AI for Private Investigators: Leveraging AI for Better Workflow & Decision Making

Listen wherever you get your podcasts

In this episode

How is AI changing the investigative industry in 2026? Francois McKinnon and Oscar Santamaria break down the transition from manual labor to AI-assisted operations. Oscar shares how he uses ChatGPT to handle highly emotional client inquiries with professional empathy and how AI summaries help turn raw field notes into polished reports. They also discuss the emergence of specialized AI for legal research that can analyze complex case law in seconds, providing a massive advantage for business investigations.

What are the best surveillance vehicles for South Florida PIs? The hosts introduce the “AI Challenge,” pitting common vehicles against each other for “blendability.” AI analysis suggests that while the Hyundai Sonata is cost-effective, the Toyota Camry is the superior choice for Florida surveillance due to its neutral design and ability to vanish into traffic on the I-95 or Brickell corridors. They also compare the pros and cons of key fob cameras versus pen cameras for professional office environments.

How do you capture undercover video in low-light environments? Francois recounts a high-stakes field story involving a covert investigation at a private club in Pompano Beach. He shares the tactical details of using a “lighter camera” hidden inside a pack of cigarettes to capture evidence in a dimly lit venue where traditional cameras would be detected. The segment highlights the importance of choosing “blendable” gear, such as macro-lens baseball caps and modern smart glasses, to ensure the chain of custody remains intact.

What You Will Learn In This Episode

AI as a Daily Assistant: Professional investigators are increasingly relying on AI tools like ChatGPT to draft sympathetic client communications, refine professional reports, and analyze legal research in seconds.

The “AI Challenge” in Surveillance: AI analysis can assist investigators in selecting the best equipment by comparing the “blendability,” cost, and technical specifications of surveillance vehicles and covert cameras.

Undercover Ingenuity: High-risk surveillance in dark environments, such as night clubs or private venues, requires creative ruses and specialized low-light gear like hidden lighter cameras or macro-lens baseball caps.

Read Full Episode Transcript

Francois McKinnon: Welcome to the Miami PI Chronicles podcast, where the world of private investigation comes alive. Joining me all is Francois McKinnon of McKinnon Investigative Group and Oscar Santamaria of Optimum Investigations, as they tap into their combined 60 plus years of experience in the industry. From real-life cases to insider tips, they bring the stories, insights, and expertise that only seasoned pros can provide. So sit back, listen, and enjoy the show. Welcome to the show. Good morning, Oscar. How’s everything going with you?

Oscar Santamaria: Pretty well. How about with you? I am really relying on this AI stuff way too much. I’m doing everything from responding to emails to helping me write reports. I had a really sad email last week about a child’s psychological condition, and I used ChatGPT to respond very sympathetically. The results were unbelievable. I’m also putting my report detail sections into AI to generate summaries and recommendations. It takes a lot of heavy lifting out of the equation.

Francois McKinnon: I remember we spoke to Jonathan Friedman a few months ago about AI replacing research teams, and this morning I read about new AI researchers for the legal field. It is officially legal to use and it’s doing everything for you. It’s going to transform every single industry. We have to embrace it and use it as a new investigative technique.

Oscar Santamaria: I want to incorporate an “AI Challenge” on this show. I asked AI which vehicle is a better surveillance vehicle: a 2025 grey Hyundai Sonata or a grey 2025 Toyota Camry. AI determined that while the Sonata is more cost-effective, the Camry edges it out in terms of versatility and blendability because it has a more neutral, classic design that blends into South Florida environments. We also compared the Toyota Camry to the Honda Accord, and again, the Camry won for its ability to blend seamlessly into surroundings.

Francois McKinnon: That’s a good comparison. In our mirror, five Camrys look like any other car. They don’t stand out like a black F-150 with tinted windows. I also asked AI about covert cameras for store use: key fob cameras versus pen cameras. AI suggested pen cameras for professional office environments but noted that key fobs are better for ultra-portability. I personally prefer the baseball cap with a macro lens. You can put it on a table and no one sees what is inside. Sunglasses are also great for South Florida because everyone wears them and they have no wires.

Francois McKinnon: Many years ago, I had a job at a swingers club in Pompano Beach. I had to remove my clothing, so I couldn’t hide a bulky camera. I used a lighter camera hidden inside a pack of Marlboros. I even used a piece of chewing gum to secure it. I captured great footage while sitting there with just a towel. I even had a girl ask me for a cigarette and a light, and the camera caught everything. I forgot to turn it off and it even recorded my conversation with my wife in the car afterward! It just goes to show you have to be careful with low-light capabilities and technical details.

Oscar Santamaria: You should put that story in your next book! If you haven’t started looking into AI and how it can help your business, whether it’s for deep-dive background checks or managing your Google business account, you really need to start. Use it to grow your business and make your life easier.

Francois McKinnon: We’ll keep up the AI challenge for next week. Thank you so much for listening. For all of your investigative needs in Miami and across Florida, please contact McKinnon Investigative Group. Thanks for listening, and please remember to share, follow, and like our licensed surveillance updates.