Should Insurance Investigators Check In With Local Police During Surveillance?

It’s a scenario every seasoned field investigator knows: You’re parked on a quiet residential street conducting lawful surveillance when a neighbor calls the police to report a “suspicious vehicle.” Moments later, a cruiser pulls up. The officer approaches and starts asking questions:

“Who are you watching?”

“Why are you here?”

“Did you notify our department in advance?”

Sometimes, the interaction is smooth. In fact, over the years, we at Porter Investigative Resources have built strong, reciprocal relationships with local, state, county, and even federal law enforcement. Most officers understand what we do—and why we do it. Some even become valuable allies when situations escalate.

But not always.

We’ve experienced cases where law enforcement, despite being briefed—intentionally exposed our presence in the field. Picture this: an officer rolls through with lights and sirens blazing, pulling up right behind our surveillance vehicle in an otherwise quiet neighborhood. That’s not just an inconvenience—it’s a complete compromise of the case.

Sometimes, it's because they personally know the claimant. Other times, it’s a lack of understanding about the delicate balance we walk between transparency and confidentiality. And that brings up a deeper ethical question:

Are investigators obligated—or even permitted—to notify police ahead of time? And what happens when police disclosure backfires?

The Legal Landscape For Insurance Investigators

Let’s be clear: licensed private investigators are not law enforcement. We’re not undercover officers. We don’t have arrest powers, and we’re not immune to the law. But we are licensed professionals bound by confidentiality agreements, state regulations, and client trust.

In most jurisdictions, unless an investigator is armed, trespassing, or engaging in highly regulated surveillance activity, there is no legal requirement to notify local police before beginning work. That said, we also understand the optics: someone sitting in a car with tinted windows near a school zone with a camera doesn’t always inspire public confidence.

Which brings us to the gray area—ethics and professional courtesy.

The Ethical Tightrope

From a courtesy standpoint, it might make sense to notify police in advance. After all, they're juggling enough without having to respond to 911 calls about a suspicious vehicle that turns out to be an investigator doing their job. Giving them a heads-up can save time and avoid unnecessary conflict.

But here's the problem: police aren’t bound by confidentiality to your client. If an officer knows the subject personally—or casually mentions your presence to a third party—you risk exposing weeks (or months) of case preparation. In those moments, the intent to be respectful can result in irrevocable damage to the investigation, and worse, breach of client trust.

At Porter Investigative Resources, we take this balance seriously. We prioritize both field safety and confidentiality. If we assess a situation where pre-notification to law enforcement is warranted, we do so strategically—without ever disclosing the subject’s identity. We believe in acting professionally and responsibly, without compromising the integrity of the case.

So… What’s the Right Move?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Every case, jurisdiction, and neighborhood is different. What matters is how we, as investigators, show up—with training, discretion, and a clear understanding of both our legal and ethical obligations.

So we leave you with this question:

Where do you draw the line between safety, professionalism, and confidentiality?

This conversation isn’t just for insurance investigators—it’s for adjusters, risk managers, and legal teams who rely on us to navigate complex situations with care. We’d love to hear how others in the field approach it.

If you're looking for investigative support that blends discretion, professionalism, and legal precision, Porter Investigative Resources is here to help you handle complex cases the smart way.

Let’s talk strategy that protects your people—and your reputation, contact us today.