Surveillance is careful, documented observation of a person or place to answer a specific question: where someone goes, who they meet, or whether what they claim matches what they do. In New York City that means working through subway platforms, crowded sidewalks, bridges, tunnels and heavy traffic, where a subject can be lost in seconds.
When surveillance helps
- Litigation where a party's activities or whereabouts are in dispute
- Suspected infidelity or concerns about a partner's conduct
- Custody matters where a child's care and environment are in question
- Insurance and workers' compensation claims where reported limitations are in doubt
- Corporate matters such as suspected misconduct, theft or misuse of company time
How we approach it
We start by defining the question the surveillance must answer. That decides the dates, times and locations worth covering, so hours are spent where they matter. In the field, the goal is observation without detection, documented in a way you or your attorney can use: dated, timed notes and photographs or video where lawful.
Surveillance has legal limits. We observe from places where we are lawfully present, and we do not record private conversations, enter private property, or place tracking devices without legal authority. If a request crosses those lines, we will tell you plainly.
What you receive
A written report describing what was observed, when and where, along with supporting media. When the work supports a legal matter, it is prepared with the expectation that it may be reviewed by counsel or a court.
Every matter is overseen by Jim Galvin, a former NYPD detective with 23 years of service, including 13 years in the Detective Bureau and led multiple investigative units. Jim is a licensed private investigator and notary. More about Jim.
Questions
Is surveillance legal in New York?
Observation from public places by a licensed private investigator is lawful. Recording private conversations, trespassing, or tracking someone without legal authority is not, and we do not do it.
How long does surveillance take?
It depends on the question and the subject’s routine. Scope is agreed before any work begins.
Will the subject know they are being watched?
The goal is discreet observation. No investigator can promise a subject will never notice, which is why planning and judgment matter.
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Serving Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, Staten Island and Long Island. See what drives the cost of an investigation.
Last updated October 30, 2026.