Is surveillance legal?

Surveillance is legal in the State of Texas when conducted by a Licensed State of Texas Private Investigator who conducts the surveillance from a position where he has a legal right to be.

How is a surveillance case documented?

The client will receive a detailed report with photographs, along with a video, which is court ready should the case be litigated.

How much does surveillance cost?

Every surveillance case is unique to itself, in which the investigation is tailored to determine answers to the client’s questions. In the Houston area, cost varies from $85 to $120 per hour. The cost is affected by geographic locations, time the surveillance takes place, and the number of Investigators involved.

How long does surveillance last?

Surveillances are tailored to the client’s needs and budget. A cheating spouse, or custody case usually has at least 3 days of surveillance. There is no standard norm, a case can last anywhere from one week to one month.

Are Investigators able to obtain video inside restaurants, bars, gyms, and retail establishments?

Houston Professional Investigators have special equipment which will allow them to obtain covert video at all these locations.

Who will know about the surveillance?

The confidential report is only provided to the client and his attorney if there is an attorney involved.

Do Investigators testify in court?

All of our Surveillance Investigators have court experience in testifying about their surveillance efforts as detailed in their confidential report.

Can I tape record a conversation without my girlfriend or spouse knowing?

The State of Texas only allows a conversation to be tape recorded if one party or more is aware that the conversation is being taped.

Can I place a tracker on my spouse or girlfriend’s car?

There is a State Statute that allows an individual or company to place a tracker on a vehicle for monitoring by a State Licensed Investigator. This can be accomplished if the specifics of the case meet the Statute’s requirements.

May 12 2002

Don’t Leave Home Without It

Gradoni & Associates 05-2002 - Private Eyes of Texas - Newsletter, Corporate Detectives

American Express Card Fraud

Kevin Templeton conducted an investigation on behalf of our client, which identified over $30,000 worth of charges by an employee on our client’s Corporate American Express credit card, which he diverted to his own personal use. The charges included a washer and dryer, big screen television, electronics and computer equipment and even a thousand dollar suit purchased at the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas.

Our Corporate Embezzlement Investigation Commences

Templeton gathered all of the necessary receipts, which verified that the employee had personally made the charges. Templeton also visited the employee’s home, which was for sale, posing as a potential buyer. Templeton was able to view a number of the items purchased with the American Express credit card in the employee’s home.

Houston Police Department Forgery Investigators were very happy to obtain our investigative package, allowing them to file charges and recover stolen property without having to do much of the paperwork. We believe the employee became somewhat confused about American Express’ slogan, “Don’t Leave Home Without It.” The employee decided to “fill his home with it”. This of course is not a defense to prosecution.

Gradoni & Associates

Reliable Corporate Investigators in Houston Since 1989

Whether you have a need to develop competitive intelligence, need to consult with a private detective to investigate internal thefts or other white collar criminal investigations, Gradoni & Associates will provide the answers you’re looking for. If it’s there, we’ll find it.

Learn more about Corporate Investigations.