THE INTERMOUNTAIN PI | EP. 4 | JULY 2, 2019 | 5 UNUSUAL ITEMS PRIVATE INVESTIGATORS NEED IN THEIR VEHICLES

When I think about Boise, Idaho, I always remember that song by  Lynyrd Skynyrd, you know the one, “Its 8 o’clock in Boise, Idaho.”  Anyway, I was there last summer.  Actually, I think it was

outside of Boise. I had this accident investigation out on a rural highway.  And it wasn’t your typical accident.  Apparently, a savvy bovine was able to pick the lock on his enclosure.  And so this cow gets loose and he saunters over to the nearby road.  You can probably guess what happened after that.  Unfortunately, it involved a car.  Anyway, the insurance adjuster asks me to go out and take photographs of the cow’s enclosure and the gate latch.  Let me ask you this, have you ever walked in a cow pasture?  I wouldn’t recommend it.  Where does a cow relieve himself?  Anywhere he wants.  

At the time I didn’t have  1. RUBBER FARM BOOTS. But I pretty much learned my lesson that day.  In fact, the shoes I did wear went straight into the trash after my little cow pasture photo session.  Since that time I’ve always carried a pair of rubber farm boots in my vehicle.  It’s a really good idea, especially if you work in rural areas like I do.  

I’m Utah private investigator Scott Fulmer.  This week I’m talking about 5 unusual items private investigators need in their vehicles.

So what kind of items do you have in your surveillance vehicle right now?  Water?  A mobile phone charger?  Maybe a change of clothes?  I’m sure most of us carry many of the same things.  But after my cow pasture experience, it got me thinking.  What about those unusual items private investigators should have?  You already know a really good pair of rubber farm boots is one.  Let’s look at 4 other unusual items. 

2. HANDHELD GPS

To begin with, make sure you carry a handheld GPS.  Perhaps you rely on navigation apps on your cell phone.  Under most conditions that would be sufficient.  However, I conduct surveillance in the rural areas of Utah, Colorado and Wyoming; places where there is often no cellular coverage.  Nevertheless, my handy Garmin GPS keeps me in business.  

As an illustration, I once followed a subject into the backcountry in Canyonlands National Park.  I don’t know if you’ve been there. But it’s big; about 350,000 acres.  It’s referred to as Utah’s version of the Grand Canyon.  The views are absolutely stunning.  On the negative side, there is no cell coverage in the western part of the park.  However, because my handheld GPS is connected to a satellite moving above me in geosynchronous orbit, so I don’t worry whether I have cell coverage or not.  Moreover, if you work in rural areas, check out this article and SARTopo.

3. 

THE INTERMOUNTAIN PI | EP. 3 | JUNE 18, 2019 | 5 METHODS PRIVATE INVESTIGATORS USE TO FIND WITNESSES

Welcome Intermountain PI Nation.  Let’s talk today about 5 methods private investigators use to find witnesses and sources.  To be clear, I’m using the terms witness and source interchangeably.  For example, you may need to find a witness to a vehicle accident or a

workplace accident.  Perhaps you need witnesses for a criminal defense investigation.  Or, maybe you just need to interview sources for a background investigation.  Either way, here are 5 methods private investigators use to find witnesses and sources.    

1. ASK THE SUBJECT  

Far starters, the most simple method is to ask your subject for witnesses.  If she was involved in a workplace accident the witnesses will be co-workers.  If it was a vehicle accident they may include people who came to her aid.  In fact, first responders can be witnesses.  Either way, your subject should be able to provide witnesses.   

2.  DEVELOP YOUR OWN SOURCES  

It’s a pretty much given that when it comes to background investigations, your subject will only provide witnesses favorable to him. In other words, pre-selected friends and co-workers that like the subject.  Unfortunately, they may be coached by the subject. This is especially the case if your witness statements sound rehearsed or eerily similar.  Therefore, you have to develop your own witnesses and sources to get an accurate picture of the subject.  You can do this by asking the witnesses for other witnesses or sources not listed or presently known.  Look for supervisors or co-workers your subject has failed to list.  He may have not listed them for a reason.

3. SECURITY CAMERAS 

Never underestimate the use of security cameras as witnesses.  Traffic cameras, ATM cameras, and security cameras from nearby businesses and homes can help during accident investigations.  I once conducted an accident investigation involving a vehicle and a bicyclist. I noticed a nearby hospital had a camera perfectly pointed toward the intersection where the accident occurred.  As a result, I was able to obtain clear video footage of the accident.  

4. SAME PLACE, SAME TIME, TOMORROW 

Here’s a method that works well if you’re looking for witnesses for vehicle accidents.  First, go out to the accident location the next day at about the same time the accident originally happened.  Make note of all the passing vehicles.  In other words, delivery trucks, work trucks, people going to or leaving local businesses in the area.  People are creatures of habit.  Write down the license plates and make an effort to contact these individuals.  They may have witnessed the accident.  And finally,       

5. BE RELENTLESS

Be relentless in your search for witnesses and sources.  Don’t take no for an answer.  Of course, there are plenty of other methods.  But hopefully these 5 methods private investigators use to find witnesses will get you started in the right direction.         

Until next time, this is Utah Private Investigator Scott Fulmer reminding you the game…is afoot!

THE INTERMOUNTAIN PI PODCAST FOLLOWS THE REAL-LIFE EXPLOITS, INVESTIGATIVE TIPS AND INSIGHTFUL ADVICE OF 30-YEAR VETERAN UTAH PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR SCOTT FULMER.  

UTAH PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR SCOTT FULMER IS HOST OF THE INTERMOUNTAIN PI PODCAST, AND PRINCIPAL AT INTERMOUNTAIN PI, A REGIONAL PRIVATE INVESTIGATION FIRM BASED IN SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH.  INTERMOUNTAIN PI PROVIDES ACTIONABLE INTELLIGENCE TO PRIVATE INDIVIDUALS AND DECISION MAKERS THROUGH THE UTAH, COLORADO, IDAHO AND WYOMING.  

LISTEN EVERY TUESDAY AS SCOTT SHARES VALUABLE TIPS AND ADVICE FOR NOVICE AND EXPERIENCED PRIVATE INVESTIGATORS ALIKE.  YOU CAN FIND THE INTERMOUNTAIN PI PODCAST ON APPLE PODCASTS, THE GOOGLE STORE, SPOTIFY, OR WHEREVER YOU GET YOUR PODCASTS.

THE INTERMOUNTAIN PI | EP. 3 | JUNE 18, 2019 | 5 METHODS PRIVATE INVESTIGATORS USE TO FIND WITNESSES

Welcome Intermountain PI Nation.  Let’s talk today about 5 methods private investigators use to find witnesses and sources.  To be clear, I’m using the terms witness and source interchangeably.  For example, you may need to find a witness to a vehicle accident or a

workplace accident.  Perhaps you need witnesses for a criminal defense investigation.  Or, maybe you just need to interview sources for a background investigation.  Either way, here are 5 methods private investigators use to find witnesses and sources.    

1. ASK THE SUBJECT  

Far starters, the most simple method is to ask your subject for witnesses.  If she was involved in a workplace accident the witnesses will be co-workers.  If it was a vehicle accident they may include people who came to her aid.  In fact, first responders can be witnesses.  Either way, your subject should be able to provide witnesses.   

2.  DEVELOP YOUR OWN SOURCES  

It’s a pretty much given that when it comes to background investigations, your subject will only provide witnesses favorable to him. In other words, pre-selected friends and co-workers that like the subject.  Unfortunately, they may be coached by the subject. This is especially the case if your witness statements sound rehearsed or eerily similar.  Therefore, you have to develop your own witnesses and sources to get an accurate picture of the subject.  You can do this by asking the witnesses for other witnesses or sources not listed or presently known.  Look for supervisors or co-workers your subject has failed to list.  He may have not listed them for a reason.

3. SECURITY CAMERAS 

Never underestimate the use of security cameras as witnesses.  Traffic cameras, ATM cameras, and security cameras from nearby businesses and homes can help during accident investigations.  I once conducted an accident investigation involving a vehicle and a bicyclist. I noticed a nearby hospital had a camera perfectly pointed toward the intersection where the accident occurred.  As a result, I was able to obtain clear video footage of the accident.  

4. SAME PLACE, SAME TIME, TOMORROW 

Here’s a method that works well if you’re looking for witnesses for vehicle accidents.  First, go out to the accident location the next day at about the same time the accident originally happened.  Make note of all the passing vehicles.  In other words, delivery trucks, work trucks, people going to or leaving local businesses in the area.  People are creatures of habit.  Write down the license plates and make an effort to contact these individuals.  They may have witnessed the accident.  And finally,       

5. BE RELENTLESS

Be relentless in your search for witnesses and sources.  Don’t take no for an answer.  Of course, there are plenty of other methods.  But hopefully these 5 methods private investigators use to find witnesses will get you started in the right direction.         

Until next time, this is Utah Private Investigator Scott Fulmer reminding you the game…is afoot!

THE INTERMOUNTAIN PI PODCAST FOLLOWS THE REAL-LIFE EXPLOITS, INVESTIGATIVE TIPS AND INSIGHTFUL ADVICE OF 30-YEAR VETERAN UTAH PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR SCOTT FULMER.  

UTAH PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR SCOTT FULMER IS HOST OF THE INTERMOUNTAIN PI PODCAST, AND PRINCIPAL AT INTERMOUNTAIN PI, A REGIONAL PRIVATE INVESTIGATION FIRM BASED IN SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH.  INTERMOUNTAIN PI PROVIDES ACTIONABLE INTELLIGENCE TO PRIVATE INDIVIDUALS AND DECISION MAKERS THROUGH THE UTAH, COLORADO, IDAHO AND WYOMING.  

LISTEN EVERY TUESDAY AS SCOTT SHARES VALUABLE TIPS AND ADVICE FOR NOVICE AND EXPERIENCED PRIVATE INVESTIGATORS ALIKE.  YOU CAN FIND THE INTERMOUNTAIN PI PODCAST ON APPLE PODCASTS, THE GOOGLE STORE, SPOTIFY, OR WHEREVER YOU GET YOUR PODCASTS.

THE INTERMOUNTAIN PI™ | EP. 2 | JUNE 11, 2019 | 10 THINGS EVERY ROOKIE PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR SHOULD KNOW

There are 10 things every rookie private investigator should know. Actually, there’s a lot more than 10.  But these 10 are particuarly important.  I know Jim Rockford had his own set of lock picks.  He seemed to break and enter illegally in every episode.  

On Scandal, Huck has no problem hacking the White House, NSA or just about any other target. However, if you’re looking to television or Hollywood for private investigator tips you may want to look elsewhere.  As I mentioned in my critically acclaimed true crime memoir, Confessions of a Private Eye: My Thirty Years Investigating Cheaters, Frauds, Missing Persons and Crooks, sometimes you have to learn lessons the hard way.  Making mistakes can lead to learning valuable lessons.  So, consider these 10 things every rookie private investigator should know.

TIP #1 – DOMESTIC CLIENTS SHOULD ALWAYS PAY UPFRONT  First money, then action.  Domestic clients desperately need resolution.  Whether it’s divorce, child custody or infidelity, they are operating in a highly emotional state.  As private investigators we are problems solvers.  However, we are not always able to resolve our client’s issues to their satisfaction.  When that happens, clients often fail to understand they are paying for our time, not for any perceived outcome.  In other words, if you didn’t get paid up front, the likelihood of you being paid afterwards has diminished.    

TIP #2 – CONFIDENTIALITY MEANS JUST THAT  In other words, you don’t go home and tell your girlfriend, husband or partner about your cases.  For example, it’s one thing to say I worked a harassment investigation for a client who worked as an escort. Or, I conducted a trademark infringement investigation for a large regional business.  It’s quite another to mention names, addresses, locations and other details of the investigation.  Whether a client retains you or not, they expect complete confidentiality.   

TIP #3 – FOLLOW THAT CAR (YES, THAT ONE)  When it comes to moving surveillance, find something unique about your subject’s vehicle before they leave.  It could be a bumper sticker, window sticker or a unique antenna.  Perhaps your subject’s vehicle has body damage or a custom paint job.  Either way, once your subject departs it will be too late.  As soon as you begin following them in their white Ford F150 you will see nothing but white Ford F150’s on the road.  Did they have a tool rack?  Was it missing a tailgate?  Did it have a CB antenna?  Are you even sure you’re following the right F150?

TIP #4 – NEVER PASS UP A PUBLIC RESTROOM  I’m not suggesting you break surveillance to use the restroom.  But due to the capricious nature of our work, take advantage of every public restroom you can. There’s nothing worse than  a full bladder and no restroom opportunity in sight.

TIP #5 – YOU’RE ONLY GETTING HALF OF THE TRUTH American writer Edgar Allen Poe wrote, “Believe half of what you see and nothing of what you hear.”  Everyone lies.  Clients.  Witnesses.  Everyone.  We tell lies because we don’t have the facts.  We tell lies because we don’t want to hurt someone’s feelings.  Therefore, when you deal with domestic clients assume you’re only getting about half the story.  That way you won’t be surprised later on when the bottom falls out.  By the way, did you know that Poe is credited with creating the genre we call detective fiction?

10 THINGS EVERY ROOKIE PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR SHOULD KNOW

TIP #6 – CLIENTS DON’T KNOW WHAT THEY WANT  They may t...

THE INTERMOUNTAIN PI™ | EP. 2 | JUNE 11, 2019 | 10 THINGS EVERY ROOKIE PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR SHOULD KNOW

There are 10 things every rookie private investigator should know. Actually, there’s a lot more than 10.  But these 10 are particuarly important.  I know Jim Rockford had his own set of lock picks.  He seemed to break and enter illegally in every episode.  

On Scandal, Huck has no problem hacking the White House, NSA or just about any other target. However, if you’re looking to television or Hollywood for private investigator tips you may want to look elsewhere.  As I mentioned in my critically acclaimed true crime memoir, Confessions of a Private Eye: My Thirty Years Investigating Cheaters, Frauds, Missing Persons and Crooks, sometimes you have to learn lessons the hard way.  Making mistakes can lead to learning valuable lessons.  So, consider these 10 things every rookie private investigator should know.

TIP #1 – DOMESTIC CLIENTS SHOULD ALWAYS PAY UPFRONT  First money, then action.  Domestic clients desperately need resolution.  Whether it’s divorce, child custody or infidelity, they are operating in a highly emotional state.  As private investigators we are problems solvers.  However, we are not always able to resolve our client’s issues to their satisfaction.  When that happens, clients often fail to understand they are paying for our time, not for any perceived outcome.  In other words, if you didn’t get paid up front, the likelihood of you being paid afterwards has diminished.    

TIP #2 – CONFIDENTIALITY MEANS JUST THAT  In other words, you don’t go home and tell your girlfriend, husband or partner about your cases.  For example, it’s one thing to say I worked a harassment investigation for a client who worked as an escort. Or, I conducted a trademark infringement investigation for a large regional business.  It’s quite another to mention names, addresses, locations and other details of the investigation.  Whether a client retains you or not, they expect complete confidentiality.   

TIP #3 – FOLLOW THAT CAR (YES, THAT ONE)  When it comes to moving surveillance, find something unique about your subject’s vehicle before they leave.  It could be a bumper sticker, window sticker or a unique antenna.  Perhaps your subject’s vehicle has body damage or a custom paint job.  Either way, once your subject departs it will be too late.  As soon as you begin following them in their white Ford F150 you will see nothing but white Ford F150’s on the road.  Did they have a tool rack?  Was it missing a tailgate?  Did it have a CB antenna?  Are you even sure you’re following the right F150?

TIP #4 – NEVER PASS UP A PUBLIC RESTROOM  I’m not suggesting you break surveillance to use the restroom.  But due to the capricious nature of our work, take advantage of every public restroom you can. There’s nothing worse than  a full bladder and no restroom opportunity in sight.

TIP #5 – YOU’RE ONLY GETTING HALF OF THE TRUTH American writer Edgar Allen Poe wrote, “Believe half of what you see and nothing of what you hear.”  Everyone lies.  Clients.  Witnesses.  Everyone.  We tell lies because we don’t have the facts.  We tell lies because we don’t want to hurt someone’s feelings.  Therefore, when you deal with domestic clients assume you’re only getting about half the story.  That way you won’t be surprised later on when the bottom falls out.  By the way, did you know that Poe is credited with creating the genre we call detective fiction?

10 THINGS EVERY ROOKIE PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR SHOULD KNOW

TIP #6 – CLIENTS DON’T KNOW WHAT THEY WANT  They may t...

THE INTERMOUNTAIN PI™ PODCAST | EP. 1 | JUNE 4, 2019 | LONG STRANGE TRIP OF PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR SCOTT FULMER

It’s been a long strange trip.  I’ve been conducting private investigations for almost thirty years.  In fact, most of my adult life.  There’s nothing else I’d rather be doing.  Even with the emotional and financial ups and downs every year.  I have satisfied customers in every corner of the country.  And even a few customers that

were not too happy with the outcome of their investigation.  But I suppose that sort of thing happens in all businesses that service the public.  Every time I tell someone what I do for a living they inevitably reply, “that must be so cool!”  Sometimes it is.  However, there are times when it isn’t.  For example, the private investigators on television and in the movies never seem to sweat on surveillance.  And except for Jim Rockford, they always seem to have enough money.

I detailed my almost thirty years as a private investigator in my critically acclaimed true crime memoir, Confessions of a Private Eye: My Thirty Years Investigating Cheaters, Frauds, Missing Persons and Crooks.  If you haven’t read it, I recommend it highly.  You’ll get a real feel for the ups and downs of the business.  I’ve had a few health issues this last year and a half.  I wear hearing aids now.  I said, I wear…  You get the picture.  It’s an unfortunate side effect of my service during the Gulf War.  In fact, veterans generally have hearing issues a good ten years before the rest of the public.  My hearing aids amplify sound so I hear better.  And that’s what I want to say.  I hear you.  I understand.  When you need a private investigator to provide clarity and solutions you can turn to me.  I’ll get answers.  And I won’t let you down.     

Until next time, this is private investigator Scott Fulmer reminding you the game…is afoot!

COPYRIGHT © 2019 INTERMOUNTAIN PI.  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

THE INTERMOUNTAIN PI™ PODCAST | EP. 1 | JUNE 4, 2019 | LONG STRANGE TRIP OF PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR SCOTT FULMER

It’s been a long strange trip.  I’ve been conducting private investigations for almost thirty years.  In fact, most of my adult life.  There’s nothing else I’d rather be doing.  Even with the emotional and financial ups and downs every year.  I have satisfied customers in every corner of the country.  And even a few customers that

were not too happy with the outcome of their investigation.  But I suppose that sort of thing happens in all businesses that service the public.  Every time I tell someone what I do for a living they inevitably reply, “that must be so cool!”  Sometimes it is.  However, there are times when it isn’t.  For example, the private investigators on television and in the movies never seem to sweat on surveillance.  And except for Jim Rockford, they always seem to have enough money.

I detailed my almost thirty years as a private investigator in my critically acclaimed true crime memoir, Confessions of a Private Eye: My Thirty Years Investigating Cheaters, Frauds, Missing Persons and Crooks.  If you haven’t read it, I recommend it highly.  You’ll get a real feel for the ups and downs of the business.  I’ve had a few health issues this last year and a half.  I wear hearing aids now.  I said, I wear…  You get the picture.  It’s an unfortunate side effect of my service during the Gulf War.  In fact, veterans generally have hearing issues a good ten years before the rest of the public.  My hearing aids amplify sound so I hear better.  And that’s what I want to say.  I hear you.  I understand.  When you need a private investigator to provide clarity and solutions you can turn to me.  I’ll get answers.  And I won’t let you down.     

Until next time, this is private investigator Scott Fulmer reminding you the game…is afoot!

COPYRIGHT © 2019 INTERMOUNTAIN PI.  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

INTERMOUNTAIN PI™ PODCAST | EP. 4 | HOW PRIVATE INVESTIGATORS FIND MILITARY SERVICE MEMBERS | UTAH PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR SCOTT FULMER Private Investigators locate witnesses and find missing persons.  Occasionally, missing persons turn out to be veterans or military service members.  Specifically, those who served in the military (veterans) and those currently serving (active duty). Unfortunately, for privateRead More

INTERMOUNTAIN PI™ PODCAST | EP. 3 | HOW TO MAKE PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR SURVEILLANCE CURTAINS | UTAH PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR SCOTT FULMER Are you interested in how to make private investigator surveillance curtains?  These types of surveillance curtains will fit most private investigator surveillance vehicles.  You can find the material for the curtains at a fabric store.  TheRead More

THE INTERMOUNTAIN PI™ PODCAST | EP. 2 | HIRING A PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR The Intermountain PI™ Podcast has returned.  I’m Utah PI Scott Fulmer.  In the coming weeks I’ll be discussing some of my real-life cases.  I will also be offering tips and insightful advice for private investigators and those interested in the private eye field.  AfterRead More