Most people think investigation is about watching others. It’s not. It’s about controlling your mind when nothing is happening. Staying sharp when boredom sets in. Seeing patterns where others see silence. Surveillance doesn’t start in the street — it starts in the mind. Stay patient. Stay observant. Stay dangerous.

Everyone thinks private investigation is action and adrenaline. Reality: waiting… documenting… waiting some more… and snacks. Still wouldn’t trade it. 👀📸

So, in a few short days (September 4, 2025) I will be sworn in as the TPSA East Regional Director for the Texas Process Server Association! I am grateful, excited, nervous but READY! This was the other things I had to keep to myself until it was official! I thank all of you! You helped me build up the courage to place my name in the hat and I would not have done it without ya'll!

Attorneys are busy. Judges are busier. If your surveillance report is 15+ pages, do you really think they’ll read every line before a hearing? That’s why every investigator should provide a Surveillance Report Summary Affidavit along with the full report. Why It Matters: ✅ Saves Time – Judges can get the case’s critical facts in 1–2 minutes. ✅ Increases Impact – Key evidence is highlighted, not buried in 50 pages of observations. ✅ Builds Credibility – Shows you understand legal workflow and respect the court’s time. ✅ Speeds Decisions – Attorneys can present the summary first, then offer the full report for reference. What to Include in a Surveillance Report Summary Affidavit: 1. Case Header – Case number, client, date(s) of surveillance, investigator name. 2. Objective – The stated purpose of the surveillance. 3. Summary of Key Findings – Chronological bullet points of the most relevant observations. 4. Evidence References – Still image numbers, video clip references, or timestamps. 5. Investigator Certification & Signature – Sworn statement that the summary is accurate. Example: Surveillance Report Summary Affidavit Case Number: 25-0045 Client: Smith & Jones Law Firm Investigator: John Doe, Midlands Investigation Group LLC Surveillance Dates: July 31 – August 2, 2025 Locations: Columbia, SC & Lexington, SC Objective: To determine the physical activity level of John Q. Public during a workers’ compensation claim review. Summary of Key Findings: 07/31/25 – 8:12 AM – Subject exited residence carrying a heavy duffle bag, entered black Ford F-150 (SC Tag #ABC123). 07/31/25 – 8:20 AM – Subject shopped at QuickMart, carried multiple grocery bags unassisted. 08/01/25 – 2:15 PM – Subject used a ladder to clean gutters for ~20 minutes. 08/02/25 – 10:05 AM – Subject loaded large furniture into truck without assistance. All activities documented with timestamped still images and HD video, referenced in full report. -Certification: I, John Doe, certify under penalty of perjury that the above summary is a factual and accurate representation of my observations during the stated surveillance period, as documented in my full report.

In the world of surveillance, the report is everything It’s not just paperwork — it’s evidence. It’s the difference between: ✅ Winning in court ❌ Getting your case thrown out Pro tip: Always write in third person. ❌ “I followed the subject… ”✅ “The investigator observed the subject…” Why?📄 Professionalism – Keeps the report impartial and court-ready.⚖️ Credibility – Shows you’re reporting facts, not opinions.🛡 Protection – Shields you and your client from bias claims. Accuracy is non-negotiable.– Every movement, timestamp, and location must be exact.– If you didn’t see it, don’t write it.– Double-check all details before submitting. A sloppy report can undo weeks of work.A precise, professional one? It can seal the case. 💬 PI Question of the Day:What’s the #1 detail you always triple-check before turning in your report? #SurveillanceTips #PrivateInvestigator #ReportWriting #SurveillanceReport #EvidenceMatters #InvestigatorLife #PICommunity #FieldWorkToFileWork