Walmart.com Now Selling “Spy Pens” & Hidden Cameras

Walmart Offering 3 Different “Spy Pens” For Under $100

So the other day I searching online for a nice spy pen, one that exudes a professional appearance as well as being highly reliability. There are many spy pens, pen dvr’s, or what have you. Many are just junk, and a lot of the pen cameras of the past have had serious reliability issues.

There is a pen I’ve been researching for a while, and it’s definitely captured my attention (no pun intended). The hidden pen camera is called the DOD-PH720HD, like the name states, it has the ability to capture video at 720p in HD quality. This pen also advertises it can snap still photos at 12 mega pixel resolution (if you can actually believe that). I have it on my wishlist on Amazon.com, and I was going to purchase it this week until I randomly stumbled upon these three “spy pens” on Walmart.com.

Yes, you heard right. Walmart.com (of all places). Spy equipment is one of this last items one would picture Walmart stocking. It looks like the pens are available only online, and not in the brick & mortar stores. So why would Walmart stock a spy pen anyway?

Here’s my take on it. 1: Spy pens can be used for seminars, recording notes in a car while traveling. 2: It can come in handy for a cheating hubby / wifey’s significant other to place this sucker right on a desk or public common area without suspicion. 3: Flat out…the device is just plain cool to have!

I’m interested in hearing from anyone who currently has one of these devices or has used one in the past. I’d be interested in how the video / audio quality differs from unit to unit.

Walmart Spy Pen Camera #1:
SVAT PI101 Covert Pen DVR with Built-in Color Camera and 8GB Flash Drive

The SVAT PI101 Covert Pen DVR with Built-in Color Camera and 8GB Flash Drive allows you to record your surroundings discreetly and transfer them to a PC or Mac via an 8GB USB flash drive. Includes covert pen DVR, three ink refills, USB cable, user’s manual, USB power adapter and informational booklet.

Technical Specs:

• Video camera and DVR in a discreet, functioning ballpoint pen
• Looks and writes with a normal pen
• Pen unscrews to reveal a USB drive that can connect to a PC or Mac
• Stores up to 7 hours of high resolution video at a time
• Built-in lithium polymer battery can be charged via USB port
• Includes covert pen DVR, 3 ink refills, USB cable, user’s manual, USB power adapter and informational booklet

Walmart Spy Pen Camera #2:
Swann DVR-421 PenCam Mini Video Camera & Recorder Executive-quality Black Ballpoint Pen w/ 2GB Flash Drive

The Swann PenCam DVR Mini Video Camera & Recorder is living proof the pen is mightier than the sword! The stylish-looking casing with metallic gold trim and pocket clip holds an executive-quality black ballpoint pen with hidden talents, as it contains a pinhole video camera so small you almost can’t see that it’s there. Use the PenCam to shoot AVI video files at 640 x 480 pixel resolution or JPEG still images at 1280 x 1024 photo resolution, all at the push of a button.Make your own videos or photos and store them on the built-in 2GB flash drive.

• Real ballpoint pen
• DVR
• Camera
• Easy uploads to YouTube
• Long-lasting battery
• 90-minute charging time

PenCam’s intelligent design includes 2GB of built-in internal memory that can store over an hour of video footage. Viewing or copying recorded files is easy, just unscrew the top of the pen to reveal a USB plug that can connect straight into your computer’s USB port. No special cables, no adapters, no drivers, no worries! Transferring files is easy as the PenCam can be used as an everyday USB thumb drive, able to store a myriad of file formats without fuss.

Walmart Spy Pen Camera #3:
Digital Peripheral Solutions Q-See4GB Covert-Ops 4GB Surveillance Pen

Product Model Number: QD113P

 Overview:  This versatile tool is built around an ultra-mini camera which combines 1.3-megapixel still photography and high-resolution real-time video with audio in a compact, discrete package. Store nearly 4,000 pictures or 2 hours of video on the internet with 4GB memory. View or save your files on any PC with a USB port. The ease of use, small size and elegant design make this a valuable tool for security personnel, business people, students, tourists and others.

Features:
Easy to Use – Playback files on Computer – Recorder Hidden in Working Ink Pen – Records Video
Takes Photos – Records Audio – Use as Webcam or Photos for Email

UPDATE: It appears Amazon.com is offering all 3 of these pen cameras “in stock” and at a lower price than Walmart. -OCPI Blog.

About the Author:

Ryan Garrahy is a state licensed private investigator specializing civil, criminal & workers comp insurance investigations. He is the owner & principal investigator for Orange Investigations.

Shoplifting: Employees Steal More Than Customers Do

Kathy might seem like the perfect employee, but she'll steal $855.00 from you this year.

In 2010, the National Retail Federation reported shoplifting nationwide increased to $3.6 billion, an 11% increase equaling $37 billion in loss from theft alone. More surprisingly, these figures were primarily from employees stealing on the job, not the customers we all assume shoplifting statistics come from.

Question: Why would an employee steal from their employer in such a fragile economy?

Answer: When employees feel undervalued, the risk of employee theft rises.

Employee theft, specifically in California, can range from potential felony charges of embezzlement and grand theft (over $400); to simple petty theft of miscellaneous store merchandise. Aside from retail theft, corporations are affected as well. Corporations are well known for issuing employees company credit cards and fuel cards for job related expenses. These “access cards” carry a greater risk of being misused for personal use and even 3^rd party use (friend or relative), both considered fraud.

In July 2011, the LA Times ran an article about an LA County municipal chief who lost his job. It involved a government gas card tied to personal use of fuel purchases throughout the western United States. Whether it’s a government employee in an esteemed position or a summer intern working for free, employers should realize that internal theft can impact their bottom line and should implement measures to prevent or dissuade employee related theft.

In a difficult economy, a good chunk of employee theft may be due to the “I’ve earned it” or “I’m underpaid” or just simply “the company will hardly notice it” mentality.  Remember, one employee can greatly affect your business, especially if it’s a small business with less than 10 employees.

Keeping employees happy and eager to work for you can be an efficient and cost effective way to prevent internal theft. Employees that respect their workplace, feel valued and consider themselves an integral part of the business are often less likely to consider stealing.

Management’s ability to connect with employees on a personal level, yet maintain their supervisory respect can also minimize internal theft. When an employee steals, they are now dissolving the relationship with their manager as well as their employer. A “firm but fair” attitude is best practice in the retail industry, which is prone to higher turn over and historically shows employees being less committed to their employer.

Ryan Garrahy is a licensed private investigator specializing in civil, criminal and insurance related investigations. He is the owner and principal investigator for Orange Investigations.

3 Common Sense Reasons To Hire A PI

 

The “Gut Feeling”

Have you ever had that “gut feeling” about something? Maybe about someone? Studies show that our brains can dig deep into our instinctual past, making use of a plethora of thoughts and interactions in a matter seconds. The reason we have these gut instincts is to protect us from making bad decisions, decisions that don’t coincide with our beliefs, well being, and physical security needs.

My room keys are stolen, someone is following me, my credit card is being used, my boyfriend or girlfriend is cheating on me, and the list goes on… There is no end to what situation you may be in and there is no single way to handle it.

In such cases, you need someone who can watch on your issue from an independent perspective, and supporting it with facts and evidence to show you what’s right and what’s not.

#1. Private Investigators Can Act As Impartial Witness

Let’s say you’re in a situation that needs professional help, help from someone who is impartial (not connected) to your specific situation. An example would be: You suspect that your partner is being disloyal, a caretaker may be stealing, an employee may be exaggerating his work related injuries. Calling on the help of a reputable private investigator to act as an independent witness can increase your chances of success. It may be a very personal matter that you feel uncomfortable confronting. Keeping your distance can ultimately help with credibility.

#2. Private Investigators Can Help Weather The Storm

Yes, it happens to the best of us, but sometimes we get so obsessed about something we just can’t see straight! Either someone has rubbed us wrong way, we got cheated out of something we deserved, or someone has violated our trust. These situations touch us emotionally, and can blur our sense of practicality. When something is too hard to handle on our own we usually call in someone who can help, right? Have you ever called on a plumber when the toilet is leaking? Have you ever spent the night in jail wishing you called that midnight bail bondsman?

The same applies for calling in that trustworthy local PI. Private investigators are trained to see the “big picture” and can help direct you back to the practical side of the situation. PIs can provide emotional support too. Clients can feel very alone during the investigation and the private investigator may often be their only outlet for release, the only person they can fully trust with this often emotional matter.

#3. Risky Going It Alone

• Not being familiar with the law

• Civil liability, possible stalking charges

• Mishandling or damaging crucial evidence

• Limited resources as an individual

• Credibility issues if you are a party to the matter

-

Ryan Garrahy is a state licensed private investigator specializing in surveillance, background checks, locating individuals and workplace investigations. He is the owner & principal investigator for Orange Investigations.

The 2011 OC Grand Jury; “There’s An App For That”

Yes, You Can Still Apply To The Orange County Grand Jury…But Time Is Running Out.

The Orange County Grand Jury is made up of ordinary citizens who decide on important matters within our local government.

Have you ever wanted to decide on important matters here in Orange County?

Are you an honest citizen who is at least 18 years old?

Been a resident in the County of Orange for at least 1 year?

Well then, you should hurry up and send in your application to the OC Grand Jury selection committee! Even though there’s not an Apple iPhone or iPad App Store application that streamlines the process, you can still apply via the web, or in person if you’re really old school.

Here’s What The OC Register Has To Say About The Job:

“Grand Jurors review and evaluate county and city agencies, schools, and special districts within Orange County. Prior grand juries have focused on issues such as the condition and management of Orange County jails, planning for statewide water shortages, and the child abuse index.”

“The grand jury also weighs and considers issuing criminal indictments after evidence is presented by the Orange County District Attorney’s Office.”

“A grand juror must be 18 years of age or older, a United States citizen, and an Orange County resident for at least one year. Before being nominated, each qualifying applicant is interviewed by a panel of Superior Court judges. The Orange County Sheriff’s Department conducts background investigations of nominees.”

Article Credit – OC Register Journalist Andrew Galvin

Here’s where you can apply:

Web: http://www.ocgrandjury.org

In Person: Jury Commissioner’s Office at 700 W Civic Center Dr Santa Ana, CA 92701

Deadline: Applications need to be received by January 14th 2011.

Browse some landmark cases & reports from the OC Grand Jury:

DNA: Orange County Crime Lab or District Attorney’s Office?

The State of the Orange County Jails

Orange County Disciplinary Procedures For Elected Officials

An In-Custody Death Review

Oversight for Orange County Law Enforcement Agencies

-

Ryan Garrahy is a state licensed private investigator specializing in surveillance, background checks, locating individuals and workplace investigations. He is the owner & principal investigator for Orange Investigations.

Small Business Professionals: “We Can Get The Job Done”

Small Business Professionals To The Rescue!

As a customer, you want to see results. Moreover, you want to increase your profits and accomplish all your goals in a timely manner. With good quality services within customer’s timeline and budgets, small business professionals are a good alternative and often turn out to be a lot of more cost effective than hiring high-priced professionals from relatively larger businesses.

They say – “Bigger isn’t always better” and here’s the reason why…

Small business owners can achieve a taste of success just like bigger businesses do.

While it is challenging for small and private business professionals to compete against the large and global rivals, the more localized, innovative and customer-centric services by small business professionals gives them an edge over the competition.

The more service-oriented small business professionals ensure that the customer’s requirements are met and the business performance is achieved. No matter what!

But just how can small business professionals assist you better than the big guys?

Localized Services

Often, small businesses are localized and cater to customers in and around their office location. There are certain inherent advantages caused by this localization of business. Familiarity with nearby areas and people makes it easier for the professionals to get new contacts.

From the viewpoint of prospective customers, it is always easier to approach a known face than an unfamiliar entity. In field of private investigation, it is much easier to confide in a known individual than an unknown person from a big company.

Trained Small Business Professionals

The emergence of small businesses is complemented by the establishment of technical and vocational institutes offering job-oriented training programs. Candidates receive proper training and thereafter set up their independent businesses in various fields.

Some of the small businesses that require thorough training include security services, logistics, beauty treatment and allied activities, physiotherapy, automobile repairing, investigative services, and interior decorating. All these and many more services are undertaken by professionals who are adept and have proper infrastructure to offer support to their assignments.

However, you might want to check the qualifications and specific skill set of the small business professional you are working with.

Dennis Crowley co-founder and CEO Foursquare - Courtesy Entrepreneur

Informal yet Professional Approach

Difference in business approach is very distinctive between small business houses and the larger ones. As compared to the smooth and nearly informal approach in small business setups, the process is formal and time consuming in larger organizations. The formalities are limited and completed fast when dealing with small business professionals. Establishments being significantly small, you get the best attention while dealing with small business professionals.

• One important reason for this keen attention is the limited number of clients a small business professional has. Often, small business owners run their businesses on a higher risk level as their area of operation is not too well spread out.

• “A negative impact on the mind of a customer could lead to a bad reputation in the market.” To prevent this and to promote themselves as courteous organizations, small business professionals are usually amiable and helpful towards their customers.

• It is a known fact that a happy customer would bring in more customers, while an unhappy customer could completely destroy a professional’s growing business.

Private Investigator; Good Example of a Small Business Professional

You’ve seen it in the movies, the small business suite with the words “Private Investigator” etched in the window and in smaller fonts “By appointment only”. This is often cliché, but it’s true. Private investigators were meant to be small; meant to be niche.

Look at it from a government point of view. The State of California issues private investigators a personal license. This is not a company or corporation license, it’s specifically issued to that qualified person. The reason the State does this is to maintain the integrity in the service provided. The PI business was meant to be a small business operation, not some worldwide or nationwide conglomerate like some firms today. The intention of licensing one individual to one office location allows the public more specialized attention, keeping the investigator’s focus on local business, which in turn benefits the local private investigator and that community in which they serve.

For more information and statistics on small businesses, make sure to check out the Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy (a federal branch of government that represents small businesses here in America).

-

Ryan Garrahy is a state licensed private investigator specializing in surveillance, background checks, locating individuals and workplace investigations. He is the owner & principal investigator for Orange Investigations.

PIs May Have Bigger Bark Than Bite On New “Terriers” Show

New PI show is no “Burn Notice” but it might make us laugh more

Ok, so I recently heard about this new private investigator show on the FX Network called “Terriers”. When I first heard about it I immediately thought Burn Notice with a lot more humor without the slick Miami style. After hitting up FX Network’s show page for their new series I noticed a familiar face, Donal Logue, from that great movie The Tao of Steve back in the early 2000′s in which he portrayed a lazy out of work guy who had the mentality of “letting women come to you” without any effort on his part. A Tao superpower of some sense. A great actor none the less, awesome on screen. Let’s hope for the same in Terriers.

I’ve yet to see an episode of this new series that focuses on the pair of unlicensed PIs who use improvisational techniques to land and solve their cases. I’m interested in checking out this new series, and hopefully looking forward to a laugh or two.

Here’s what the FX Network has to say about their new show:

Yep, being a Hollywood PI ain't that bad, and neither is the scenery! - Image Courtesy FX Network

Terriers from Creator/Executive Producer Ted Griffin (Ocean’s Eleven, Matchstick Men) and Executive Producer Shawn Ryan (The Shield), is a comedic drama starring Donal Logue (The Tao of Steve) and Michael Raymond-James (True Blood). It centers on “Hank Dolworth” (Logue), an ex-cop, who partners with his best friend “Britt Pollack” (Raymond-James) in an unlicensed private investigation business.

Comedic, edgy, original, a show about high stakes in the face of low expectations, Terriers explores what it’s like in today’s America to be “too small to fail.” Co-stars include Laura Allen (Dirt) as “Katie,” Britt’s girlfriend; Rockmond Dunbar (Prison Break) as “Detective Mark Gustafson,” former colleague of Hank; and Jamie Denbo (Weeds) as “Maggie Lefferts,” Hank’s attorney. Craig Brewer (Hustle and Flow, The Shield) directed the pilot episode. Terriers is produced by Fox 21.

-

Ryan Garrahy is a state licensed private investigator specializing in surveillance, background checks, locating individuals and workplace investigations. He is the owner & principal investigator for Orange Investigations.

“PI Camstick 3″ Review: Dependable Little Cam, But It’s Ugly!

PI Camstick 3 proves to be an extremely reliable undercover camera, solid to the touch and yes...it's ugly!

The Author’s 2 Cents

Before I talk about this Private Investigator’s best friend, I’d like to apologize that I didn’t get a chance to review this device earlier in my blog. If you read my blog a few months ago I placed a post reviewing the PI Camstick 2, a similar handheld spy cam device that’s about the size and shape of a 25 cent pack of Doublemint gum. The PI Camstick 2 didn’t fan out that well, I noticed reliability issues and recording issues (too bad really, because the slimline shape was really nice in super undercover situations). So, with that said, let me dive right into the review of it’s successor, the PI Camstick 3.

Overall Design and Build

The design of the PI Camstick 3, also known as the MD80 is quite a departure from the tried and true USB flashdrive style look of the first Camsticks. I’m not too sure what the engineers were thinking but they sure made an impact when the device released to the PI and spy shop community. As you see in the picture I posted above, the device has a much more solid feel to it, doesn’t feel fragile in the least bit. Where the lens is situated, there is a curvature that protrudes outward, pretty much giving away this device as an undercover you-know-what. As far as the device’s integrity, it really feels like a little piece of cold steel in your palm. The device has great integrity and can really take a beating. Even though it’s not the prettiest device on the market, it can sure get the job done.

VIDEO: The 3rd Generation PI Camstick in the wild

1. Recording ON/OFF (pressing straight down to record and pressing again to stop)

The record button has the best placement I’ve ever seen in a mini handheld undercover camera. It’s right on the very top, protrudes slightly and is rounded off at the top. Once you press this little guy you’ll really feel the quality in the button design. How can I describe it..ok it has a real similar feel to the standby button that sits atop the iPhone. It doesn’t make a clicking sound, but just has that inherent feel of quality when you press it.

2. Power ON/OFF (located on the side of the unit towards the head)

The power button is conveniently located on the side of the device, and I’ve found that this is a really nice area for discreet powering on and off. Talking about being discreet, the last thing a PI wants to do is draw attention to the device. With that said, in terms of training with tiny spy cameras remember this one line “practice makes perfect“. Because the power button and VOX button are on opposite sides of the camera lens, it can often get confusing which one is which. QUICK TIP: Can’t remember which one’s the power button? Just aim the device toward you, place your thumb over the lens, then slide your thumb slightly to the left…boom there’s the power button. This really works well in a tactical situation where time and discreetness is of the essence. Works great single handed or while the device is in your pocket.

3. VOX (Voice Activated Recording)

Neat feature to say the least, and it REALLY work well. When this function is turned ON (with power button turned ON as well) it will only record when sound is heard above a certain decibel level. That means this device is great for discreet placement in a bookshelf, near a computer, or even hidden in an indoor plant. The MD80 will activate when the conversation starts and will go into standby mode when the conversation stops.

4. MicroSD

The PI Camstick 3 stores it’s video data onto a removable MicroSD card. This is the same type of card your cell phone uses to store pictures and video. The MicroSD card takes some finessing to seat in place, but you’ll hear a tiny click once it seats properly. Video can be viewed on a laptop or desktop computer via these two options: Remove the MicroSD and insert into a computer via the SD card adapter provided with the unit OR insert the provided USB cable and connect to a computer to view and download the footage.

Video Quality & Lux Rating

The video quality on this PI Camstick comes in at 30 FPS and 640 x 480 lines of resolution. A lot of spy cameras tend to have 20+ frames per second which tend to give it that choppy look, making it difficult to pause video and capture still images. So 30 frames per second is nice and the resolution is perfect for viewing on a computer screen or viewing on a DVD player.

This undercover camera also offers a Color CMOS 1 Lux camera sensor. Now a 1.0 Lux rating is ample for most common video capturing uses. I used this unit inside the bar area of an El Torito in the evening and it did just fine. If you have a really low lighting situation that needs undercover video, I’d go with a 0.05 lux rating or lower. There are actually cameras called “starlight cams” that can shoot in almost complete darkness without the use of IR. Here’s a link if you’d like to read more about “Starlight Cameras“.

Lux ratings make a big difference, factor this in when dealing with low-light situations

Reliable Undercover Camera; Really Gets The Job Done

I’ve shot hours of video with the PI Camstick 3 and I must say that after about 1 1/2 years of owning this camera, I love it! I don’t think there has been one instance that this camera didn’t record when it was supposed to. Even though it does have the cold military look and can be quite ugly, this little bulldog can really knock out video when you need it to. From bar footage to Disneyland walking-around footage, this camera pulls through. Reliability has and will always be a very important factor to me, as well as many other PIs. Think of it this way, if a camera doesn’t work when it needs to, what good is it anyway? I give this little undercover camera 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Here’s The Specs:

Thumb size alloy housing
Time/Date Stamping
Web cam capability
Supports AVI video format
Color CMOS 1.0 Lux
High speed recording and quick light response
30 FPS and 640 x 480 Resolution
Built in Li-on rechargeable battery last up to 2 hours
Supports up to 16GB Micro SD Card (30 minutes per 1 GB of recording time)
LED indicator
Easy installation with a bracket or clip
Bracket allows for 360 degree pan and 150 degree tilt
JPEG picture format
80 degree FOV
USB 1.1/2.0
Weight: 1.76oz
Size: 2.1″ x .8″ x .7″

-

Ryan Garrahy is a state licensed private investigator specializing in surveillance, background checks, locating individuals and workplace investigations. He is the owner & principal investigator for Orange Investigations.