The drastic technological changes a Denver private investigator experienced during the past decade are likely to continue as we wend our way through 2023 and beyond. The impact from the 21st century explosion of digital information changed how Colorado private investigators work and will continue to affect private investigation operations in the future.
Opportunities from new and future technologies will build on current advances in surveillance equipment and software. The volume of video documentation and surveillance data potentially available due to the sheer increase in the use of security cameras alone is likely staggering. Of course, access to that data is certainly another matter.
As security cameras and surveillance equipment costs have come down and availability has gone up, they’ve proliferated. (The global video doorbell market will reach $4.5 billion by 2031, according to a recent report offered by researchandmarkets.com.)
Surveillance technology
Though video doorbells and other low-cost surveillance equipment may not be as commonly used as the ubiquitous smartphone camera, the importance of acquiring digital video evidence as part of an overall investigative report will only continue to grow. Electronically stored information (ESI) is increasingly important in legal proceedings, often serving as critical evidence in civil litigation and criminal proceedings. This is particularly plausible when you consider the limits of eyewitness testimony.
The use of drone technology by agencies both public and private, large and small is growing. Facial recognition technology too has permeated much of the public realm and its use often raises controversy related to privacy, bias and misuse. While data gathered through these methods may be helpful to an investigation, these kinds of concerns are also leading to increased existing or proposed legislation to limit its use by government agencies. Colorado Governor Jared Polis last year signed a bill that requires the reporting of the use of facial recognition software prior to its implementation. Though technology is immensely useful to private investigation, understanding any jurisdictional limitations on its use is another item seasoned and ethical Colorado private investigators must consider in their daily operations.
And of course, many of us continue to share personal details about our lives willingly on social media. Posted photos can be reverse image searched, leading to additional potential evidence or directional clues. And we’re often “giving away” even more personal data (unknowingly, or maybe knowingly but uncaringly?) that’s flowing through a multitude of digital applications and over Bluetooth connections. How a Denver private investigator might be able to ever access or use such information remains to be seen.
However, data information aggregation services and applications offered by companies such as Skopenow help automate the collection of data from social media and other open source intelligence to provide a fuller representation of an investigative subject. Ross Investigators leverages partnerships with a variety of digital and computer forensic resources and cybersecurity consultants to supplement our private investigation services.
New private investigator career opportunities
The growth in these new supplemental service industries such as artificial intelligence and data analytics are adding to an overall projected growth of six percent in the private investigation industry, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Though this is about the same as the average growth projected for all occupations, the opportunities technology brings to private investigation will no doubt provide for all kinds of exciting career opportunities and/or directions.
Civil litigation helps protect citizens’ rights throughout Colorado. Fraud isn’t going away. Information is power. And maybe we’re all just a little more wary these days. As the saying goes, trust but verify. Ross Investigators is ready to help, so contact us whenever you’re ready!
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