Surveillance is a cornerstone in investigative services, providing valuable insights into various scenarios. Our seasoned operatives at RIVICA Investigations & Covert Solutions have distilled effective techniques over the years, enhancing private investigations and protective intelligence assignments.
Tactics
Learn to blend into the environment:
Creating the illusion that you belong in the environment is crucial. Blend seamlessly to avoid suspicion by watching and copying body language of others and always have a purpose to be there.
Don’t be obvious:
Avoid direct eye contact and always maintain composure even if you think someone might have noticed you. Learn to reply on your peripheral vison, minimise repeated visits to the subject’s residence and use covert cameras to gather the “lay of the land” rather than looking yourself.
Believe and act your role:
Craft a convincing backstory with props that support your character and belong in the environment in which you are deployed. Ensure nothing visible reveals your true purpose.
Select the correct surveillance vehicle.
Chose an inconspicuous vehicle to avoid attracting unnecessary attention. Research prevalent models in the area and that blend in and that are common. Avoid trigger points on your vehicle that people will remember. No stickers, roof racks etc. Your vehicle will always be seen but the trick is not to be remembered.
Area familiarisation:
Familiarise yourself with the area, identifying optimal stacking areas and potential escape routes and choke points will assist in taking your subject out of the area. Know the bus routes and nearest public transport and be prepared to depart on foot. Avoid sitting outside schools that can attack attention. Remember that your subject will know the area better than you. Use your downtime in planning every route out of the area.
Arrive without being noticed:
Consider arriving during early morning hours or having someone drop you off to avoid drawing attention. Have all equipment turned on ready to go before you park up so you don’t need to turn interior lights on.
Conceal your equipment:
Never leave you equipment in the car in sight of passers-by. It will give your vehicle away as a surveillance vehicle and potentially could tempt an opportunist thief. Use a dedicated covert camera when on foot and avoid using a handy Cam unless it can be concealed appropriately. Be extra cautious near sensitive areas like playground and schools to avoid suspicion.
Build a profile of your subject:
Conduct thorough pre-surveillance investigations to learn the subjects’ patterns and routines to anticipate your subjects’ movements. By understanding the subject profile, it will allow you to pre-empt their movements and even their destination. Consider importing all known addresses into google maps and have it running during the mobile surveillance.
Make the subject vehicle easy to see:
Identify unique characteristics such as stickers, roof racks and shape of light clusters to effectively identify the vehicle from a distance. Always confirm the registration after any period the subject has been out of sight. It is very easy to pick up a similar vehicle.
Teamwork makes the dream work:
If possible, operate with additional agents to reduce the exposure of each agent. By using additional agents, you share the time in view of the subject, you can cover more exits from locations, plus the eyeball will not need to move as soon as the subject moves if they have effective communication. Couples attract less attention while carrying out surveillance on foot in social situations.
Pre-empt what will happen next:
Anticipate movements during mobile surveillances, considering turns, stops, and potential traffic interferences. Consider front runs and parallels to navigate potential hazards to surveillance to maintain control of the subject.
Stay focused:
Stay vigilant and avoid distractions, maintaining focus on the subject/address throughout the operation. Even taking a phone call can cause you not to recognise the subject moving, a potential neighbour taking note of your rego and following a wrong vehicle.
Preflight your vehicle:
Ensure your vehicle is prepared with a full tank of fuel, clean windows and mirrors for an optimal clear view.
Have a high-quality camera:
Invest in a camera capable of clear digital video and still photos. I recommend a camera with a high optical zoom and image stability. The higher the pixels like 4K, the clearer the image but is much larger in size. Always have a covert camera such as the LawMate PV-900EVO3 FHD Wi-Fi DVR Smartphone or the LawMate PV-RC200HDW Key Fob P2P WiFi HD DVR when deploying on foot to obtain discreet footage of the subject.
Have a night option:
Most video cameras have a low light option but consider in investing in a dedicated night vision camera like the Sionyx Aurora or the OWL-NV L3 Digital Night Vision Scope for the best results in low light and near darkness.
Take notes:
You can use a voice recorder or a notepad to maintain contemporaneous notes of your observations throughout the surveillance assignment. You will need to rely on these notes for any future report, statement, or affidavit. Remember your observations are only accepted in court if they are recorded at the time or as soon as reasonably practical afterwards.
Bring a change of clothes:
Pack extra set of clothes and accessories to adapt to different situations. Always have multiple changes of clothes from business attire to a tradies outfit and everything else in-between. Consider the environment in which the subject is likely to attend and have clothing that will allow you to blend in with everyone else to avoid being noticed. Your surveillance day always starts when you get dressed in the morning!!!!
Be ready for a long day/night:
Pack sufficient food, water, and consider personal needs to avoid unnecessary movement. Always have a “go bag’ with overnight accessories for if you ever find yourself having to stay a night away. If you do have to leave the area for a personal brake, plan it out before you leave and consider leaving a drop camera. Nothing worse than leaving the stack and not knowing if the subject has left in your absence.
Battery management:
Ensure all electronic devices are properly set and fully charged, with spare batteries on hand. There is no excuse for not getting the video evidence because your device has gone flat. Get into a habit of putting all equipment on charge as soon as you return to the office. Better still have a deep cycle battery system set up in your car like the Goal Zero (insert link https://rivica.com.au/shop/goal-zero-yeti-500x-portable-power-station/) batteries, where you can charge everything on the go.
Your Vehicle lights:
Be aware of your vehicle running lights. Do they turn on immediately when you start the engine or when you engage a gear. If it is dark and you start to follow your subject, you need to know when your lights come on because they will be noticeable. Consider using side lights or fog lights to adjust your headlight pattern, reducing the likelihood of being identified during surveillance.
Consider your audience:
Tailor your report to satisfy both the client and the end user, such as the client’s lawyer. Keep to the facts of what you have seen. Do not add your opinion and keep your reports professional. Stay focused on the case’s pertinent details, avoiding irrelevant information that may detract from the client’s understanding. Remembering your client will judge you on what you present not on how you did the surveillance and that your writing reflects your credibility.
Ensure continuity:
Create a comprehensive photo log, including identification photos, vehicle details, and relevant locations. These can be referred to later in the investigation and will be invaluable to other agents who will need to deploy onto the same job later.
This refined guide encompasses key tactics, equipment considerations, and report-writing principles for successful surveillance operations as considered relevant by RIVICA Investigations & Covert Solutions and is covered on our Surveillance Training Course designed and presented by our Director and founder Richard JAMES
