There are numerous free tools on the Internet that can be used to obtain information about people, and there are some good links to those on this site. While I am happy to see families taking charge of their cases, it is in order to suggest some caution and restraint. It does not take much to be accused of stalking when one tries to do his or her own investigation. It goes without saying that families with current deprivation/dependency cases should try to avoid other legal troubles.

While I would encourage families in their efforts to keep costs down, there are certain activities that may violate the laws of your state. It is imperative to either obtain competent legal advice, or to do your own research into the laws in your area. When in doubt, contact a competent private investigator. Please understand, though, that investigators are not advocates and do not work for free.

The title of this warning reflects the danger of being accused of stalking while trying to act as one's own investigator. Allow me to give you a hypothetical example: A family's child are detained in foster care. The family is afraid the child is being abused by the foster caregivers. The family discovers where the child is being held, and decides to conduct a little surveillance. The foster caregivers notice that they are being watched and/or videotaped. The police are called. Arrests may or may not be made, but you can be sure that a stalking accusation can and will be made, and that a one sided version of the incident will find its way into the family's case file. Visitation may be suspended. The family may be accused of plotting to kidnap their own children. Psychological evaluations and/or treatment may be ordered.

Now, let's change this hypothetical example just a bit: Same family. Same fears that the child is being abused by the foster caregivers. Instead of trying to prove the above on their own, the family contacts and retains a competent private investigator. The investigator sets up surveillance. First of all, it is less likely from the very start that a professional investigator doing a surveillance will be noticed. But, for the sake of argument, let's say that the foster caregivers do notice, and that the police are called. When a licensed investigator conducts surveillance in a particular area, it is common to notify the local police that he or she will be in the area, and engaged in surveillance. That fact alone would head off any trouble in most instances. A licensed investigator would also not be asked, should police respond to a call, to explain the case he or she is investigating. (In fact, here in Florida, to do so would be a violation of the law.)

Now, to continue our hypothetical situation, let's say that evidence of child abuse or neglect is uncovered. A licensed investigator would be a credible witness to what he or she observed should the issue be brought into court. A parent who had acted as his or her own investigator would most likely not be considered credible.

Just some food for thought. Any questions or comments can be directed to me via email. I would also like to invite readers to consider joining "Consult a P.I." at YahooGroups.

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YOUR CONNECTION IN THE
PANHANDLE OF FLORIDA

Thanking you in advance

Dorothy Baez, Investigator
Fl. # CC-2300822

Night Owl Investigations, Inc.
P.O. Box 19137
Panama City Beach, Fl. 32417
Fl. # A-2200181

e-mail: gulfcoastpi@bellsouth.net

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