Field Development

Follow the Work, Not Just the Worker

Work patterns and locations can produce better investigative leads than assumptions about where a person should be.

When an investigation involves possible work activity, secondary employment, self-employment, contracting, or business involvement, focusing only on a residence can narrow the field too early.

Develop the work ecosystem

Public business records, licensing information, permits, professional profiles, public social content, job-site references, equipment, vehicles, associates, and recurring locations may help identify where relevant activity is more likely to occur.

Use the information to improve the question

The objective is not to label an indicator as proof. It is to develop a more precise investigative hypothesis: Is there current work activity? Where does it occur? When is it most likely? What independent source could corroborate it?

Then decide whether field work adds value

Once likely locations and timing are better developed, surveillance or other field activity can be more focused. In some cases, records or interviews may answer the question without field work at all.

Follow the work because it sharpens the investigative plan - not because it predetermines the outcome.