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The Evolution of Private Investigations: Exploring the Impact of Artificial Intelligence

Posted on by Shaun Culwell

In recent years, the landscape of private investigations has undergone a significant transformation, driven by advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) technology. As AI continues to revolutionize various industries, its impact on the field of private investigations is profound, reshaping traditional methods and enhancing investigative capabilities. In this comprehensive exploration, we’ll delve into the multifaceted effects of AI on private investigations and examine how it’s changing the game for investigators worldwide.

Using Artificial Intelligence for Enchanced Data Analysis and Surveillance

AI Private Investigator
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One of the most notable impacts of AI on private investigations is its ability to streamline data analysis and surveillance processes. With the exponential growth of digital data, investigators face the daunting task of sifting through vast amounts of information to uncover relevant insights. AI-powered algorithms excel in this regard, leveraging machine learning and natural language processing techniques to analyze unstructured data from sources such as social media, online databases, and digital communications.

By automating the process of data analysis, AI enables investigators to quickly identify patterns, trends, and connections that may have otherwise gone unnoticed. Moreover, AI-driven surveillance systems equipped with facial recognition technology can aid investigators in tracking and monitoring subjects with greater precision and accuracy, facilitating the gathering of actionable intelligence.

Predictive Analytics and Risk Assessment

In addition to enhancing data analysis capabilities, AI is revolutionizing predictive analytics and risk assessment in private investigations. By harnessing historical data and machine learning algorithms, investigators can predict future outcomes, identify potential threats, and assess the likelihood of specific events occurring. For example, AI-driven predictive models can analyze financial transactions to detect patterns indicative of fraud or money laundering, allowing investigators to intervene before significant losses occur.

Similarly, AI-powered risk assessment tools can help businesses and individuals evaluate their susceptibility to various risks, such as cybersecurity threats, reputational risks, or regulatory compliance issues. By leveraging AI for predictive analytics and risk assessment, investigators can proactively address emerging threats and mitigate potential vulnerabilities, thereby enhancing their effectiveness in preventing and combating illicit activities.

Automation of Routine Tasks Using Artificial Intelligence

AI at a Computer 2
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AI technology has the potential to automate many routine tasks traditionally performed by investigators, freeing up valuable time and resources for more complex and strategic activities. Tasks such as background checks, document analysis, and evidence gathering can be automated using AI-powered tools and software, allowing investigators to focus on higher-level tasks that require human judgment and intuition.

For example, AI-driven software can automatically scan and analyze documents for relevant keywords, extract key information, and generate summaries or reports, significantly reducing the time and effort required for manual document review. By automating mundane tasks, AI accelerates the investigative process, improves overall efficiency, and enables investigators to allocate their time and expertise more effectively.

Augmented Decision-Making

While AI can automate certain aspects of the investigative process, it also serves as a powerful tool for augmenting human decision-making capabilities. AI-driven analytics platforms can analyze vast amounts of data and generate insights that may not be immediately apparent to human investigators. By leveraging AI-generated insights, investigators can make more informed decisions and develop more effective investigative strategies, ultimately enhancing the quality and accuracy of their findings.

For example, AI algorithms can analyze social media data to identify potential witnesses or suspects, prioritize leads based on their relevance and credibility, and provide recommendations for further investigation. By integrating AI into the decision-making process, investigators can leverage the complementary strengths of human judgment and AI-driven analysis to achieve optimal outcomes.

Ethical and Privacy Considerations of AI

AI at a Computer
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As AI becomes increasingly integrated into private investigations, ethical and privacy considerations become paramount. The use of AI-driven surveillance technology, facial recognition systems, and predictive analytics raises concerns about potential abuses of power, invasion of privacy, and algorithmic bias. It’s essential for investigators to adhere to ethical guidelines and legal regulations governing the use of AI in investigations, ensuring that individual rights and liberties are respected.

Moreover, transparency and accountability are essential principles in the ethical use of AI, requiring investigators to be transparent about the methods and technologies used in their investigations, as well as the potential implications for privacy and civil liberties. By prioritizing ethical considerations and engaging in responsible AI practices, investigators can harness the transformative potential of AI while upholding fundamental principles of fairness, justice, and respect for human rights.

Conclusion

The integration of AI technology into private investigations represents a paradigm shift in the way investigations are conducted and outcomes are achieved. From enhanced data analysis and surveillance capabilities to automation of routine tasks and augmented decision-making, AI is revolutionizing every aspect of the investigative process. However, with great power comes great responsibility, and it’s crucial for investigators to approach the use of AI with ethical integrity and a commitment to upholding individual rights and privacy.

By harnessing the potential of AI while remaining mindful of its ethical implications, investigators can leverage this transformative technology to uncover truths and deliver justice in an increasingly complex and interconnected world. As AI continues to evolve and mature, its role in private investigations will only continue to expand, offering new opportunities and challenges for investigators to navigate. By embracing AI as a powerful ally in their investigative toolkit, investigators can stay ahead of the curve and achieve greater success in their mission to uncover the truth.

Everything (with very few exceptions, i.e. formatting) up to this point in this post has been completed ENTIRELY by Artificial Intelligence. The text was composed by ChatGPT (I was curious how it would do) and the images were created by DeepAI. What are your thoughts on this new technology? Have you tried it yourself? Do you find it useful? Are you at all concerned about where this could potentially lead? I’m personally split on the topic. I think it can be enormously beneficial in many aspects of our everyday lives, but I think it certainly has the potential to get out of hand FAST. We must have the forethought and control to keep it in our service instead of the (frightening) alternative.

Genetic Genealogy and the Search for Lost Relatives

Posted on by Susan Christin

What is “Genetic Genealogy?”

When someone born in Texas is placed for adoption, their original birth certificate (unamended for adoption) is sealed, and a new birth certificate, containing only the adoptive parents’ names, is provided to the adoptee. This is required by state law. Adoptees who are looking for their birth family have traditionally had to rely on a court order to unseal the records and obtain the names of their birth parents.

Not anymore.

With the increase in consumer DNA testing, genetic genealogy has changed everything. The method of genetic genealogy, as the Library of Congress tells us, works by using your DNA to help professional genealogists track down your biological relatives and help you find them. They state that “Genetic genealogy creates family history profiles (biological relationships between or among individuals) by using DNA test results in combination with traditional genealogical methods. By using genealogical DNA testing, genetic genealogy can determine the levels and types of biological relationships between or among individuals.”

In other words, a genetic genealogist can craft family trees for your family matches, and using the trees, can determine where your birth parents fit into those trees. Our team then uses traditional genealogy methods to locate someone who was in the right place at the right time to be a candidate for your birth parent. We’ll provide the name and contact information for that person(s) to you.

I’m not comfortable testing with a DNA testing company. I hear they share information with their vendors, is that true? 

Good question! Fortunately, it’s not true. Here is the privacy policy from Ancestry, the world’s leading provider of consumer DNA testing:

  • The results of your DNA test are stored in a secured database — your AncestryDNA results are stored in a secured database, which employs a number of security measures. As well as protecting the information from unauthorized access from those outside of AncestryDNA, we strictly limit access to this database from within the company as well.
  • The lab processing your DNA doesn’t have access to your name, address and other contact information — DNA samples are tested in a secure third-party testing lab in the United States. We separate your name from your DNA sample throughout the testing process. Instead, we use a unique Activation Code provided in your kit to track your DNA through the testing process and in storage.
  • Your DNA sample is securely stored — After testing is complete, any remaining DNA from your test is archived and stored in a temperature-controlled, secure facility with 24-hour monitoring and limited access.
  • The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) — United States law (the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act or “GINA”) generally makes it illegal for health insurance companies, group health plans, and most employers to discriminate against you based on your genetic information. Learn more about GINA here.
  • You have the choice to delete your DNA test results — Once a DNA test result is deleted, that choice is permanent. You will no longer see the results in your account. Also, your DNA matches will no longer see your username among their list of matches. So be sure you want to delete a DNA test result before you do it, as there is no way to recover the data after it’s deleted.

And here is the privacy policy from 23 and Me, one of the other top vendors:

  • We will not share your genetic data with employers, insurance companies, public databases or 3rd party marketers without your explicit consent.
  • We give you full control to decide how your information is used and with whom it is shared.
  • We break everything down into easy-to-understand language so that each choice you make is an informed choice.
  • We exceed industry data protection standards and have achieved 3 different ISO certifications to demonstrate the strength of our security program.
  • We encrypt all sensitive information and conduct regular assessments to identify security vulnerabilities and threats.
  • We will not release any individual-level personal information to law enforcement unless we are required to do so by court order, subpoena, search warrant or other requests that we determine are legally valid.

Does this method rely on my birth parent having also tested? That seems pretty unlikely.

No, our genetic genealogy staff can find answers even if your closest matches are 2nd or 3rd cousins.

What about other issues of unknown parentage? I grew up with my mother but she and my father split up before I was born and she didn’t name him on my birth certificate. Can DNA testing help me determine who my father was?

Yes! This method is applied in exactly the same way whether you are looking for one birth parent or both.

I’m a birth parent looking for my child I placed for adoption. Can genetic genealogy help me too?

Yes, and no. It can help find your child if they, or their descendants, have also tested. If so, they will be in your match list, and we can help you locate them. Unfortunately, if they (or their descendants) have not tested, genetic genealogy and DNA testing will not be able to help. But, more and more people are getting tested all the time, and you never know when your child or grandchild may test. DNA test results are saved in perpetuity until you decide to delete them. If your child tests a year from now, you will be notified.

What commercial testing company do you recommend that I test with? How does the process work?

Ancestry DNA has the largest database of testers by far, so we typically recommend that our clients start with them. We can arrange the testing and will send you an Ancestry test kit and set up a private email for you, meant for your results alone. Once you receive your test and follow the instructions, send the test back to us and we will handle the rest. When your results come in, we’ll notify you and a member of our genealogy staff will get to work finding your lost relative(s).

How long does the process take?

Once you’ve signed up, we can send a test kit to you via overnight provider, along with a prepaid air bill to return it to us. We will register the test kit and send it in. Processing times at the DNA testing company can vary, at this time the turnaround time is approximately 6-8 weeks. Once the results are in and our genetic genealogy team can review your matches, they will do their best to determine who your birth parents are as quickly as possible. A lot will depend on how close your matches are. Again, for a genetic genealogist, any cousin at 3rd cousin level or higher is considered “close.” As we proceed with your search, we’ll provide weekly status updates to you.

I’ve already tested with Ancestry but it didn’t help. What now?

Like any specialized field, success comes easier to those with training. Our genetic genealogy team has solved hundreds of birth family searches, many of them deemed “unsuccessful” by the tester. No need to retest, we can use the results you’ve already received and will walk you through the process of sharing the results with us. From that point, the process is the same.

I was born in Texas, but I don’t live there anymore, can you still help?

Absolutely! Genetic genealogy can help anyone who may be searching for their birth parents. 

I think I’d like more information, and I have a question about DNA testing you haven’t addressed above. How do I contact your genetic genealogy team?

Contact us and a member of our genetic genealogy staff will reach out to you soon.

I’m ready to get started, how do I do that?

Great! When you’re ready to take the next step, go here and fill out the information. A member of our staff will be in touch with you shortly.

5 Things to Know Before You Hire a Private Investigator

Posted on by Shaun Culwell

Here are a few things to keep in mind before you hire a private investigator

When a person finally makes the decision to hire a private investigator for help, things are usually not in a good place. Something (very) bad has happened (or is happening) and they just want a professional who knows what they are doing to give some relief. Many clients are desperate and vulnerable. And this vulnerability can make them prime targets for fraud and abuse.

Although most private investigators are professional and ethical individuals, there are, unfortunately, some people in this profession who are more than willing to bend the rules and the law for the promise of a quick buck. This fact is not unknown to much of the general population.

However, there are a couple of things you can do to protect yourself from some of the less-than-savory members of our profession. This will also help ensure that the investigator and agency you are hiring is ethical, professional, and will handle your case and private information with care.

The information in this list should help you weed out much of the riff-raff and increase the likelihood that you hire a private investigator who is professional and who can actually HELP you and not someone who is only out for a quick buck.

1. Beware of Guarantees

We’re gonna shoot straight with you–we provide no guarantee as to the results of any investigation. And you shouldn’t believe anyone who does. There are many factors that go into an investigation and many of these are outside the control of the investigator.

For example, following a subject on a mobile surveillance. Following someone in a vehicle is one of the strictest and most difficult factors of any surveillance. So many things can go wrong. Any private investigator who tells you differently is trying to sell you a bill of goods. This is not the movies. Even seasoned investigators with years of experience will lose subjects from time to time. Things come up. Difficulties arise. Subjects get tipped off. It’s the nature of the business.

The only thing we “guarantee” is that we will do our very best to get you the information. Sometimes, the information we obtain runs counter to the client’s best interests or there is simply no information to get. You should be prepared for both possibilities.

2. Are They Licensed and Insured?

All Private Investigators in the State of Texas must go through a series of steps to earn their license. First, they must apply with the state. This application process ensures they possess the needed educational and experience requirements. Second, they must pass a rigorous written examination. This examination allows the state to ensure that all private investigators know the applicable state laws regulating investigation services. Finally, they must undergo a comprehensive FBI background check before they earn their license and can practice. This background check helps weed out those applicants with criminal records.

Private investigators have a great deal of latitude and access to sensitive and confidential information. In the wrong hands, this could be disastrous to the general public. Protect yourself and make sure that when you hire a private investigator, he or she holds a current license and is adequately insured before you hire them to work for you! You can check the license status of any private investigator and/or agency in the state of Texas on the Department of Public Safety website.

3. Do They Specialize or Do They Try to be Everything to Everyone?

There are many things that a private investigator can do for you and much of what we do takes a great deal of skill and expertise. As with any other expert service contractor you hire (surgeon, marriage counselor, trial attorney, auto mechanic, etc.), it’s usually better to go with one who specializes in the field and area of expertise for which you are hiring them as opposed to someone who tries to be everything for everyone.

Many in this field may advertise that they can do anything for anyone and that they are a one-stop-shop, but it’s usually better to choose a professional who has devoted his or her career to specializing in one or two things over someone who tries to be everything all at once. Even if they say they specialize in surveillance, there are many forms of surveillance (from insurance fraud to infidelity to worker’s comp claims). Make sure you pick the right man or woman for the job you are needing.

4. Price Isn’t Everything-You Get What You Pay For

Private investigators are not cheap. And you wouldn’t want one who is. What we do takes time, effort, and experience. You are paying us for our time and our expertise. Much like anything else in this day and age, you get what you pay for. Ethical and legal investigators know the value and worth of what they can provide to their clients and charge accordingly.

If you are in the middle of a divorce proceeding that could potentially cost thousands (or even millions) of dollars, a private investigator can provide you with incredible value and, with good evidence, could possibly cut your potential liability to zero. That is an amazing value!

5. Have a Definite Goal or Outcome in Mind

And convey that to your investigator during your initial consultation or as early on in the investigation as you can. An ethical investigator will listen with compassion and try to understand EXACTLY what you are needing from him or her and plan your case accordingly. The more questions your investigator asks during your (hopefully free) initial consultation, the better.

In line with #4 above, it would help both you and your investigation team to have a ballpark budget in mind and communicate that clearly to your investigator during your initial consultation. An ethical investigator will respect your budget, formulate a plan, and work within your established budget as best as he or she can.

And that’s 5 things you should know before you hire a private investigator to work for you. Keeping these suggestions in mind can potentially save you a great deal of headache and money.

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