Casteel & Associates of Birmingham

06/02/2026

Thank you to everyone who has purchased this book, I was pleasantly surprised at the number of copys that were ordered in the last month.

05/28/2026

Sometimes you just need to know!

05/23/2026

When they know you're there but just cant find you. This was a case where I had spent the night in the woods in camo, the coyote caught the scent of some deer that had just walked past.

05/20/2026

Modern surveillance is more challenging than ever.
Neighborhood camera systems, social media groups, HOA alerts, and license plate technology have changed the operational landscape completely.
At the same time, many surveillance decisions are now driven primarily by budget restrictions and single-investigator staffing models.
The reality is this:
There are situations where limiting operational resources can directly limit results.
In high-exposure claims, the difference between obtaining usable evidence and obtaining none at all may come down to:
• proper staffing,
• operational flexibility,
• and whether the investigative firm’s recommendations are taken into consideration.
An experienced investigative team should not only document activity…
they should know how to adapt to evolving surveillance conditions and deploy the personnel, technology, and tactics necessary to maximize the opportunity for results.
At Casteel & Associates, we utilize modern surveillance techniques designed to overcome many of today’s obstacles that routinely compromise less experienced operations.
But some assignments warrant expanded operational coverage when the financial exposure justifies it.
Sometimes the most expensive surveillance decision is the one made strictly to save money.
Casteel & Associates LLC
Surveillance | Insurance Fraud | Litigation Support
205-994-5423

04/21/2026

Using AI in investigations is easy. Using it correctly in reports is not. AI-driven research is increasingly common and has already led to legal issues. Regardless of how it’s used, you are responsible for verifying every fact in your report.
I will be speaking on this topic at our APIA meeting in Prattville on the 28th of this month. I look forward to spending the day with our Alabama Private Investigators Association Members.
If you would like to become a member (licensed Investigators/apprentices) or associate member (no license required) you can find a link ti APIA here. https://casteelagency.com/about

03/12/2026

Sometimes options are limited when you need to place a covert camera and you just have to get creative. In this case I was able to closely match the color of the columns in this rain drain and build a mock column from an old CD case. I painted a black line to resemble a crack and hide the black camera lens. I used a Brinno,TLC 200 Pro ,time lapse camera with a C-mount pinhole lens.

03/09/2026

In surveillance work, redundancy isn’t a luxury — it’s a necessity.

Opportunities to document critical evidence often happen only once. Equipment can fail, batteries die, or a subject can move unexpectedly. When that happens, having a backup camera running can mean the difference between missing the moment and capturing clear, usable evidence.

Professional surveillance work requires planning, patience, and the right equipment for the job. In cases like these, running multiple cameras allow us to capture clear, identifiable footage from across the lake or across a parking lot— ensuring the evidence was preserved.

Attention to these details is what separates casual observation from professional investigative work.

Casteel & Associates LLC

Professional Investigations & Surveillance

📞 205-994-5423

03/07/2026

We are still fighting SB227, this could affect any and every licensed profession in Alabama, those who won't be affected as a licensee, will likely be affected as consumers. This article says quite a bit and is worth reading!
https://www.montgomeryindependent.com/opinion/as-trump-seeks-to-cut-government-sen-chris-elliott-wants-to-expand-it/article_329701ee-4b33-443b-845c-dd19df296df3.html

03/05/2026

Left to right, Association Presidents (At time of photo)
Tim O'Rouke, Florida
Mark Gillespie, Texas
Jim Casteel, Alabama

03/05/2026