What Is a Field Investigation — and When Should You Use One?
Whether you’ve partnered with our investigative team before or it’s been a while, it’s worth revisiting one of the most effective and underutilized tools in the intelligence world: the Field Investigation.
At CaptureIntel, our field investigations go well beyond traditional background checks or digital reviews. We deploy seasoned investigators on the ground to collect real-world, actionable intelligence — particularly when the digital trail goes cold. This boots-on-the-ground approach provides unmatched insight, verification, and clarity in complex investigative scenarios.
What is a Field Investigation?
A field investigation is an intelligence-gathering process conducted in person, often outside of digital systems or databases. It involves on-site surveillance, interviews, site visits, and firsthand documentation. Unlike background checks, which rely on existing data, field investigations generate new, original intelligence that can shape decisions and outcomes in high-stakes situations.
Our experienced team at CaptureIntel combines over three decades of investigative fieldwork, offering discrete, ethical, and highly effective on-site intelligence collection for a wide range of case types.
When Should You Use a Field Investigation
Field investigations are incredibly valuable in scenarios where facts need to be verified, behaviors need to be observed, or individuals need to be located. Some of the most common (and effective) use cases include:
1. Validating Injury or Disability Claims
When someone claims physical limitations, surveillance can either confirm or challenge those reports. Capturing real-world activity can reveal inconsistencies that desktop reviews or documents can’t.
2. Investigating Workplace Misconduct or Theft
If internal reports raise concerns — from employee theft to misconduct — our team conducts discreet, in-person intelligence gathering to deliver professional, court-ready findings.
3. Locating Hard-to-Find Individuals (Skip Tracing)
Whether it’s a debtor, witness, or former employee, some individuals intentionally avoid being found. Our investigators are trained in advanced skip tracing techniques that go far beyond digital searches.
4. Pre-Litigation or Insurance Fraud Investigations
A strong case often hinges on strong evidence. Field investigations provide documented photos, video, and interviews that hold up in legal proceedings and insurance reviews.
5. Site Visits, Statement Taking, and Activity Checks
Need a clear picture of what’s happening on location? We conduct detailed site visits, collect signed statements, and verify activities — all while maintaining legal and ethical standards.
6. Asset Investigations
From hidden equipment to undisclosed vehicles or business operations, surveillance and physical observations help uncover concealed or misrepresented assets.
Why Clients Choose CaptureINTEL
Field investigations require skill, experience, and discretion — and that’s exactly what CaptureIntel delivers. Clients trust us because we offer:
- Discreet, licensed investigators with 30+ years of experience in the field
- Detailed, court-ready reporting that includes photos, video, and written findings
- Fast turnaround times with reliable communication throughout the process
- Expertise in testimony and depositions when cases move to court
Ready to Take Action?
If you have an open case or anticipate a situation where field intelligence could play a critical role, we’re here to help. At CaptureIntel, we approach every investigation with precision, discretion, and integrity.
Let’s connect to review your case and determine if a field investigation is the right fit.