Surveillance is one of the most requested — and most effective — services provided by private investigators. Whether you're an attorney building a personal injury case, an insurance company investigating a suspicious claim, or an employer concerned about workers compensation fraud, understanding how professional surveillance works in Michigan is essential.
What Is a Surveillance Investigation?
A surveillance investigation involves the systematic observation and documentation of a subject's activities, movements, and behaviors. Licensed private investigators use a combination of:
Physical observation from stationary and mobile positions
Video and photographic documentation using professional-grade equipment
Activity logs with detailed time-stamped entries
Vehicle surveillance using covert observation techniques
The goal is to produce an objective, factual record of the subject's activities that can be used as evidence in legal, insurance, or employment proceedings.
Types of Surveillance Investigations
Stationary Surveillance
Stationary surveillance involves observing a subject from a fixed position, typically near their residence, workplace, or medical provider's office. The investigator:
Arrives early to establish a discreet observation position
Documents the subject's departure, arrival, and activities
Records video of relevant activities (carrying objects, walking, driving, physical exertion)
Maintains a detailed activity log throughout the operation
Mobile Surveillance
Mobile surveillance follows the subject as they travel between locations. This requires:
Skilled driving techniques to maintain visual contact without detection
Knowledge of the local area and traffic patterns
Multiple vehicles when possible for extended operations
Real-time decision-making about following priorities
Social Media Surveillance
In today's digital age, social media monitoring has become a critical component of modern surveillance:
Reviewing public posts, photos, videos, and check-ins on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter
Documenting posts that contradict claimed injuries or limitations
Preserving evidence with screenshots and metadata
Monitoring activity patterns over time
Social media evidence has become increasingly important in Michigan personal injury and insurance cases.
The Legal Framework for Surveillance in Michigan
What's Legal
In Michigan, private investigators can legally conduct surveillance in situations where the subject has no reasonable expectation of privacy:
Public places — Streets, parks, stores, restaurants, parking lots
Observable from public areas — Activities visible from the street or other public vantage points
Social media — Information posted publicly on social platforms
What's Not Legal
Michigan law prohibits certain surveillance activities:
Audio recording without consent — Michigan is a one-party consent state for audio recording, meaning at least one party to a conversation must consent. Secretly recording conversations you're not part of is illegal.
Trespassing — Entering private property without permission to conduct surveillance is illegal.
GPS tracking limitations — Placing a GPS device on someone's vehicle generally requires legal authorization.
Voyeurism — Observing or recording someone in a place where they have a reasonable expectation of privacy (bedroom, bathroom) is a criminal offense.
The Expectation of Privacy Standard
The key legal concept in Michigan surveillance law is the reasonable expectation of privacy. If someone is in a public place or performing activities visible from a public area, there is generally no expectation of privacy. However, this is context-dependent, and experienced investigators understand the boundaries.
How Surveillance Evidence Is Used
Personal Injury Cases
In personal injury litigation, surveillance evidence is used to:
Verify claimed disabilities — Is the plaintiff really unable to perform the activities they claim?
Document physical capabilities — Video showing the plaintiff engaged in physical activities contradicts claims of severe limitation
Establish daily routines — Activity logs reveal patterns that may be inconsistent with reported injuries
Support or challenge IME findings — Surveillance evidence corroborates or contradicts medical opinions
Insurance Claims
Insurance companies use surveillance in:
Auto accident claims — Verifying the extent of injuries under Michigan's no-fault system
Homeowner claims — Documenting activities of claimants reporting home-related injuries
Disability claims — Verifying that claimants meet the definition of disability
Workers compensation claims — Confirming that work-related injuries are as reported
Workers Compensation Cases
Employers and insurance carriers rely on surveillance to:
Document activities inconsistent with work restrictions — Is the employee doing things their doctor says they can't?
Identify secondary employment — Some claimants work other jobs while collecting workers comp
Support return-to-work decisions — Video evidence of physical capability supports medical opinions
Detect fraud — Deliberate exaggeration or fabrication of injuries
What Makes Surveillance Evidence Admissible in Michigan Courts?
Not all surveillance evidence is automatically admissible. To be used in Michigan legal proceedings, surveillance evidence must:
Be obtained legally — No trespassing, illegal recording, or privacy violations
Be authenticated — The investigator must testify about when, where, and how the evidence was obtained
Be relevant — The evidence must relate to a disputed issue in the case
Not be prejudicial — The probative value must outweigh any unfair prejudice
Maintain chain of custody — The evidence must be properly preserved and accounted for
Professional investigators maintain detailed documentation of their methods, equipment, and chain of custody to ensure admissibility.
Choosing a Surveillance Investigator in Michigan
When selecting a PI for surveillance, look for:
Licensing and Credentials
Valid Michigan PI license — Required by law
Professional liability insurance
Membership in professional organizations (MCPI, WAD, NALI)
Experience and Specialization
Years of surveillance experience — This is a learned skill that improves significantly with practice
Specialization in your case type — PI, insurance, or workers comp experience
Knowledge of the area — Local familiarity improves efficiency and results
Equipment and Technology
High-definition covert cameras — Video quality matters enormously for evidence
Multiple recording devices — Backup systems prevent evidence loss
Professional-grade optics — Zoom capability for distance observation
Reliable vehicles — Inconspicuous and well-maintained for mobile surveillance
Reporting Quality
Detailed activity logs — Minute-by-minute documentation
Professional video compilation — Edited highlight reels alongside raw footage
Court-ready written reports — Clear, factual, objective language
Testimony capability — Willingness and ability to testify about findings
What to Expect When You Hire a Surveillance Investigator
Initial Consultation
The process begins with a detailed consultation where the investigator will:
Review the case background and objectives
Discuss the subject's known routines and locations
Develop a surveillance plan and timeline
Provide a cost estimate and fee agreement
The Investigation
During the surveillance operation:
The investigator maintains a discreet presence that doesn't alert the subject
All relevant activities are documented on video and in written logs
The investigator makes real-time judgments about what to document and when to disengage
Regular status updates are provided to the client
Reporting and Deliverables
After the surveillance, you'll receive:
A comprehensive written report with chronological findings
Video evidence on secure digital media
An evidence summary highlighting key observations
An affidavit or declaration if needed for legal proceedings
Priority Investigation's Surveillance Services
At Priority Investigation, surveillance is one of our core competencies. Since 2009, we have conducted thousands of surveillance operations throughout Michigan for attorneys, insurance companies, and employers.
Our surveillance services include:
Stationary and mobile surveillance
Covert video documentation
Social media monitoring
Activity verification
Court testimony and deposition support
Contact us today for a free consultation about your surveillance investigation needs.