Items That Every PI Must Carry According to Dr. John Patrick Keefe II
Investigators rarely stay in one place for too long. Since they need to move around a lot, they must carry certain items to make sure they are ready for almost anything. I know many private investigators in OKC who aren’t big fans of carrying things with them. Sure, packing light makes it easier to travel, but it could also cost you in many situations.
According to Dr. John Patrick Keefe II, a renowned PI in Oklahoma, you don’t have to carry packed suitcases. However, there are some must-haves that investigators should always keep handy. I’ll list these items in this article, so make sure to stick around till the end.
Bags Are A Must
You need a bag to carry your stuff, but you might be wondering, what kind? Well, that depends on your specific needs and convenience. I know many detectives who don’t mind over-preparing, so they usually carry large suitcases in their car trunks. However, if you don’t have a car and plan to travel on trains and buses, I would suggest getting water-resistant bags. Make sure these bags can fit in overhead compartments and other areas and have enough room for your stuff.
Remember, since you will carry most of your stuff in your bag, make sure to invest in a good one. I say this because the last thing you want is a torn bag while you’re investigating an important case.
Having A GPS is a no-brainer.
Any experienced private investigator in OKC, like John Keefe, will tell you the importance of carrying a GPS. After all, you are supposed to travel to different places and may even need to follow people to unknown destinations. So, having a GPS handy is a must. Otherwise, you might as well say goodbye to your career as a PI.
I know many stories where detectives found themselves stranded in the middle of nowhere, and it took them weeks to return. Believe me, you don’t want to find yourself in such a situation. I’d recommend avoiding a dedicated GPS device if you do not have enough room. Instead, get a smartphone with a GPS (most of them have it these days)
Keep Your Hygiene Kit Handy
I know some of you might argue against carrying a hygiene kit, but please hear me out. Yes, I understand that most hotels and motels provide soaps, toothbrushes, and whatnot, but what if they don’t? Wouldn’t it be better to have a hygiene kit with you instead of relying on someone else? I am not even asking to carry everything. A toothbrush, toilet paper, body spray, shower gel, and toothpaste should be enough. These items will not take up much space and will leave you feeling fresh while you look for clues.
Don’t Forget Your Gadgets
Dr. John Patrick Keefe is a huge proponent of using modern technology to track suspects. He used to do the same and experienced plenty of success. So, if you want to follow the footsteps of this experienced private investigator from Oklahoma City, you need to carry your laptop, tablet, and smartphones. I must also remind you to pack your devices’ chargers and cables because the last thing you want is a smartphone or laptop with no charging. It will slow you down like nothing else and possibly even require you to make extra trips.
Cameras and Binoculars To Keep a Close Eye On Things
You will be doing a lot of surveilling and peeping around as a detective, so it only makes sense to invest in high-quality binoculars and cameras. I know many PIs who rely on smartphones, and I do believe they are solid options, but having a dedicated camera and binoculars will give you an edge. Sure, you may need to invest a little money, but believe me, it will be worth it. Who knows? It could help you catch a suspect red-handed.
I must advise you to make sure to test the binoculars you plan to carry. Since this contraption comes in different makes, models, and sizes, please choose one that suits you.
Tools For Tire Emergencies
Imagine making a long trip to look for clues, and your tire gives out all of a sudden. You wouldn’t want to leave your car behind in the middle of the road while you search for someone to fix or change your tires. What if someone totals it or steals something? Dr. John Patrick Keefe recommends keeping essential tire repair tools for emergencies. Some of the things you should consider keeping include a lug range, spare tire, a can of fix a flat, a working jack, a locking wheel nut adapter, and your vehicle’s handbook.
Keep Some Extra Cash
Many detectives can be stingy, and it often proves costly during their investigation. It’s a big reason why I tell aspiring private investigators from Tulsa, Oklahoma, and other locations to carry some extra cash. You never know when you’re going to need it. Unforeseen events like medical emergencies can happen at any time, so it’s better to be safe than sorry. You may also need to travel more miles in some cases, so extra money for gasoline will save you from trouble and ensure your investigation remains uninterrupted.
Better To Overprepare Than Not Prepare at All
Whenever Dr. John Patrick Keefe addresses new or experienced private detectives in OKC, he stresses the importance of not taking preparation for granted. It’s what separates the successful PIs from the unsuccessful ones. The items I mentioned in this article should be enough for your investigative journeys, helping you focus on the task at hand. If you have any more questions, please feel free to send us an email at Vivien@ojpslegal.com. We also encourage you to check our website to read more articles like this.
