Know-how
Our investigative methods
Surveillance, static observation, infiltration, technical counter-measures, open sources: five skills, one framework, legality.
The foundation
Proven methods, a strict framework
Each method below is implemented by CNAPS-licensed detectives, respecting the fairness of evidence: that is what makes our reports admissible in court.
Surveillance & tailing
The heart of the profession: following a person or watching a place without ever being detected. On foot, on two wheels, in unmarked vehicles, and in Paris, in the metro and RER, the most demanding urban terrain in Europe. Set-ups are sized to the field: a single investigator for a quiet suburb, a coordinated team for a mobile target downtown. Every session produces a time-stamped log.
Static observation
Watching a location, home, shop, warehouse, building lobby, from a discreet position over time. The method of choice to document patterns: real working hours of an employee on sick leave, comings and goings of a sublet flat. It requires patience, credible positions and adapted optics; it often precedes the tailing it triggers at the right moment.
Infiltration
When outside observation is not enough, an investigator lawfully blends into the environment: ordinary customer of a shop (see mystery shopping), trade-show visitor, buyer of a suspicious product. The limit is absolute: no incitement to commit an offence, no real identity theft, no unfair stratagem, infiltration documents what exists, it never creates it.
Bug & hidden-camera sweeping (TSCM)
The defensive side: technical sweeps of your offices, meeting rooms, vehicles or home to detect listening devices, hidden cameras and trackers. Professional equipment, preservation of evidence in case of discovery, and support towards filing a complaint. More about the TSCM unit →
OSINT: open-source intelligence
Public registers, publications, social networks, digital traces: a growing share of evidence is accessible lawfully, without intrusion: provided you know how to search, cross-check and document. More about the OSINT unit →
What we never do
- Clandestine GPS tracking
- Interception of communications, hacking of accounts or phones
- Entering a home or filming inside a private place
- Real identity theft, incitement to offend
These methods are illegal, and unfair evidence is dead evidence: dismissed by the judge, and a liability for you. Our value is the result and its admissibility.
Go further
Related pages
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