power or require too many features, so they should be pretty cheap. Just make sure to get one that has good sound quality, a lot of storage, and lets you easily transfer files. The one we recommended at the top does a good job of all 3.

3. Bug Detector

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A bug detector is a must-have tool for any private investigator. 

With a bug detector, you can sweep for hidden microphones or cameras, so you can make sure that nobody is keeping tabs on you. 

They’re great for dealing with high-stakes cases like cheating spouses or corporate espionage. You know, cases where the other side is probably watching you as much as you’re watching them.

Plus, using one gives you an edge in protecting your own investigations from being compromised. 

We recommend getting a bug detector that’s easy-to-use and has a lot of positive reviews on Amazon. Cheap bug sweepers tend to hallucinate, which leads you on a ghost hunt for hours. Get something that’s reliable.

4. Hidden Spy Cameras

Next up, you’re going to need a hidden spy camera to collect evidence in certain situations. For example, let’s say a scorned wife comes to you and wants you to track her cheating husband. 

Nice, time for you to catch that cheating dog.

The only problem is he’s meeting his side-girl in a public park. A GPS location tracking device won’t do you any good, since there’s nothing wrong with being in a public park. You’re going to need more evidence than that.

You could hide a camera in the park - or anywhere the cheating is taking place - and gather real, solid evidence of his infidelity that can then be used in divorce proceedings.

The most important features to look for in a hidden spy camera are size, video quality, and wi-fi connection. Obviously, the video needs to be crisp so the evidence stands up in court (or at the very least, satisfies your client’s suspicions). And you’ll need wi-fi so you can access the videos from your phone or laptop.

Speaking of a laptop…

5. Phone Spy Software

This is some next-level James Bond stuff we’re talking about now. Phone spy software will track literally everything that’s happening on the target’s phone at all times. Including calls, text, app usage, and all that other fun stuff.

This is going to help you catch that cheater, track someone’s location, or find real evidence of breaking contractual agreements.

The only problem is actually getting the software on someone’s phone.

Be Your Own Private Detective

Being your own private detective is a lot more cost-effective than hiring one. These gadgets usually cost a fraction of a PI’s average daily rate.

In fact, hidden devices to track vehicles usually cost less than $100 and come with free technical support. So, there will be someone available to help you if you need that assistance. 

Here’s why we recommend going it alone:

• Cost-Effective: You can purchase hidden devices for tracking vehicles for under $100.
• Free Support: Many products come with technical support, offering help when you need it.
• Control: You have direct control over the surveillance process.
• Discretion: Conduct investigations discreetly, without involving outsiders.

However, be aware of legal considerations:

• Privacy Laws: Understand and respect privacy laws in your area.
• Consent: In some regions, recording audio requires the consent of the person being recorded, and tracking location might be illegal.
• Ethical Use: Use surveillance equipment ethically and responsibly.

Equipment For Private Investigators – FAQs