Dear Editor,
For certain types of police investigation to be successful the investigator must be prepared to do surveillance on the subject or premises, in so doing counter surveillance considerations must be considered. Here are some professional tips for investigators conducting surveillance.
When conducting surveillance on a subject, the investigator must always be on the lookout for counter surveillance when subjects suspect they might be watched. It is more difficult for one surveillant to maintain surveillance on them without “being burned” or losing them. If you determine during planning for the surveillance that the subject has been known to use counter surveillance, investigator should attempt to get authority to use more than one surveillant.
Here are surveillance actions used by subjects to detect surveillance. These are some methods that can be used to detect each method of counter surveillance.
Suppose the subject uses a convoy to determine if he or she is under surveillance. A convoy is a strategy in which the subject keeps an accomplice to his or her rear to observe if anyone is following him or her. Generally, the subject will make periodic stops such as at restaurants or a telephone booth, and the accomplice will telephone the subject to advise of any suspicious vehicle or individual that have been seen.
Investigator should be extremely alert if the subject receives numerous phone calls while under surveillance.
Action to take
Use additional surveillants or establish check points to identify anyone moving in concert with the subject over a period of time.
Action to take
Surveillants should change positions constantly to avoid detection.
Suppose subject retraces a route
Action to take
Surveillants should change position constantly to avoid detection.
Suppose the subject uses windows reflecting or frequently stops to detect activity.
Action to take
Allow sufficient distance and use natural actions.
Don’t act abruptly or move suddenly. Remain deliberate and attempt to blend into your surroundings.
Suppose the subject baits the surveillants by throwing away a piece of paper or similar item and watching to see if anyone picks it up.
Action to take
Either leave paper untouched if you can’t retrieve it without being seen or have back up surveillants pick up the paper or object once subject is out of area.
Suppose subject continuously changes speed in a vehicle or changes pace while on foot.
Action To Take
Attempt to remain constant, using your knowledge of the area and his or her anticipated actions to thwart the subject.
Suppose subject uses public transportation to detect surveillance.
Action to take
Use an additional surveillant in a vehicle to follow public transportation and intercept the subject when he or she departs the public transportation.
Yours faithfully,
Robert Gates
