Establish the question before choosing the method
Surveillance may be relevant where a concern turns on observable events rather than what can be established from documents alone. PDC provides surveillance services for private and corporate clients. The first discussion is about the factual question, the reason for the enquiry and whether observation is an appropriate way to address it.
A suspicion does not make every method justified. We assess the context, practical feasibility and privacy implications before agreeing a scope. Sometimes records, a witness account or a different enquiry will answer the question more directly and with less cost.
A proportionate brief
The useful starting point is what has actually prompted the concern and what information would change your decision. Explain any relevant legal matter, employment context or prior contact with the police. Your solicitor or HR adviser may need to be involved in assessing the proposed work.
- A concise description of the issue and the intended use of the findings.
- Relevant background that you legitimately hold and any uncertainty about identity.
- The timeframe or particular events relevant to the question.
- A clear budget, review point and agreed reporting arrangements.
What the findings can show
An observation report should describe events, times and relevant context. Images or recordings may support an account where they can appropriately be obtained, but the report should distinguish observation from inference. Seeing a meeting does not necessarily establish why it happened; a vehicle's presence does not, by itself, identify its driver.
There may be periods where nothing relevant is observed, practical interruptions or findings that do not support the original suspicion. These are part of an honest report. Results cannot be promised simply by adding more time, so review whether continuing is likely to be worthwhile.
Plan communication and the next step
Agree how updates will be handled and who is authorised to change the scope. Share relevant developments promptly rather than carrying out parallel activity that could confuse the account. If the situation changes, the enquiry may need to pause or be reassessed.
Surveillance findings provide factual material for you and your advisers to consider. They do not establish motive, resolve a relationship or guarantee that evidence will be accepted in a particular proceeding. Before commissioning work, consider how each possible outcome would help you make a decision.
Questions you may have
Can you guarantee that the activity will be observed?
No. Events may not occur during an agreed period, and practical conditions may prevent useful observation. The scope should explain those limitations clearly.
Can I arrange surveillance for any reason?
No. The purpose, circumstances and proposed methods need assessment. PDC will discuss whether the enquiry is appropriate before any work is agreed.
Should I gather more evidence myself first?
Start by organising relevant information you already lawfully hold. Discuss the concern before taking further steps, especially where contact or observation might affect safety, privacy or an ongoing matter.