October 30th, 2025

□ Is Your Subject Handing Out Candy This Halloween?

The Pros and Cons of Conducting Surveillance During the Holidays

The holidays bring out the best—and sometimes the most revealing—sides of people. Between parties, family visits, and unpredictable schedules, individuals often let their guard down. For professional investigators, that makes this time of year both an opportunity and a challenge.

Before you settle into your Halloween candy or light the Thanksgiving candles, consider this question: Is your subject handing out candy this Halloween—or handing out clues instead?

□ Pros of Holiday Surveillance

1. Unpredictable Behavior Patterns

Holiday routines are anything but normal. Subjects who are usually careful about their actions may make small slip-ups—like attending gatherings or performing activities that contradict a claimed injury or disability. These moments can provide valuable insights and evidence.

2. Natural Cover in Public Spaces

The holiday bustle—crowded stores, parties, and trick-or-treat routes—creates perfect camouflage. Investigators can blend in while observing subjects discreetly, reducing the risk of detection.

3. Travel and Family Dynamics

From road trips to family reunions, the holiday season increases movement. Tracking these travel patterns can reveal unreported destinations, new acquaintances, or inconsistencies in a subject’s claims.

4. Emotional Decisions Lead to Exposure

The emotional weight of the holidays—whether joy, stress, or loneliness—can push people to act out of character. These impulsive moments often reveal critical information.

⚠️ Cons of Holiday Surveillance

1. Irregular Schedules

Holidays make people unpredictable. Last-minute plans or schedule changes can disrupt an investigator’s setup, requiring extra flexibility and patience.

2. Higher Risk of Being Noticed

In smaller neighborhoods or quiet towns, unfamiliar faces or parked vehicles stand out. Extra discretion and planning are essential.

3. Seasonal Costs and Logistics

Working during the holidays may involve higher travel costs, overtime, or limited staff availability. Clients should be aware that strategic timing sometimes carries added expense.

□️‍♂️ Final Thoughts: Precision, Patience, and Professionalism

Holiday surveillance can uncover powerful evidence, but it demands preparation and adaptability. For clients, it’s wise to plan ahead—especially if the investigation overlaps with busy or emotional times of year.

Larkins Investigations — Inspect. Collect. Protect.