T & T Investigations, surveillance tips; When do you use surveillance? The objective of surveillance is to obtain information about people, their associates, and their activities through covert observations.

Surveillance can be constructed to:


Observe physical activities in progress

Observe daily routine or activities

Identify associates

Find or locate individuals

Protect Witnesses

Verify Statements

Prevent a crime from being committed

Apprehend a criminal in the act

Recover stolen property


Types of Surveillance:


1. Stationary (fixed, plant, stakeout)

2. Moving (tight or close, loose, rough)


Close surveillance: The primary objective is the continuous observation of the target
without regard to whether the target knows he is under surveillance.

Rough surveillance: This is conducted in such a manner as to ensure that the target
does not become aware of the surveillance activity.

3. Foot or Vehicle

4. Technical: Technical surveillance is the use of technical devices and procedures to collect information on target.

Immunoassay which is now a widely accepted field analytical technology for the
analysis of many organic contaminants and classes of contaminants. We swab and
test suspected areas for traces of illicit drugs.


5 De-Bugging or Counter Surveillance:

Everyday, ordinary people and powerful people alike employ eavesdropping
techniques to benefit themselves or harm their enemies. Spouses listen in on phone
conversations and contractors bug each other’s phone lines, and others use baby
monitors

Surveillance - When to Back Off

In my twenty-five years of doing surveillance, I have been confronted less than a dozen times.  I have heard many stories about blown surveillances.  I know one thing, if a case is blown not only is it a disappointment to the client, it is a financial disappointment to my business.  Those clients will never call again, and you can bet they will make sure none of their friends and acquaintances calls either.  There are ways to avoid this problem however it is never a guarantee. By practice and mistakes the risk of being confronted is greatly reduced.

PI’s are very competitive by nature and we have the belief that letting the subject go for the time being is the same as failure. In actuality, this is exactly what we should be doing in certain circumstances.  If we continue to follow the subject until they become suspicious, we have blown the case and any chances of getting the information we are seeking.   We can deliberately let the person go and discontinue the surveillance, the case is still viable and there is always “another day.” The attitude associated with “loosing” a person is the first obstacle to overcome before being able to make this just another successful surveillance technique.

Years ago I can still recall going through what is a normal stage of learning in which I thought every time I followed someone they were “on to me.” This is just part of maturing as a good PI, but it is an attitude that has to be dealt with quickly. Generally the public has no idea how surveillance is conducted and they pay very little attention to their surroundings. Remember the last time you recall who was behind you in traffic or six cars back on the freeway?  Unless you are taking risks and driving erratically or glued to the targets bumper, they will have no idea you are anywhere around.

There are those times, when we feel somewhat compromised.  We follow a vehicle into a residential area where they have turned onto several streets and you are the only other vehicle anywhere around.  It takes experience and practice not to conjure up some anxiety.  Just because we follow a person on a lot of different streets does not mean that they are paying attention to us. These are some characteristics to watch for.  How often is the person looking in the rear-view mirror and side mirrors? Is the person slowing their vehicle uncharacteristically?  This may be an indication that they see us, but it may simply mean that they are hunting for an address. If the person has other occupants in the car, they will be distracted by talking. The inside of most vehicles can be viewed from a distance and we should pay close attention to the activities of the driver.

We must not get complacent.  It is easy to get into a habit of just following the target without thinking ahead. We must constantly remind ourselves to think ahead.  If driving on a highway contemplate where the target may be heading, what exit they will get off.  By preparing ourselves and remaining vigilant we could avoid unforeseen problems.  We should know why we are in the area.  Like I said in my surveillance tips section, if I say I am looking for a home in the area, I should have some idea what homes are available, because people will ask.

 

 When following a target, we should always act like we are just anyone else heading to work. If we get stuck in traffic behind the target, I look off to the sides so that they can’t get a good look at my face and I make it appear as if I am interested in something I see nearby. I can also drink coffee, act like I am singing. I do whatever I can so the person disregards the belief that I am interested in them.

When all tactics have been used to keep up with the person and I still believe they may have seen me, I back-off! There is nothing wrong with backing off. In my report I can be creative, but (never make up a story that never happened).  My law enforcement side is coming out.  I saw several people in my career lose a job for lying; never did they lose a job for telling the truth.  Always consider that each case you are working will end up in Court and on the news.  Granted this will not happen but if you consider this you will always do the right thing and this will only add to the credibility of your company.   We were assigned this case because someone believed in us.  As indicated above we have to rid ourselves of the belief that we are failures because we opted to back off.  This is the professional thing to do and in the end this will play a vital role in the future and success of your business.  Reassign the case or switch vehicles.  Pushing the limits of the case will only end up with negative results. Backing off from time-to-time is legitimate, enables you to maintain the case, the client, and your professional respect."Life's most urgent and persistent  question is:  What are you doing for others?"