The Seasonal Affect
Investigator Natasha Popovska has had no trouble adjusting to the crazy ups and downs in surveillance. Natasha has an avid love for people watching, which is why she absolutely loves this job. Natasha also has a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Madonna University. While at Madonna, she was the poster girl for the college’s flyers! After applying for her surveillance position on a whim, she was surprised to get a call from Sherlock, who had recognized the great talent she could bring to our company. This series aims to address the different work conditions that investigators run into throughout the year. Every day is different out in the field, and we all handle it in our own way! Let’s get to know how our second interviewee, Natasha, navigates the Great Lakes state!
Michigan surveillance is full of challenges. How do the climate and state conditions prepare an investigator for work adversity?
The very first thing I do when I wake up is check the weather, even before I roll out of bed. Being prepared in any sort of weather condition is one of the keys to making sure that you can be the best investigator you can be. You don’t want to stand out so that you’re easily recognizable. For example, I am constantly hot and even in the winter I just wear a sweater without a winter coat, but when I have cases during the winter I always make sure to have a hat, scarf, gloves, and coat to make myself “fit in” because you never know where the day may take you, which is another reason why I love my job.
What is your favorite season to do surveillance in?
My favorite season for surveillance is in the fall. It’s perfect because it’s not so cold that you feel like you’re nose is going to fall off and you don’t get too hot to the point where you absolutely have to have the air conditioner on, (the less gas you waste, the better). Also, in my opinion, people are more likely to be out and about because it’s not freezing or scorching hot, which allows for good activity for the day and makes our clients very happy; the chance of possibly having to follow someone into the cider mill makes me a happy camper as well.
How does your routine change with the seasons?
My absolute favorite thing about working in the spring/summer is the sun. I bought a sun blocker for your front windshield and I have my windows tinted so when I put the sun blocker in my front window, no one can see that I am sitting in my vehicle. It may sound creepy, but it allows for me to avoid the extra attention of someone who just sits in their vehicle for hours at a time without any interaction; the less attention an investigator can draw to themselves the better so that the person we are doing surveillance on does not start to become suspicious. The last thing any investigator wants is to burn a case.
Are there any cases that you know would have only been possible to accomplish in fair weather?
Living in Michigan where there is never a steady weather pattern and always makes for an interesting day of work. The days when surveillance is affected the most, in my opinion, is when it’s either too hot or too cold/snowing outside. No one wants to do yard work when it’s 90+ degrees outside, so some days you’re sitting in your car waiting for someone to cut the grass or plant flowers with absolutely no activity and then you’ll have people outside shoveling snow when you would think that they would be inside due to the extremely cold weather. I don’t think you can ever be 100% certain as to what will happen, so you have to be prepared for anything that gets thrown your way.
How do you prepare mentally and physically for the vast changes in schedule that come with surveillance?
I prepare everything I am going to need for the workday the night before. I check the weather for the next day both before I go to sleep and again in the morning, so I am prepared for whatever nature throws my way. Making sure I get plenty of sleep the night before and coffee before I start work is the major key for me. I always have extra clothes and shoes on hand just in case my case takes a turn; the last thing you want is to be wearing oversized sweats and a baggy hoodie and then having to walk into a very prestigious restaurant. In the summer I carry flip flops, and make sure to have TONS of water on hand, even though you must drink in moderation. During the winter I carry a shovel in my trunk just in case I end up getting snowed in (makes me miss my four-wheel drive so much). Even though it’s only been a year since I have worked in this profession, I am still learning new things every day. All the investigators are great when it comes to seeking answers to questions or advice in general. The investigators in the office help a lot as well; by adding in notes we may find helpful or telling us facts we may need to know about a case before we get there, it allows for the field investigator to be better mentally and physically prepared for what the day has in store.