A Day in the Life of a Westbrook Investigator
Beyond the Badge: The People Behind the Cases
Hollywood may glamorize private investigators as trench-coat-wearing mystery men, but the reality is far more grounded—and far more human. At Westbrook Investigations & Consulting, our team is composed of highly trained, deeply dedicated professionals who balance logic, empathy, and persistence every day.
Here’s a closer look at what a real day looks like for one of our investigators.
📆 Early Morning: Case Reviews & Planning
Our day usually starts around 6:30–7:00 AM. Before hitting the road, we: - Review the day’s assignments and objectives - Double-check surveillance targets and locations - Charge and prep gear—cameras, recorders, GPS tools
Real-Life Scenario:
Matt, one of our senior investigators, reviewed a custody case requiring early-morning surveillance at a school drop-off. His preparation allowed him to capture discreet footage without being noticed.
Q&A: Q: How do you prioritize cases? A: By urgency, legal deadlines, and client needs. We communicate with clients daily to adjust strategies.
🚗 Mid-Morning to Afternoon: Surveillance & Field Work
This is when we’re out in the field—on stakeouts, interviews, or locating people. Patience is critical.
Typical Field Tasks Include: - Documenting subject activity with timestamped photos/video - Conducting interviews with neighbors or witnesses - Following a subject (always legally) to observe routines
Real-Life Scenario:
Chase spent five hours monitoring an employee suspected of fraudulent injury claims. His video evidence later helped the company avoid a large insurance payout.
Q&A: Q: Isn’t surveillance boring? A: It can be—but every detail matters. One moment can make or break a case.
🖥️ Late Afternoon: Reporting & Client Communication
After field work, the team returns to the office or a mobile setup to: - Review video and photo evidence - Prepare detailed, attorney-ready reports - Check in with clients and provide updates
Real-Life Scenario:
A background check on a nanny revealed minor discrepancies. Rather than scare the client, we called to explain the context—reassuring them and preserving trust.
Q&A: Q: Are reports just for court? A: No. Many clients use them for personal clarity or internal decisions, like HR investigations.
🤝 Team Debriefs and Case Strategy Sessions
We end the day reviewing ongoing cases as a team. It’s collaborative, ensuring that each investigator benefits from shared insights and experience.
Why This Matters: - Avoids blind spots or bias in case strategy - Keeps our approach sharp and consistent - Builds internal trust, which clients ultimately feel
Real-Life Scenario:
During a team debrief, a colleague spotted a clue others missed—a vehicle parked nearby at multiple locations. This led to a breakthrough in a missing persons case.
Q&A: Q: Do all cases involve multiple investigators? A: Not always. But we regularly consult each other to ensure nothing is overlooked.
🧠 The Human Side of Investigations
Behind every case file is a person. We understand the weight our clients carry—whether it’s a spouse worried about betrayal, a parent protecting their child, or a business owner safeguarding their company.
Why Clients Connect With Us: - We listen before we act - We respect privacy and treat every client with compassion - We care as much about closure as we do about facts
📍 Michigan Strong. Westbrook Proud.
Our team is proud to serve Detroit, Ann Arbor, Westland, Novi, and the entire state. When you choose Westbrook, you’re not hiring a stranger—you’re working with professionals who live and care right here in Michigan.
One case at a time, one truth at a time—we’re here to help.
