// Education

What does a Safe Sweep actually look like?

Many people have never had a professional sweep and do not know what to expect. This page walks through the entire process from first contact to final report - so you know exactly what will happen at every step.

// Key steps at a glance
  1. First contact is completely confidential. No name required.
  2. We coordinate the timing of the sweep around your safety plan.
  3. Sweeps typically take 2-4 hours depending on property size.
  4. You will receive a full written report prepared to court standards.
  5. We can liaise directly with your support worker, lawyer, or police.

02 8551 8883 - 1800RESPECT 1800 737 732

// Note - You do not need to be certain surveillance is present to book a sweep. Suspicion is sufficient. If nothing is found, you have a professional report confirming the property was clear.

// 01 - First Contact

How to reach us safely

You can contact Safe Sweep by email, phone, or through your DV caseworker. No name is required to make first contact. You can use a pseudonym, a borrowed phone, or contact us through a trusted third party.

We will ask a small number of questions to understand your situation - the type of property, whether you are still in the relationship, whether you have a support worker or legal representative, and any specific concerns you have. You do not need to answer any question you are not comfortable with.

If your phone may be compromised, contact us from a different device - a trusted friend's phone, a library computer, or a new SIM purchased separately from your usual accounts.

// 02 - Planning the Sweep

Making it safe

Before any sweep takes place, we work with you and your support worker to plan the visit carefully. The most important consideration is ensuring that our arrival and the sweep itself does not alert your abuser or put you in additional danger.

01 //

Timing

We schedule the sweep for a time when your abuser is reliably elsewhere. We confirm a cover reason for our presence if needed - tradespeople, a delivery, any plausible explanation that does not raise suspicion.

02 //

Arrival

Operators arrive in unmarked vehicles and plain clothing. We do not carry equipment visibly. Our presence at the property should be indistinguishable from any other service visit.

03 //

Scope

We agree with you beforehand which areas to sweep - the full property, specific rooms, your vehicle, your possessions. You remain in control of what is included throughout.

// 03 - During the Sweep

What happens inside

A full property sweep typically takes 2-4 hours depending on the size of the property and the number of areas covered. Throughout the sweep, you can be present or absent - whichever is safer for your situation.

Our operators work systematically through each area, using RF analysis, NLJD, optical lens detection, and thermal imaging as appropriate. You will not be asked to move or remove anything. We handle all physical interaction with the property and any devices found.

// If a device is found

If we find a surveillance device during the sweep, we document it in place before any physical interaction. We photograph it, log its location, note any RF signals it is emitting, and preserve it for evidence. We then discuss with you and your support worker whether to remove it, leave it in place, or involve police - depending on what is safest and most useful for your legal situation.

// 04 - The Report

What you receive

After the sweep, we produce a written report covering everything found - and everything checked and confirmed clear. The report includes:

Technical findings

// What was found

Device descriptions, photographs, locations, chain of custody documentation, RF signal logs, and technical analysis of each device found.

Clear areas

// What was checked

A full account of every area covered and the methods used. This confirms to a court that the sweep was comprehensive - not just that devices were found.

The report is formatted for use in AVO applications, family court proceedings, and criminal matters. We can provide it directly to your lawyer, your caseworker, or the police depending on your instructions.

Ready to book?

Contact us to discuss your situation. No name required. We will plan everything around your safety.

Book a sweep

Now you know the process. Tell us what you need and we will get it scheduled.

Randomised field names prevent browser autofill from suggesting your saved details. Your enquiry goes directly to our team and is never shared.

Prefer to speak to someone now? Call 02 8551 8883