Surveillance
Fundamentals
Surveillance
involves the systematic observation of individuals, locations, or objects to
record and ascertain contacts, activities, and movements. Private investigators
employ surveillance for various purposes, including crime prevention, evidence
collection for criminal and civil cases, documentation of an individual's
location or actions, acquisition of information to support interviews,
intelligence gathering for future operations, and securing details for use in
legal proceedings.
Types
of Investigations Requiring Surveillance
Surveillance plays a crucial role in a range of investigations,
including missing person cases, worker’s compensation claims, child custody
investigations, infidelity investigations (cheating spouse), vandalism
incidents, and recurrent theft situations.
Types of Surveillance
Private investigators must select the most appropriate type of
surveillance based on the specifics of each case and the investigation’s
objectives. The nature of the case will determine whether surveillance should
be mechanical or human, overt or covert, and stationary or mobile.
Mechanical Surveillance Versus Human
Surveillance
Mechanical surveillance involves using technological devices, such
as cameras or recording equipment, to monitor targets. This method offers
several benefits: equipment doesn’t tire, get hungry, or lose focus, and
multiple locations can be monitored simultaneously. For example, in theft cases
at a construction site, private investigators may install cameras and later
review the recordings for evidence.
Overt Surveillance
Versus Covert Surveillance
Overt surveillance refers to monitoring activities that are
plainly visible, such as security personnel patrolling shopping centers or the
use of security cameras in casinos. This form of surveillance is intentionally
made apparent to discourage theft or fraudulent behavior.
Mobile
Surveillance Versus Stationary Surveillance
Mobile surveillance involves following moving targets, for
instance, tailing someone who leaves a location in their car. In contrast,
stationary surveillance means monitoring a fixed location or position.
Preparation for Surveillance
Understand the Client’s
Needs
It is essential for private investigators to clarify what the
client aims to achieve with surveillance. The client’s objectives will
determine the types of surveillance, the project’s scope, and the necessary
equipment. Investigators must educate clients and manage their expectations, as
investigations are often more complex and costly than anticipated.
Know The Subject
Before conducting surveillance, private investigators should
complete thorough background research on the subject. This includes obtaining
the individual’s name, address, phone number, full physical description,
photograph, and information about relatives nearby. Additional useful details
include the subject’s routines, habits, hobbies, schedules, and associates.
Know The Area
Investigators should have a map of the surveillance area and, if
possible, a photograph of the building or location to be watched. It’s helpful
to visit the site at different times of day and night, especially if the
surveillance will occur during less busy hours.
Know Your Equipment
The equipment used depends on the surveillance’s nature.
Investigators should be thoroughly familiar with their devices and practice
with them ahead of time. For example, if cameras or video cameras are required,
it’s wise to have backups and extra batteries, as there’s rarely a second
chance to capture key activities.
Know Yourself
Investigators should prepare mentally and physically by getting
enough sleep, exercising, and having a clear plan. They must also be ready to
handle unexpected encounters, such as being approached by strangers or law
enforcement. Having a plausible cover story is essential to successful
surveillance.
Key
Qualities for Surveillance Investigators
Surveillance requires significant dedication and resilience.
Successful investigators are outgoing, communicate well, act decisively,
remember details, blend into their environment, and pay close attention to
detail. Other important traits include honesty, patience, resourcefulness,
flexibility, and the ability to concentrate for long hours, often under
challenging conditions such as sitting in a vehicle for extended periods in
extreme weather.
Ethics and Laws Relevant to Surveillance
Investigators must know and comply with all laws affecting their
work in their respective states, particularly those involving trespassing and
audio recording. Laws regarding audio recording vary by state, and some states
prohibit covert audio recording. Failure to comply can result in serious legal
consequences, including imprisonment.
Conclusion
Surveillance is not
necessary in every investigation, but it is invaluable when visual confirmation
of a target’s actions or location is needed for resolution. Whether the goal is
to catch a thief, locate a missing person, or confirm the validity of a worker’s
compensation claim, surveillance provides critical evidence and can be
essential to a successful investigation.
Brian Blackwell Investigator | Harrisburg, PA
https://www.brianblackwell.biz
