Example Intake

Surveillance Intake — What a PI May Ask

The kind of information that turns a first night from guesswork into a documented result.

This is an example, not a service. It shows the type of information a private investigator commonly needs before starting surveillance. The professional you choose will have their own form, or will gather this during an intake interview. You don't have to fill anything in here.

This form is not a contract and not legal advice. Never write down passwords or logins, and don't copy anyone's private accounts. Completing it does not start any work — a licensed investigator confirms their license, the scope, and the fee before anything begins. The goal is simple: the more an investigator knows going in — what the subject drives, where they actually go, what a useful night looks like — the less of your money gets spent finding the driveway.

1. You (the client)

Full name

Preferred name

Cell (safe to call / text?)

Email (safe?)

City / state you're in

Attorney on this? Name / firm

Best way to reach you without it hitting the wrong phone My cell only Text first Email only Call my attorney Other

2. Who is being watched (the subject)

Full name

Goes by / nicknames

Date of birth / age

Their phone

Relationship to you

Description — as you'd pick them out of a parking lot.

Sex / build

Height

Hair

Glasses / facial hair

Tattoos / marks / usual clothes

A recent, clear photo — full body if you have one — helps more than any description. Attach it separately when you speak with the investigator; please keep it appropriate.

3. Vehicles

Year / make / model / color

Plate + state

Second vehicle

Plate + state

Where it usually sits overnight

4. Addresses that matter Home — where they actually sleep Work — name, address, shift / hours if you know them Gym / bar / apartment / "friend's house" you already suspect Kids' school / drop-off, if that changes the window

5. The week — when are they predictable?

No novel needed — just the pattern. e.g. "Leaves for 'work' at 6:40. Home by 6 most nights. Thursday is the weird one."

Typical leave / return times Days that don't fit (overtime, gym, "work dinner," out of town) Do they know the area / drive like they expect a tail?

6. What would put your mind at ease?

For most people this is about knowing the truth for their own peace of mind, not building a court case. Either is fine — just tell the investigator what you most want to know.

What do you most want to know? (check all that apply) Where they go after work / after leaving the house Who they meet (description / vehicle) Overnight — whether they stay somewhere else A specific address you already have They arrive and leave together / public affection Something my attorney asked for Any specific days or times to watch first? (e.g., "this Friday, when he says he's golfing") Any hard deadline? (a court date, a trip, a conversation you're not ready to have yet)

7. Other people in the picture Who you think they're seeing (name, description, car, workplace if known) Roommates / kids / dogs / cameras at the house we should know about Anyone else who already knows you hired someone

8. Safety — tell the truth here

Your safety comes first. If this could turn violent or you feel you're in danger, stop and contact law enforcement now — before any evidence. An investigator can still help afterward, and telling them this shapes how they approach the case.

No history of violence I'm aware of Has been physical / threatening Weapons in the home Protective order in place I'm afraid of what happens if they find out Anything else that keeps you up

9. What you already have (lawful only)

Joint statements, public posts, what you personally saw. Not their private texts. Not a login.

10. How you'll handle this while work is underway

Read these. Check the ones you can live with. If you can't, say so now — not Thursday night.

I will not tell them I know where they were. Not a hint. Not a "funny" question. I will not follow them, sit down the street, or "just drive by." I will not go through their phone, email, or cloud — even if I know the password. I will not post, vent, or brief friends in a way that gets back to them. I will keep my routine looking like my routine. Updates go to me or my attorney. I won't use a mid-case update to start a fight.

11. Sign-off

Print name

Date

Signature

Blank is fine. Bring what you have. A short honest form beats a long story that wastes the first night.