Winter Surveillance Misnomers
It’s not a total white-out! With COVID-19 in full force and temperatures dropping, your surveillance case should still be a priority, and this is why. If there is one phrase that is consistently heard from our clients, it is “let’s wait for some good weather”. We have always communicated to our clients however, that Winter doesn’t stop most people. Driveways still need shoveled. People inclined to shop will still shop. Now, add “COVID fatigue” and people are looking for reasons to leave the house.
Times now are unprecedented. Some may wonder if people are as active now as before COVID-19, or if people are active, they will be wearing a mask, so how can one be sure they are observing the correct person? With lockdown scenarios happening in areas of the country, sports leagues halted, travel mostly banned, and leisure activities being close to non-existent, it may seem like very little opportunity for your surveillance to occur at all.
The good news is our observation rates tell a different story.
With many years of experience and knowledge, IRM has successfully mitigated the challenges that both COVID-19 and Winter has thrown at us. Being an industry leader has allowed us to go into this season prepared and continue our surveillance cases without skipping a beat. We have been able to pivot as necessary to maintain our observation rates at an exceptional level.
In fact, our observation rates on our Corporate accounts are at an astounding 92%. Our Insurance observation rates have only resulted in a mere difference of 6% between 2019 and 2020!
How do we do it?
First, we take a close look at the environment and culture in which we are conducting surveillance. Paying attention to the specifics on each subject helps us predict their actions, thus increasing our accuracy of when and where to conduct surveillance. While there may be restrictions on organized activities, human nature is consistent. For example, if a subject has children, they may not go to hockey on Saturday. However, a quick look at roof racks on their vehicle may indicate that a trip to the ski hill or local toboggan hill is happening instead. Kids and adults still need activities, organized or not. Many ski operators are already indicating their season memberships are quickly selling out and bike shops across the province catering to the winter fat bike enthusiasts are recording record sales.
People still need to be entertained and outdoors is the new hot venue. What better opportunity to see that “entertainment” occur firsthand! While store closures are also occurring in areas across the country and shopping becoming more limited, it is creating a demand for the stores that remain open. A subject with restrictions regarding any excessive standing or walking may be observed in line outside the local Costco. Hour-long waits at many big box or grocery stores are common - “tis the season” to “shop ‘til we drop”, right? There is encouragement to shop local this season which may have your subject running around town wrapping up last-minute shopping.
Analyzing the family dynamic, social media activity, and local activities allows IRM to take our intelligence led investigations to the next level. It seems the longer restrictions are in place; the more people find alternative solutions to stay active and get out of the house – where we can see them. What about the mandatory masks and general winter gear? How do we know that our subject is underneath the mask, the toque, the scarf?
What may seem as a hindrance at first can be a win for our investigators. Again, starting with a strong social media investigation prior to boots on the ground is imperative. We document such things as pets, winter gear in pics, even accessories such as purses, leashes, boots, etc. Eventually, people remove their masks – usually upon exiting any store or when in the vehicle. This allows for identity confirmation. Pets are great accessories too and are usually very identifiable. The best thing about dogs is that they will always need to be walked – they really don’t care that it’s a pandemic! Looking for the same dog, the same purse, and of course masks that have symbols, logos, designs, etc. have made winter/COVID surveillance easier than originally anticipated. Every company, large or small, will encounter difficult situations at one time or another. However, now more than ever, your company needs to have professionals on stand-by. At IRM, we ensure the facts are presented with integrity and, in a professional and credible manner. IRM team members consist of senior investigators, licensed paralegals, former law enforcement officers, human resource professionals, lawyers and other professionals whom together enjoy decades of experience in complex, sensitive, and intricate investigations.
If you have a questionable claim or would like more information about what is involved in an investigation reach out.
We are here to help.
For more information please contact:
Brian Sartorelli Sandra Barker
brians@irmi.ca sandrab@irmi.ca
705-503-5544 647-271-1268
