Capturing the Truth: How PMI Uses In-House Video Depositions to Preserve Critical Testimony

In any investigation, information is only as reliable as the way it is collected, documented, and preserved. Witness accounts and subject interviews often play a pivotal role in uncovering the truth, but memories fade, details change, and narratives can shift over time. At Preventative Measures Investigations (PMI), we recognize that securing a statement in its original, unaltered form is critical. That is why we offer in-house video depositions as part of our investigative process.

What Is an In-House Video Deposition?
An in-house video deposition is a recorded interview conducted in PMI’s secure environment using professional audio-visual equipment. These sessions capture not only the words spoken, but also tone, emotion, and nonverbal cues that can be essential in assessing credibility and context.

Unlike standard written statements, video depositions create a living record of the witness’s account at a specific point in time. This record can be reviewed by attorneys, investigators, and, when appropriate, presented directly in court.

Why It Matters in Investigations
During a fast-moving investigation, key witnesses may relocate, become unavailable, or even change their version of events under outside pressure. Conducting and recording a video deposition early in the investigative process ensures that the original account is memorialized. This can:

• Lock in critical details before memory loss or influence occurs.

• Capture emotional and behavioral cues that can be lost in transcription.

• Provide a verifiable timeline of when the account was given.

• Strengthen case continuity when a witness cannot appear in person later.

The PMI Approach
PMI’s in-house video deposition process is designed for both legal admissibility and investigative value. Our trained investigators conduct interviews using open-ended, non-leading questions to elicit comprehensive, factual responses. We are proud to contract Jessie Dickensheet as our videographer for all video depositions. Jessie’s professionalism and calm demeanor helps witnesses feel comfortable and confident during the process. Many of our depositions involve highly emotional or sensitive subject matter, and Jessie excels at guiding individuals through those moments, helping them regain composure while still telling their story truthfully and completely.

PMI strives to give its clients the opportunity to tell their story in a raw and unedited format, giving them the confidence that they are being heard. In many situations, our clients are visiting our office when other avenues of investigation were unsuccessful, but our investigators and consultants are trained to be open minded and compassionate to the situations of others while also aiming for the truth in all things. Through our videography services, we are able to capture these stories and use them to bolster the cases of our clients in a way that paper depositions can only marginally convey.

From Investigation to Courtroom
When presented in court, a properly recorded video deposition can be a powerful tool. Jurors and judges not only hear the words but also see the demeanor, confidence, or hesitation of the speaker. This visual element can enhance credibility assessments and support case narratives in a way written statements cannot match.

For PMI clients, this service has proven invaluable in cases ranging from fraud investigations and civil disputes to criminal defense and family law matters.

Preserving the Story Before It Changes
Investigations are about facts, and facts are about preservation. By capturing a witness’s story early, in their own words and demeanor, PMI ensures that the truth is not lost to time, pressure, or changing recollections.

Whether you are an attorney preparing for trial, a business protecting your interests, or a private client seeking clarity, PMI’s in-house video depositions guided by the skill and care of Jessie Dickensheet provide a lasting record that can make all the difference when it matters most.