The Challenges of Surveillance

During my 21-year career with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, I worked many plainclothes, undercover assignments and details wherein surveillance was an essential element of many investigations. We typically used anywhere from six to twelve investigators for mobile or “rolling” surveillances, and at least three for static surveillance. We deployed high-tech tracking devices with the authority of court orders which enabled live monitoring with up to the minute locates. Some cases were paralleled by court-authorized wire taps and coordinated through a central clearinghouse command center. We underwent extensive training in the techniques of mobile and static surveillance, counter-surveillance and undercover officer survival. We utilized decoys in our manner of dress and deployment of vehicles, sometimes posing as construction workers, delivery persons and other professionals.

I say all that to say this: One-person surveillance—something commonly requested/funded in the private industry—is one of the most challenging aspects of private investigation.

The foundation of all surveillance is the “eye.” Someone is detailed to observe a location and record (usually by video) all activity of the subject of the investigation. Generally speaking this is done from a vehicle parked at a distance close enough to obtain video footage and/or photographs, but far enough to avoid detection by the subject. The problem that usually arises is not the subject, but the occupant(s) of the home or business where the investigator has parked. Some will approach and question the investigator, others simply call the cops. Sometimes explaining the lawful and legitimate reason for the investigator’s presence (without revealing who he’s watching) will be effective; other times it bites the investigator as the party then calls every neighbor to report the news. Eventually, the subject of the investigation hears about it.

Some investigators notify the police when they establish their surveillance, and most often that is a good idea. Unfortunately, there have been police dispatchers who told concerned citizens phoning in the “suspicious vehicle,” far more than they should have and thereby compromised the surveillance.

Actually following (mobile surveillance) a subject with one vehicle/one investigator is a challenge beyond belief. It is very easy to be left behind at a stop light when enough space is provided to protect the integrity of the surveillance. A common tactic is to close distance before each intersection and then back off. Sometimes this works, other times it does not. Nothing is more frustrating for an investigator than sitting at a red light while the back of the subject’s vehicle fades into the darkness (or traffic).

Many of these problems can be eliminated if more than one investigator is used. If the investigator on point is not also challenged with being prepared to immediately depart when the subject goes mobile, a more obscure point of surveillance can often be established. For instance, one tactic is using a van, trailer or truck with a camper where the “eye” can be concealed inside before arrival. A driver parks and locks the vehicle in plain view of onlookers and is picked up by another investigator or leaves on foot. An “empty” vehicle is less threatening than an occupied vehicle and attracts far less attention. When the subject goes mobile, the “eye” calls it in to awaiting investigators who pick up the action in progress.

Another tactic is to abandon the use of a vehicle as the eye, completely. An apartment or motel room with a view of the subject location is very effective. Public areas such as parks or stores tend to attract less attention. I have, on occasion, donned camouflage and concealed myself on a hillside with a terrific view of the subject. These and many other innovative ideas can be used if at least a second investigator is funded for the surveillance.

In mobile surveillance two or more investigators are able to stay closer to the subject by frequently changing positions, thereby not becoming a constant object in the subject’s mirror. A good investigator knows exactly when a right-hand turn into a parking lot is needed to “cool” the tail. At that time the other investigator, who has either been hanging further back or paralleling on an adjacent street, swings in and picks up the eye. The one who turned right allows a block or two and joins back in with a relaxed position.

With this insight you will better understand why your P.I. may recommend the use of a second investigator. Sometimes it’s your best option and if the budget allows for it, you are likely to experience substantially better results.