Covert Surveillance Awareness
Most private investigators in Birmingham and across the U.K are trained to some level in the art of covert surveillance operations. Covert surveillance is a tradecraft which has evolved over the years as technology has advanced and the world has changed as a whole. Due to local events and global events, people (especially in the U.K) are now more aware of their surroundings than ever. Don’t get me wrong, we still find people in their own little worlds when they are under surveillance, but people are generally now more aware of what’s going on around them which due to the rise in crime levels and terrorist attacks. It’s also due to our profession being more well known than it used to be. If someone has any level of knowledge of private investigator practices (which you can read and learn all about online) and they are doing something they shouldn’t be doing, then they are likely to be on the lookout every time they leave their house. This has created challenges for surveillance operatives, but challenges we have overcome with advanced technologies and adapted techniques (which I won’t be disclosing today!).
The Surveillance Operative
Private investigator covert surveillance operatives come from all walks of life but are typically (and by no means always) ex military personnel or ex police officers. Although every operative should be trained to conduct surveillance operations for the civilian or private sector, old habits die hard. Ex military personnel tend to operate differently to ex police officers. This is because of previous training and experience from former job roles. It’s not to say one is right and one is wrong, it’s just different. You can usually tell when working with a new operative where they’ve come from before you even ask. Furthermore, we all have our own quirky operating styles. Whether that be down to the equipment we use or the things we do to remain covert. However, professional surveillance operatives quickly adapt to each other’s working styles and we get the job done.
Surveillance Environments
Covert surveillance operations can literally take place anywhere. Wherever the subject goes, the operative goes. It’s down the surveillance operatives skill set and preparedness to blend into the environment and remain covert. This is easier said than done in some environments which is why prior planning to any operation is fundamental. For example, it would be unwise to deploy a white male with a typical police officer appearance to test purchase counterfeit goods at an Asian market in a heavily Asian populated community. This is asking for trouble for obvious reasons. A better idea would be to source a local agent with an Asian background that wears knock off Gucci pyjamas. Below are some of the types of environments a surveillance operative will typically find his or herself operating in.
This list is by no means exhaustive. Good training providers will push their learners to the limits by finding the most unexpected operating environments to throw students into. It’s about having the confidence to hold a position without raising suspicions. This is easier said than done, and sometimes it can’t be done at all, especially when a subject is surveillance aware. If things get heated, it’s often the best idea to cover a position from a distance rather than blowing the whole job.
The Best and the Worst
Most private investigators will agree that surveillance operations are the best and the worst part of the job. When a surveillance operation goes to plan, a good result is achieved and gold plated evidence is handed over to the client, it’s the best. When things go wrong, the result is poor and the evidence lacks key information, it’s the worst. But that is the nature of this work. There are no guarantees with surveillance operations which is why it’s so important to work within a trusted and credible team of professionals who know the job inside and out. This always gives the best possible chance of a successful surveillance operation, whatever the circumstances.
To find out more about how Sentry Private Investigators can support you with a covert surveillance operation, get in touch with us at info@sentryprivateinvestigators.co.uk
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