Just got back to the hotel after a long day on surveillance—finally grabbing a minute to scroll through emails. It’s a question I get all the time:
“Jon, how do I become a private investigator that does surveillance?”
After years of running high-level surveillance operations through Rhino Surveillance, I can tell you this: there’s a world of difference between wanting to do this job and actually being good at it.
If you’re serious about getting into the game, these are the five essential qualities you must master to succeed as a surveillance investigator.
1. Mobile Surveillance Skills
You have to be able to follow someone without getting caught.
Simple, right? Not quite.
Even seasoned investigators get burned occasionally—it happens. But if it happens often, that’s a problem. In this business, you’re only as good as your last case.
Good surveillance means maintaining distance, blending in, anticipating the subject’s moves, and thinking two steps ahead.
Pro tip:
The best surveillance investigators look like they belong everywhere… and stand out nowhere.
2. Solid Video Camera Skills
If you’re working personal injury or workers’ comp cases, your video is your evidence.
It can’t be shaky, blurry, or off-center. Your client will need to analyze exactly how well the claimant moves—whether they’re pushing, pulling, lifting, bending, or walking.
A wobbly video can destroy an otherwise perfect case.
At Rhino Surveillance, we train our investigators to shoot clean, steady, and clear video every single time. Because in court or in a report, that video speaks louder than anything else.
3. Covert Camera Confidence
You must be able to use a covert camera in public—without getting caught.
It sounds easier than it is.
I once knew an investigator who was filming inside a restaurant. He was so focused on the subject that someone sitting next to him noticed the camera… and told the target. Surveillance over.
Embarrassing, yes. But a powerful lesson.
When you’re in public, always stay situationally aware. Don’t get tunnel vision. Confidence and composure are your best disguises.
4. Resourcefulness Under Pressure
Every investigator hits unexpected challenges. The difference between an amateur and a pro is how fast they adapt.
You have to be resourceful—good at digging up information, using social media, pre-texting, and finding solutions when things go sideways.
Just this morning, I was following a subject when my car battery died. Dead in the water. Instead of panicking, I flagged a guy down in the parking lot and asked for help. I had my own jump box, but getting a boost was faster.
We were back on the road in under five minutes.
That’s what being resourceful looks like—solving problems in the moment without losing focus on the mission.
5. Report Writing Mastery
Your report is the story of your case. It’s what your client sees, reads, and often forwards to an attorney or insurer.
A good report is accurate, professional, and detailed. Every observation must be factual and time-stamped. No fluff. No assumptions.
You can do everything right in the field—but if your report is sloppy, it can ruin the entire case.
Take your time. Review it twice. Write like your reputation depends on it—because it does.
Final Thoughts
There’s a lot to learn in this industry. Surveillance isn’t glamorous—it’s long hours, constant vigilance, and endless learning.
But if you can master these five qualities—
✅ Mobile Surveillance
✅ Video Skills
✅ Covert Tactics
✅ Resourcefulness
✅ Report Writing—
You’ll not only survive in this industry… you’ll thrive.
Because when the subject moves, the camera rolls, and the clock starts ticking, skill separates the pros from the pretenders.
About Rhino Surveillance
Rhino Surveillance is Tennessee’s leading private investigations agency specializing in surveillance, background research, process service, and asset searches.
Jon Holder
Rhino Surveillance
(615) 424-0952 | Jon@RhinoSurveillance.com
