HOW OUR SURVEILLANCE PROCESS WORKS

Step 1: Free Confidential Consultation

We begin every surveillance case with a free, confidential consultation to understand your situation and objectives. During this consultation, we discuss why you need surveillance, what you hope to document, and what evidence would serve your purposes. Our investigators assess your case and recommend the most effective surveillance approach whether mobile following, fixed-point observation, or extended activity monitoring. We provide honest assessments about what surveillance can realistically accomplish and expected timelines for gathering evidence.

Step 2: Surveillance Strategy Development

Based on your consultation, we develop a customized surveillance plan tailored to your specific situation. The strategy considers subject’s known routines, locations of interest, times when relevant activities are most likely, and evidence requirements for your purposes. We determine appropriate surveillance type, optimal observation times, number of investigators needed, and estimated duration. Our plan maximizes evidence collection efficiency while staying within your budget and meeting your timeline requirements.

Step 3: Professional Surveillance Execution

Licensed investigators conduct surveillance using unmarked vehicles that change regularly, professional camera equipment including telephoto lenses, and proven techniques developed over 25+ years. We maintain appropriate distance to avoid detection while capturing clear photographic and video evidence. Surveillance continues through various locations and time periods as subjects move throughout Sacramento and Northern California. Former law enforcement training ensures surveillance is conducted professionally using methods that remain undetected while gathering comprehensive documentation.

Step 4: Evidence Collection and Documentation

Throughout surveillance we capture date and time-stamped photographs, video footage when appropriate, and maintain detailed written logs of all activities. Photographic evidence documents subjects, locations, associates, activities, and timelines. Video evidence provides context and shows behaviors that still photographs cannot capture. Written reports describe complete surveillance activities including arrival and departure times, locations visited, people encountered, and activities observed. All evidence is organized chronologically with clear descriptions.

Step 5: Comprehensive Reporting

You receive a complete surveillance report including executive summary of findings, chronological timeline of all observed activities, professional photographs with date and time documentation, video evidence when captured, subject and vehicle identification, location descriptions and maps, and investigator credentials. Reports are formatted professionally with objective language suitable for legal proceedings, insurance claims, or personal use. Digital and printed formats provided based on your needs. Evidence is maintained for future testimony if required.

WHY CHOOSE LANCE CASEY & ASSOCIATES FOR SURVEILLANCE

25+ Years Surveillance Experience

Lance Casey has conducted professional surveillance throughout Sacramento and Northern California for over 25 years. Our extensive experience includes family law surveillance, insurance fraud investigation, corporate cases, and personal matters. We understand surveillance techniques, subject behavior patterns, and how to position ourselves for optimal observation while avoiding detection. Decades of experience mean we know when to advance, when to retreat, and how to maintain surveillance through challenging situations.

Former Law Enforcement Training

Over 10 years of law enforcement experience provides professional training in surveillance techniques, evidence collection, and courtroom testimony. Police surveillance training emphasized maintaining visual contact, using multiple vehicle techniques, and documenting activities according to legal standards. This law enforcement background ensures surveillance is conducted professionally, evidence meets court requirements, and our testimony carries credibility with judges and attorneys throughout Northern California.

Professional Surveillance Equipment

Our investigators use professional-grade camera equipment including telephoto lenses for distance photography, low-light cameras for evening and indoor surveillance, video equipment for documenting behavior and interactions, and GPS tracking devices for authorized vehicle monitoring. Professional equipment provides clear, detailed evidence regardless of lighting conditions, weather, or distance. Date and time stamps are automatically embedded in all photographs and videos providing irrefutable documentation of when activities occurred.

Proven Discreet Techniques

Twenty-five years of surveillance experience developed proven techniques for following subjects and observing activities without detection. We use unmarked vehicles that change regularly preventing subject recognition, dress appropriately for surveillance locations blending into environments, maintain appropriate distance using telephoto equipment, and employ counter-surveillance awareness identifying when subjects check for followers. Professional techniques ensure we gather evidence without alerting subjects to surveillance presence.

Court-Admissible Evidence

All surveillance is conducted with court admissibility as primary focus following California Evidence Code requirements and legal standards. We maintain proper chain of custody for evidence, document everything according to court expectations, and prepare reports formatted for legal proceedings. Photographic and video evidence includes proper context, location information, and detailed time documentation. Our reports are regularly accepted in Sacramento County Superior Court, Placer County Superior Court, and throughout Northern California for family law, civil litigation, and criminal proceedings.

Available for Expert Witness Testimony

Lance Casey regularly provides expert witness testimony regarding surveillance methodology, evidence collection, and findings. We testify in Sacramento County family court, civil litigation, insurance defense cases, and criminal proceedings explaining surveillance procedures, photographic evidence, and investigation results. Former law enforcement background and 25+ years of experience establish courtroom credibility. Expert testimony services include depositions, trial appearances, and consultation with attorneys regarding evidence presentation.

Multiple Investigator Capability

Complex surveillance situations requiring coverage of multiple locations, subjects, or extended periods can utilize multiple investigators working coordinated operations. Two-investigator teams provide redundancy if one investigator loses visual contact, allow simultaneous coverage of multiple entrances or locations, and enable vehicle switching during extended mobile surveillance preventing subject detection. Multi-investigator surveillance ensures comprehensive coverage for difficult cases.

Statewide California Coverage

Our surveillance services extend throughout Northern California and statewide when subjects travel extensively. We conduct surveillance in Sacramento, Roseville, Elk Grove, Folsom, and throughout Sacramento County, Placer County, Yolo County, El Dorado County, and beyond. If subjects travel to San Francisco, Bay Area, Los Angeles, or other California locations, surveillance continues seamlessly across jurisdictional boundaries. Statewide coverage ensures comprehensive documentation regardless of subject travel patterns.

SACRAMENTO SURVEILLANCE SERVICE AREAS

Primary Service Area

Sacramento County: Sacramento, Elk Grove, Citrus Heights, Rancho Cordova, Carmichael, Fair Oaks, Orangevale, North Highlands, Arden-Arcade, Foothill Farms, Rio Linda, McClellan Park, Rosemont, Vineyard, Parkway, South Sacramento, Land Park, East Sacramento, Natomas

Placer County: Roseville, Rocklin, Lincoln, Auburn, Granite Bay, Loomis, Colfax, Foresthill, Newcastle

Yolo County: Davis, Woodland, West Sacramento, Winters

El Dorado County: Folsom, El Dorado Hills, Placerville, Cameron Park, Diamond Springs, South Lake Tahoe

Extended Coverage

Sutter County, Yuba County, Nevada County, Amador County, and all Northern California communities. Statewide California surveillance available for subjects who travel extensively or cases requiring multi-region documentation.

COMMON SURVEILLANCE SCENARIOS

Scenario 1: Workers Compensation Fraud Surveillance

Situation: Sacramento insurance carrier suspects workers compensation claimant exaggerating disability. Claimant claims total inability to work due to back injury but neighbors report seeing physical activities inconsistent with claimed limitations.

Our Surveillance: Multi-day surveillance documents claimant’s actual physical capabilities and daily activities. We observe claimant leaving residence, photograph activities throughout day, document physical exertion levels, and capture video of movements. Surveillance reveals claimant performing yard work, lifting heavy objects, playing sports, and engaging in activities completely inconsistent with claimed total disability.

Result: Clear photographic and video evidence showing claimant’s actual physical capabilities contradicting disability claims. Documentation includes subject lifting 50+ pound objects, climbing ladders, engaging in recreational sports, and performing physical labor. Evidence supports claim denial and fraud prosecution saving insurance carrier over $150,000 in fraudulent benefit payments.

Scenario 2: Child Custody Visitation Compliance

Situation: Roseville parent needs documentation that ex-spouse consistently violates court-ordered visitation schedule. Ex-spouse frequently misses pick-up times, returns children late, and leaves children with unauthorized caregivers during visitation periods.

Our Surveillance: Surveillance during scheduled visitation times documents actual compliance with court orders. We photograph scheduled pick-up and drop-off times, document who actually cares for children during visitation, observe unauthorized caregivers, and establish patterns over four weeks. Fixed-point surveillance at both residences captures complete documentation of visitation schedule compliance or violations.

Result: Documentation shows 12 visitation violations in four-week period including missed pick-ups, late returns, and children left with unauthorized grandmother on five occasions. Evidence presented in Placer County family court supports contempt motion resulting in modified visitation schedule with supervised exchange and make-up time for denied visitation.

Scenario 3: Employee Theft Investigation

Situation: Folsom business owner suspects employee stealing inventory and selling items independently. Inventory discrepancies suggest systematic theft but owner lacks proof identifying responsible employee or documenting theft activities.

Our Surveillance: Surveillance of employee after work hours documents theft activities. We follow employee from workplace, observe loading company inventory into personal vehicle, photograph meetings with buyers, and document cash transactions. Extended surveillance over two weeks establishes pattern of theft, identifies co-conspirators, and documents sale of stolen property.

Result: Comprehensive photographic evidence of employee removing company property, meeting buyers at various locations, and conducting cash sales of stolen inventory. Documentation includes license plates of buyers, dates and times of thefts, and estimated value of stolen property. Evidence supports criminal prosecution with employee convicted of grand theft and ordered to pay $45,000 restitution.

Scenario 4: Cohabitation for Spousal Support Modification

Situation: Elk Grove ex-spouse paying spousal support suspects former partner cohabitating with new romantic partner while concealing relationship to continue receiving support. Needs proof of cohabitation meeting California legal definition for support modification.

Our Surveillance: Extended surveillance over six weeks documents overnight stays, shared living arrangements, and domestic relationship patterns. Fixed-point surveillance at residence captures subject and partner arriving together, staying overnight consistently, spending days at residence together, and behavior indicating domestic partnership. We document patterns meeting California family law cohabitation standards including frequency, duration, and nature of relationship.

Result: Comprehensive documentation of cohabitation with photographic evidence of overnight stays on 42 of 45 observed nights, shared domestic activities, and relationship behaviors. Evidence includes both entering residence together in evening, lights on throughout night, both departing together in morning, and patterns consistent over extended period. Documentation supports spousal support termination motion in Sacramento County family court resulting in $2,500 monthly support obligation elimination.

Scenario 5: Personal Injury Claim Verification

Situation: Sacramento auto accident defendant’s insurance carrier needs verification of plaintiff’s claimed injuries and limitations. Plaintiff claims severe permanent disability preventing work and normal activities seeking $500,000 settlement. Insurance carrier suspects exaggeration based on social media activity.

Our Surveillance: Multi-day surveillance documents plaintiff’s actual physical capabilities and daily activities. We observe plaintiff at residence, follow to various locations, photograph physical activities, and document capabilities inconsistent with claimed disabilities. Surveillance captures plaintiff engaging in recreational activities, performing physical labor at side business, and demonstrating mobility and strength contradicting claimed permanent limitations.

Result: Video and photographic evidence showing plaintiff engaging in mountain biking, operating construction equipment at undisclosed business, lifting heavy materials, and performing activities completely inconsistent with claimed total disability. Documentation presented during mediation results in settlement reduction from $500,000 demand to $75,000 based on proven exaggeration of injuries. Insurance carrier saves $425,000 through surveillance evidence.

SURVEILLANCE SERVICE PRICING

Consultation

Free – Confidential consultation to discuss surveillance needs, objectives, and strategy with no obligation

Single Day Surveillance

$1,000-$1,500 – One day surveillance (6-8 hours) including photographic documentation and written report

Multi-Day Surveillance Package

$3,000-$5,000 – Three to five days surveillance over one to two weeks establishing patterns and gathering comprehensive evidence

Extended Surveillance Investigation

$7,000-$12,000 – Two to four weeks comprehensive surveillance for complex cases requiring extensive documentation

Fixed-Point Surveillance

$800-$1,200 per day – Stationary surveillance monitoring specific location with photographic documentation

Two-Investigator Team Surveillance

$1,800-$2,500 per day – Multiple investigators providing enhanced coverage and redundancy for complex cases

GPS Tracking Service

$500-$1,500 – GPS device installation, monitoring, and reporting for legally authorized vehicle tracking (plus monthly monitoring fees)

Pricing Notes:

• Retainer required before surveillance begins
• Costs vary based on surveillance complexity, duration, number of investigators, and travel requirements
• Rush surveillance available with premium pricing for urgent situations
• All pricing includes professional photographic evidence and detailed written reports
• Payment plans available for qualified clients in extended surveillance cases

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What types of cases require surveillance?

Surveillance is commonly used for workers compensation fraud investigation, personal injury claim verification, child custody compliance documentation, infidelity investigation, employee misconduct, cohabitation verification for support modification, insurance fraud detection, and activity monitoring for various legal and personal matters. Any situation requiring documentation of someone’s activities, locations, or behaviors can benefit from professional surveillance. We conduct surveillance for attorneys, insurance carriers, businesses, and individuals throughout Sacramento and Northern California.

Will the subject know they’re being followed?

Professional surveillance uses techniques specifically designed to avoid detection. We use unmarked vehicles that change regularly preventing recognition, maintain appropriate distance using telephoto equipment, dress appropriately for surveillance environments blending in naturally, and employ counter-surveillance awareness to detect if subjects are checking for followers. Our investigators have 25+ years of experience and former law enforcement training in surveillance methods. While no surveillance is 100% undetectable, professional techniques make detection extremely unlikely. If we believe surveillance has been compromised, we discontinue and reschedule.

What will the surveillance report include?

Your surveillance report includes executive summary of findings and significant observations, detailed chronological timeline documenting all surveillance activities, professional date and time-stamped photographs, video footage when appropriate showing behaviors and interactions, subject identification and vehicle information, complete location documentation with addresses and maps, weather and lighting conditions during surveillance, and investigator credentials and licensing information. Reports are formatted professionally with objective language and factual observations suitable for legal proceedings, insurance claims, or personal use.

How long does surveillance typically take?

Surveillance duration depends on your objectives and what patterns need documenting. Single-day surveillance works when you have specific information about activities on particular dates. Most cases require three to five days surveillance over one to two weeks to establish patterns and gather compelling evidence. Workers compensation and personal injury cases often need one to two weeks documenting physical capabilities. Custody and cohabitation cases may require several weeks establishing consistent patterns. We provide duration recommendations during consultation based on your specific situation.

Can you conduct surveillance anywhere in California?

Yes. We conduct surveillance throughout Sacramento, Roseville, Elk Grove, Folsom, and all Northern California communities. Surveillance continues wherever subjects travel within California including San Francisco, Bay Area, Los Angeles, San Diego, and other regions. We cannot conduct surveillance on private property without permission but can observe from public locations. If subjects travel out of state, we can coordinate with investigators in other jurisdictions or continue surveillance depending on location and case requirements.

Is surveillance legal in California?

Yes. Private investigators licensed by California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services can legally conduct surveillance from public locations observing subjects and documenting activities visible from public vantage points. We cannot trespass on private property, use electronic eavesdropping, hack communications, or invade reasonable privacy expectations. All our surveillance methods comply with California law and court decisions regarding lawful investigation. Evidence collected through legal surveillance is admissible in California courts for civil and criminal proceedings.

What equipment do you use for surveillance?

We use professional camera equipment including digital SLR cameras with telephoto lenses for distance photography, low-light capable cameras for evening and indoor surveillance, video cameras for documenting behavior and interactions, GPS tracking devices for authorized vehicle monitoring, and professional recording equipment for dictating observations. All equipment produces high-resolution images and videos with automatic date and time stamps. Professional equipment ensures clear, detailed evidence regardless of lighting conditions, weather, distance, or environmental challenges.

Can surveillance be conducted at night?

Yes. Many surveillance situations require evening and nighttime observation including infidelity investigations, workers compensation fraud cases where activities occur after claimed work hours, and custody cases monitoring evening routines. We use low-light camera equipment producing clear images in dim conditions, infrared capable equipment for complete darkness when necessary, and appropriate lighting techniques for photographing subjects without detection. Nighttime surveillance is standard service, not premium pricing.

How do you maintain surveillance without being detected?

Professional surveillance techniques include using multiple unmarked vehicles that change regularly, maintaining appropriate following distance using telephoto lenses, dressing appropriately for surveillance locations to blend naturally, positioning vehicles inconspicuously with unobstructed views, employing two-investigator teams for complex mobile surveillance, and using counter-surveillance awareness to detect if subjects are checking for followers. Twenty-five years of experience and former law enforcement training provide expertise in maintaining surveillance through various environments and situations without alerting subjects.

Will you testify about surveillance findings in court?

Yes. Lance Casey is available for deposition and courtroom testimony throughout Sacramento County, Placer County, and Northern California when cases proceed to trial or contested hearings. We testify regarding surveillance methodology, evidence collection procedures, photographic and video evidence authentication, observations made during surveillance, and professional opinions based on documented activities. Former law enforcement background and 25+ years of investigation experience provide courtroom credibility. Expert witness services include deposition appearances, trial testimony, and consultation with attorneys regarding evidence presentation and case strategy.

What if surveillance doesn’t capture the activities suspected?

Surveillance documents whatever actually occurs during observation periods. Sometimes surveillance reveals no evidence of suspected activities because subjects aren’t engaging in those activities, timing is incorrect, or activities occur outside surveillance periods. We report findings honestly whether they confirm or contradict suspicions. Negative surveillance results still provide value by eliminating possibilities, providing peace of mind, or indicating different investigation approaches. Extended surveillance over longer periods may be needed if initial observations don’t capture suspected activities.

Can GPS tracking replace physical surveillance?

GPS tracking provides location data showing where vehicles travel but cannot document what subjects do at locations, who they meet, or activities engaged in. GPS tracking works best combined with periodic physical surveillance verifying activities at tracked locations. California law strictly regulates GPS tracking—we only provide tracking for vehicles you own or have legal authority to monitor. GPS tracking cannot be used on vehicles owned by spouses, partners, or other individuals without proper legal authority. Physical surveillance remains necessary for documenting actual activities and gathering photographic evidence.

How quickly can you start surveillance?

Most surveillance cases can begin within 24 to 48 hours of retainer payment. If you have time-sensitive information about activities on specific upcoming dates, we often provide same-day or next-day surveillance response. Rush surveillance for urgent situations receives priority scheduling. During consultation we discuss your timeline, upcoming dates of concern, and scheduling surveillance for optimal results. Emergency surveillance services available 24/7 for time-sensitive investigations throughout Sacramento and Northern California.

Do you provide surveillance on weekends and holidays?

Yes. Surveillance is conducted whenever subjects are most likely to engage in activities of interest regardless of day or time. Many cases require weekend surveillance when subjects have free time for activities not possible during work week. Holiday surveillance is standard for cases where significant activities occur during holidays. Weekend and holiday surveillance is included in standard pricing, not premium charges. Our investigators are available seven days per week including holidays for comprehensive surveillance coverage.

What makes your surveillance different from other investigators?

Our 25+ years of surveillance experience, former law enforcement training, professional equipment, and commitment to court-admissible evidence distinguish our services. Many investigators lack law enforcement background, use consumer-grade equipment producing poor quality evidence, or employ inexperienced investigators who get detected. We invest in professional equipment, ongoing training, and proven techniques ensuring surveillance remains undetected while gathering compelling evidence. Our reports are regularly accepted in California courts and our testimony carries credibility with judges throughout Northern California.

READY TO GET STARTED?

Free Confidential Consultation

Discuss your surveillance needs with an experienced Sacramento investigator. We’ll assess your situation, recommend surveillance strategies, explain the process, and provide honest cost estimates.

No obligation. Just professional guidance for your surveillance needs.

Lance Casey & Associates
Licensed Private Investigators
California PI License #27617

Phone: 800-683-4769
Email: info@lancecasey.com
Office: 5015 Madison Ave Unit #A90, Sacramento, CA 95841

Serving: Sacramento County | Placer County | Yolo County | El Dorado County | Northern California

Hours:
Monday-Friday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Sunday & After Hours: Emergency Surveillance Available

Complete Confidentiality | Professional Results

Contact Methods

[Schedule Free Consultation] – Book confidential consultation
[Call Now: 800-683-4769] – Speak with investigator
[Email Us] – Send confidential inquiry

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