One of the sensitive situations we face as investigators is the difficulty that clients have when they come to us suspicious of a loved one for infidelity. Be assured that you are not alone. Not only are we here to be of service as one of the top private investigators in Columbia, SC, but we also want you to know that infidelity is not a rare occurrence.

Don’t tell yourself that you are simply paranoid. Your fears may be well-founded.

Common Infidelity Statistics:

• 30% to 60% of married couples are estimated to commit some form of infidelity at least once in their marriage.

• 22% of men and 14% of women are likely to stray at least once. This is sometimes blamed on the sexual revolution of the 1970’s, but it may also be that our current culture is more open to discussion of extramarital affairs.

• Up to 70% of married women and up to 54% of married men are unaware of their spouse’s infidelity.

• The Internet is a major culprit in these statistics. About 57% have used it to simply flirt outside of their marriage and 38% have used it for explicit conversations with people outside of their marriage.

• If your gut is telling you that something is off then it probably is. 85% of women who suspect adultery are correct, as are 50% of men.

It is important not to let your worries consume your life. If you think that a loved one is cheating on you then don’t ignore the feeling. Your future happiness and peace of mind are on the line.

For more information about Investigative Services please review our other blogs or visit us online at www.investigatesc.com.  

Child abuse is a difficult subject for many people to broach. It is especially difficult for a parent who suspects that their ex-spouse is the perpetrator of the abuse. But it is important to remember that child abuse does happen and if you have any suspicions that may indicate abuse it is important for a worried parent to do everything they can to protect their child. Child abuse can leave lifelong emotional and physical scars. As a private investigator in Columbia, SC we are here to help you determine the best way to protect your child, even if it means investigating someone close to you.

The Signs

There are not any specific signs of child abuse that are absolutely definitive. Children get bruises every day and most of them are from recess at school. It can be hard to identify whether a child needs help and it can become especially difficult if the child is being emotionally abused and not physically abused.

Main Signs

The child exhibits a sudden change in behavior.

They become overtly cautious and watchful.

The child seems to want to keep away from home, either through school activities or preferring to stay with one parent over the other.

There is a very negative relationship between the child and one of their parents.

Child abuse can also be classified in different ways and may exhibit different signs. There are four different kinds of child abuse: Physical Abuse, Emotional Abuse, Neglect, and Sexual Abuse.

Physical Abuse

The child has bruises that can not be identified as from play.

The child has fading bruises, sprains, or broken bones after a few weeks of not being seen or being out of school.

The child flinches around adults.

The child does not want to go home, and seems afraid of going home.

There is a clear negative connection between a parent and a child.

Emotional Abuse

A child becomes either aggressive or passive or swings between these two emotional extremes.

A child may show signs of adult behavior, infantile behavior, or both.

A child has thoughts of suicide, or displays suicidal behavior.

Neglect

A child is dirty and seems to have gone without access to a bath or shower.

A child reports being hungry and seems malnourished.

A child lacks the correct clothing for the season, like boots and a coat for the winter.

Sexual Abuse

A child withdraws from physical activities such as exercise.

A child does not want to be touched, and flinches away at contact.

A child begins to have chronic nightmares and may begin bedwetting when properly potty-trained before.

A child develops a sudden change in appetite.

A child shows knowledge of sex that should be beyond the scope for their age group.

A child becomes pregnant or contracts a venereal disease at a young age.

We do not want anyone to consider these lists comprehensive or absolute. But if you suspect any foul play on the part of an ex or those with the access to your children, then you should find out all of the answers you can as soon as possible. By hiring a private investigator you can ensure the proper well being of your child as well as gain your own peace of mind. 

You may feel that it is easier and more cost effective to do surveillance on your own. Or you may have a friend or family member who is willing to do this for you. We strongly recommend that you hire a professional. There are many pitfalls that come from trying to do a job you are not equipped or trained to handle. Furthermore, if you plan to use this information in court it will need to be admissible and it will need to authoritative. As a private investigator firm in Columbia, SC we want to give you a few tips on what a professional can do for your investigation.

What a Professional Can Do

A professional private investigator can offer a variety of services that will not only get the job done but do it without you having to place the stress of surveillance on your own shoulders. When we say surveillance we mean that we will be using a few different methods in conjunction to gain information on a persons habits, whereabouts, and activities. These methods include GPS tracking, video recording, and field work by investigators who will personally follow subjects under investigation. Not only will this information provide you with peace of mind, but should you need to go to court it will prove to be important evidence in any case you plan to make. Furthermore, if you choose your professional carefully and get a professional who is SLED-licensed, as the Byrd, Stillinger, and Associates investigation team is, then they will be well versed in any law in relation to surveillance.

How You Will Be Involved

Do not fear that an investigator will ignore you and your suspicions. You are still important to the case. Though a professional will handle most of the work for you, you will be needed to establish the beginning of the surveillance plan. You will know the subject of the investigation personally and because of this you will be able to help pinpoint the best times or places that a PI can use to start an investigation.

We will also need you to keep up your own habits. Do not indicate that there is anything amiss or that you are suspicious of their behavior. If your own habits change your subject may notice and cover their tracks for fear that you are onto them. This could make an investigation take a lot longer and the information you need could become much harder to obtain. After helping to establish a surveillance plan, you should try to relax, act normal, and allow the investigator to do their job.

What You Can Expect

At the end of an investigation one of two things will occur. Either your suspicions will be confirmed or they won't be. If they are confirmed we will provide you with all of the evidence which will be yours to use how you wish. Remember that this evidence is important for a court case as a private investigator's testimony is often looked at more favorably by judge or jury because it comes from an authoritative and unbiased individual.

If your fears are unconfirmed then you now have the ability to move on and let the fears and worries go. Don't be afraid to contact a private investigator and gain that peace of mind.

 Suspicions of infidelity or adultery can become a psychological nightmare. On the one hand you want to show that you implicitly trust your partner and you don't want to accuse them of something if you don't have incontrovertible proof. On the other, your suspicions may be eating you alive from the inside out – and this will have a severe effect on your emotional and mental health not to mention your relationship with this person. We at Byrd, Stillinger, and Associates have private investigators in Columbia, SC and private investigators in Lexington, SC who are equipped to help you find peace of mind about your relationship.

Determining if you may need help from a professional private investigator can be a difficult decision. You may be ignoring or explaining away signs of infidelity at this time. And that is okay – sometimes everyone can become a little paranoid. But statistics do show that up to 80% of women and 50% of men who suspect infidelity are correct in their suspicions. To help you determine whether you need to hire a PI we've come up with a list of signs that may indicate that a partner or spouse is cheating.

Signs of Infidelity

There's not really a top ten list of signs that are absolute proof that you are being cheated on. But all of these signs may be good indicators that you should seek the help of a professional – they will be able to provide you with the proof (or lack thereof) that you need to put these questions to rest.

• A partner becomes withdrawn from you alone. They withdraw from social activities specific to you such as dates, your work functions, or visits with your side of the family. But they still find time to be with their own friends and family on a regular and normal basis.

• A partner becomes secretive. They don't want to share their whereabouts with you and become defensive when you ask about what they did during the day.

• A significant change in cosmetics or soaps occurs. They begin to take a larger interest in appearance and may change their appearance suddenly. They may come home with a smell of cologne or perfume for the opposite sex.

• Things that were normally left out and about and used frequently in your presence such as a cell phone or a computer now relegated to a locked office also indicates that the partner may have something to hide.

• Suspicious credit card or banking behavior. Either they made purchases in town when they were “out of town” or they are withdrawing large or random amounts of money from a checking account. A smaller amount coming in from their side of the joint account can also be an indicator.

• A decreased interest in sexual activity where there was sexual activity on a normal and regular basis previously.

• Strange mileage on the car that is unusual given the amount of time the partner was believed to be using the car.

It's Not All in the Signs

As stated before, we do not want you to believe that this is a comprehensive list of signs or that this means your partner is cheating at all. There may be a perfectly reasonable explanation. Stress from work or from other issues may cause a spouse or partner to act this way. They may be keeping something from you that has nothing to do with infidelity such as fear about a job or a pay cut. This is not to say that this is a good explanation because any trust issues in a relationship can lead to fracture but it is to say that infidelity or adultery are not always the only causes for this behavior.

If you find yourself faced with several of these signs then it may be time to hire a Byrd, Stillinger, and Associates private investigator in Columbia or private investigator in Lexington. Never accuse a spouse or partner on suspicion alone. We can help you get the proof you need so that you can have the peace of mind you deserve.

The field of digital forensics has become increasingly more important over the last few years as both the computer and the cellular market has grown. Digital forensics describes the process of going into a technological device such as a computer or a cellphone in order to monitor the activity on these items and determine if the item has been hacked previously and/or is being watched. You may think that you don’t have much to hide on your technological device, so this warning need not apply to you. But just because you’ve hit a “delete’ button doesn’t mean that a good hacker can’t find a copy of it somewhere on your machine. This field is constantly evolving and adjusting to meet the demand and new technologies released and it is ever growing with the cellular market.

In conjunction with the increasing demand for new technology in the cell phone market, the market for ‘malware’ or ‘spyware’ has increased. Cellphone forensics is a broad term within the digital forensics field that encompasses a variety of duties, notably, the ability to recover lost cell phone data, recover deleted text messages, analyze and extract call detail records, analyze and extract customer data integration, and detect and remove mobile ‘malware’ or ‘spyware’. Malware and Spyware are programs that enable the motivated brigand to spy on a user's activities; from text messaging, email, incoming and outgoing phone calls and GPS location information. One of the most popular use of 'malware' and ' spyware' is the active listening feature. Using this technology and software, individuals can monitor conversations within close proximity of the phone instantly by activating the speaker. This type of software is easy to install and easy to set up.

Spyware and Malware are both considered cyber crimes. These crimes can be extremely detrimental to you as an individual. Through using this software a criminal can determine personal information such as credit and debit card numbers from processes such as online banking or shopping or through hacking into sensitive information that you may have saved on your computer or cellphone. If the hacker is very lucky they may even be able to get your social security number. Identity theft is an ever growing problem and these cyber crimes are directly linked.

If you suspect your devices are being monitored illegally, our private investigators at Byrd, Stillinger, and Associates can use forensic software to determine if these harmful programs have been installed, even if they are advertised to be invisible and untraceable once installed. Our PI’s are also equipped to use cellphone forensics to un-install this software as well. Cellular phone forensic investigators at Byrd, Stillinger & Associates can find this ‘malware’ or ‘spyware’, no matter how crafty the creators and users of the harmful program think they are. They can and will be identified, and if necessary, prosecuted. Not only will our private investigators in Columbia, SC attempt to identify the software and the person behind it, but we will also educate you, the client, on how to best avoid and defeat these issues moving forward.

Undoubtedly, there are people you know and trust enough to allow them to babysit your children or care for a vulnerable adult in your home.  Sometimes that trust is based on personal knowledge, and other times it is based on the vetting process one presumes a professional agency utilizes to screen employees. Unfortunately, that trust is far too often misplaced, resulting in abuse and neglect that goes undetected, often for months or even years.  Caregiver abuse is difficult to prove, since bruises and other injuries can and do happen even with the most careful and attentive workers, and often the child or vulnerable adult is unable to accurately express what did or did not happen, when or how.  Traditionally, there have been few options for people who wanted some way to ensure that their loved ones are safe and being adequately cared for.  Recent digital advances and the trend towards ready availability of affordable surveillance equipment have made it possible for nearly anyone to take steps to protect their loved ones and put abusers behind bars.  Read about this case in Florida where parents suspected their long-time sitter of abusing their child.  They installed a hidden camera and turned the footage over to police for prosecution.  If you hire sitters, a nursing service or individual caregivers to work with children or vulnerable adults in your home, you should face the reality that yes, it could happen to your loved one, in your home - and you have the right and the duty to protect them (within whatever restrictions Federal or state law impose). 

Some tips for using home surveillance to record abuse/neglect:

1.  Check the laws in your state and/or consult a reputable attorney to ensure that you do not violate state or federal law.  Then check again to be sure!

2.  Decide what risks are apparent and try to think of others that might not be so obvious.  Consider neglect as well as abuse, and pay heed to the red flags that you may have dismissed as overreaction or overprotectiveness.   

3.  Try to identify locations in the home where abuse may occur, or where neglect would be apparent.  Think about what kind of evidence you are looking for and where you are most likely to get it.  Think about the time the equipment will need to be in operation (an evening?  a full workday? a weekend?) Depending on your budget and/or time restrictions, you may need to make some difficult choices. 

4. Few people need or want to have color high-definition video, with audio, of every square foot of the home 24/7.  Consider using audio surveillance without video or video without audio.  Would time-lapse still photos be sufficient?  How about motion- or sound-activated equipment? 

5.  Identify places where a camera would record the activity/lack of pertinent activity, then pick one or two that would provide the best view.  What is currently located in that spot?  Shelves? A dresser? A closet? Electrical outlet? Light fixture? Picture?  What space is available for the recorder itself (if separate from the lens) and is there a place to hide wire(s)?  For audio, consider background noise, distance to source, need (or lack of need) to record low voices or whispers, etc. Remember that every piece of surveillance/recording equipment requires a power source - typically the more detailed/sensitive the video/audio, and the longer the recording times, the bigger (physically) the power source will be. 

6.  If you have decided to purchase your own equipment, shop for equipment that will work in the locations you identified - there are many "nanny cams" on the market, hidden in everything from teddy bears to radios.  Audio recorders without video are also widely available in a variety of shapes and sizes.  Consider the lighting and distance, any potential interference, background noise, reflections or glare, and be sure to purchase equipment that will provide good quality, useable recordings. Make sure you understand the specifics of setup, wiring (if any) and the limitations of any wireless signals the equipment may use, as well as storage capacity and how that translates into recording time.  Remember - you get what you pay for, and far too often you get something less.  If you're creative and/or handy, consider purchasing just the recording equipment and installing it yourself in an item or place that is already in or part of the room.

7.  If you don't have time or are hesitant to research, purchase, install and test surveillance equipment yourself, contact a reputable, licensed private investigator like Byrd, Stilllinger & Associates.  We can make recommendations on where and how to set up surveillance, as well as the best equipment to use for your particular circumstances.  Many, like BSA, will rent you the equipment and/or install it for you, as well. 

8.  Don't let on to anyone that you've installed surveillance equipment.  Be sure that no one sees the equipment itself or where it is installed - children, the elderly and loved ones with limited cognition may inadvertently reveal the surveillance verbally, through behavior changes or even by just looking repeatedly in the direction of the recording equipment without realizing it. 

9.  View recordings in private, without the child(ren) or vulnerable adult present. 

10.  NEVER confront a suspect yourself based on video or audio evidence.  If you feel that terminating the person's services is necessary, do so promptly and with as little explanation as possible (consult an attorney if you are unsure of what is required of you). Of course, ensure that the child/vulnerable adult receives thorough medical and/or psychological assistance as soon as possible.  

11.  If the incident appears to involve a violation of law, consider all the circumstances and proceed in whatever way is best for the victim(s), keeping in mind that in most states, there are some crimes you are required by law to report - some reports are required because of the age or condition of the victim, others are required due to the nature of the crime, and mandated reporting by people in certain positions and/or certain professions may be a factor, as well. Check your state's laws or consult an attorney if you are unsure what is required in your state. 

12. If you are not required to report the incident(s), you can certainly choose not to do so, but keep in mind that there may be others the suspect has abused or neglected, and that there may be more if you decide not to report. 

13. Local law enforcement should assist you in preserving the audio/video evidence.  Most departments and/or prosecutor's offices have Victim/Witness Assistance programs - if you're not referred by the officer, ask how you can get in touch with V/WA.

14.  If the suspect has a license or permit, consider reporting the incident to the licensing agency. In situations where a report to law enfocement is not mandated, this can be in addition or an alternative to a report to law enforcement. 

15.  In most states, you cannot be successfully sued for making a good faith report of abuse or neglect to law enforcement or other appropriate agencies - consult an attorney in your state to find out your rights and what protections the law provides to you.

16.  If serious harm has been done to your loved one, consider requiring those responsible to pay for your loved one's medical and counseling costs. If not required as restitution during a criminal case, these costs may be recoverable in some other forum.  A qualified, experienced attorney can explain your alternatives and help you with any claim you or your loved one(s) may have.

If you have questions about home surveillance, contact us for more information. 

Byrd, Stillinger & Associates Private Investigations

1416 Park Street

Columbia, SC  29201

803-400-1974 or toll free 888-699-3350

"If he confessed, why have a trial?"

How often have you heard (or even said) something similar?  As the economy has cut deeply into the budgets of court systems everywhere, lawyers, judges and citizens search desperately for solutions.  Of all the people who have the right to access the court system, those that garner the least support and sympathy are those accused of crimes against children and of murder.  It's all too easy to point to these defendants, especially when there is a confession, and ask why they should be allowed to take up valuable court time that could be allocated to someone who might be found not guilty.  With the ever-increasing use of DNA to verify or challenge convictions all over the country, it has been found that false confessions led to wrongful convictions in a surprising number of cases.  Could you tell the difference between a false confession and a real one?  ABC is going to give you a chance to find out.  Check out this article, and see if you can identify the false confession.  You can also read more about false confessions here.

If you have questions about criminal defense investigations, contact us for more information.

Byrd, Stillinger & Associates Private Investigations

BSA Criminal Defense Investigations

Pursuit Magazine publishes many fine articles for Private Investigations professionals. In many ways, the ethics issues for Private Detectives are similar to those facing attorneys.  Of course, an attorney who hires a PI is responsible for the PI's ethical conduct. PI's should familiarize themselves with the ethical duties and restrictions of attorneys, and attorneys should have that potentially awkward concversation with any PI they work with to ensure that they are knowledgeable in this area. A growing area of confusion and sincere concern involves the "whats" and ""hows" of electronic media, survelliance and discovery.   In this article titled "Ethics in an Electronic Era: 50 Ways to Get in Ethical Trouble with Technology", authors Sharon Nelson and John Simek provide food for thought for both attorneys and Private Investigators.  Unlike most basic articles on the subject, this one is may very well cause many to raise their eyebrows as they think"ohhhh, hadn't thought of that!" and "wonder if the other side knows this?"  Of course, check the statutes and ethics rules for your jurisdiction - have the conversation with your fellow professional - together you can obtain the best results for the client and maintain high ethical standards.

At Byrd, Stillinger & Associates Private Investigations, we work with clients and attorneys to obtain the best evidence ethically, efficiently and quickly in investigations ranging from adultery and custody to insurance fraud and criminal defense.  Contact us for more information.

Byrd, Stillinger & Associates Private Investigations

www.investigatesc.com

1416 Park Street, Columbia, SC 29201

Columbia, Lexington, Camden, Sumter, Newberry, Winnsboro, Chapin and statewide 

Often, by the time we get involved in a claim, there are complications due to the passage of time since the claim was made.  Missed opportunities abound.  In this article from www.WorkersCompensation.com entitled "New Ways a Private Eye Can Reduce Fraudulent and Frivolous Claims", adjusters and claims managers are encouraged to consider getting a trained PI involved at the beginning of every case to save money and time. 

Here at BSA, we have a full staff of trained investigators - our firm has been investigating fraudulent claims since 1991.  Contact us to discuss your investigation needs.

Byrd, Stillinger & Associates Private Investigators

www.investigatesc.com