August Theme: PI Tools & Toys

Kim Green·August 1, 2020

What’s your favorite tool, the thing that most helps you get the job done?

Maybe it’s the perfect “Goldilocks Go-bag” — not too big, not too small. It’s just right, with the perfect number of pockets.

Maybe it’s a hardhat, gloves, and a set of orange cones, the kit that lets you fit in on any U.S. street.

Maybe it’s a voice recorder, iPhone app, or Moleskine notebook, the tool you use to record your interviews and organize/archive the info you glean.

Maybe it’s a drone, a night-vision camera, a long lens, or a bodycam, the tech that captures what you see reliably.

Maybe it’s a Mom van, a pickup truck, or a boring grey sedan, a vehicular invisibility cloak for doing surveillance.

Or at this time of year, maybe it’s a portable A/C unit, the thing that helps you survive summer stakeouts.

In August 2020, we asked our colleagues to share their favorite investigative tools, the gear that helps PIs in the field and in the office—from notebooks to databases. You’ll find their collective wisdom below.

Thanks to all our contributors and our webinar guest for sharing their gear tips, and a big thanks to SiOnyx for sponsoring us this month!

Webinar:

Top 3 Tools Roundups:

Sent by email & social media:

“My #Top3Tools as a private investigator: iPad (I’m 99% paperless and can do just about anything with it), Garmin GPS (I work in rural areas that often lack cell coverage) and my AWD vehicle. I’ve passed 18-wheelers stuck in the snow.” —Scott Fulmer, Intermountain PI

“Hunchly, iPhone, and my MacBook.” —Kelly Paxton, CFE & Pink-Collar Crime expert

“A dash cam. Here’s the one that I use. I have had it in my truck for nearly 2 years with no problems. The video is decent quality and has been featured in a few North Texas Courtrooms.” —Clay Kahler, Bohn & Associates