Sting Investigations - Private Investigative Issues

Child Custody Resource page

I have created another page for helping my clients with issues regarding child custody.  I hope this page will also be a resource for those that are in other areas. 

How to get custody of your child

The site listed above includes advice. It also has a list of attorneys that specialize in this type of case.  There is a pretty good list of books there as well that pertain specifically to getting custody of your child. This is a work in progress.  I do think it is a good start.  Check it out, and let me know what you think.   

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Taking a case is not always the right thing to do... for the client (post by Mr. Sting)

I met with a very nice gentleman about a case tonight.  He had rescheduled several times, but he had very good reasons.  I understand that completely.  When we were able to get together something became obvious to me:

Perfect surveillance vehicle

There are three traits that are most important in a surveillance vehicle.

#1. Boring

A interesting vehicle is a noticed vehicle.

#2. Reliable

I have heard of investigators not showing up to the surveillance and using the excuse that their vehicle broke down, or wouldn't start.

#3. Versatile

Must be able to fit in, in any neighborhood. Rich, poor, middle class, city or country.

There is are several vehicles that fits the above description to the t.

Bet you thought I was going to tell you what we use ;)

Video or still images?

Question:

Should and investigator take photographs or video?

Answer:

If the investigator is trying to document something that is not moving, photos are usually best.  The reason is that resolution on a picture will be higher than that of video.  Photos are great for inanimate objects such as cars, or houses.

If the investigator is trying to document something like a kiss or anything else that happens quickly (or is moving), video is better.  Video is better because it is essentially 30 pictures taken every second.  Therefore you don't miss the most important frame of action.  Still images can also be taken from a video.

You can not get video from a photo.  Therefore, video is better for situations where there is action. 

Do attorneys utilize investigators as much as they could?

Portland, Oregon Private Investigator Dawn R. Krantz-Watts asks if attorney utilize private investigators as much as they should.  Her opinion in a nutshell, is that they don't.  That if they did, the attorneys clients would benefit. 

Read more at her blog:

http://allthingslegalinvestigate.typepad.com/all_things_legal_investig/

Child Custody and court

Q. What things could help me in court to get custody of my child?

A.  The courts are most concerned with the safety and welfare of the child.  That is also the way it should be.  If something is occurring that causes a child to be in an unsafe or unstable environment, the courts need to know.  Not only do the courts need to know, but they need to know for sure.  Fact is, many people lie in court.  The courts need an unbiased third party, to confirm what they seen.  Better even yet, if the third party has proof to back up there testimony. 

Q.  What are some examples of things that could be unsafe of unstable for a child?

A. Common sense should be your first guide in determining the answer.  Some examples though are as follows:

• Child not being secured into a safety seat while in a moving vehicle
• Child being dragged around by their wrists
• Child being left unattended in a dangerous area (danger could be cars, drug users, other)
• Child being left in the care of an unfit adult
• Child being left in the care of an another minor

There are other things that courts look at in custody cases other than safety.  One example is violations of specific court orders. 

Here are examples of court orders that are often violated:

• First right of refusal
• No overnight co-habitation with a member of the opposite sex, while child is at residence
• Child not to be in presence of a specific individual
• Child not to be taken out of state
• Child to be returned by a specific time

There can be all types of court orders entered, and violated. 

If you suspect something is happening that effects your child, it is your responsibility to take appropriate action.  Many occasions that appropriate action is to legally obtain proof that will help to get the child out of the dangerous or unstable environment. 

We can help you to document the facts, and to present them in court. 

In custody cases, you are the client.  The child however is our concern.