METHODS OF SURVEILLANCE

The MA or command investigator will rarely be required to perform a complex surveillance operation, and most of the time will be limited to a fixed surveillance. Therefore, only basic surveillance methods will be discussed.

Three basic methods are used in surveillances: loose, close, and a combination of the two.

Loose surveillance. During a loose surveillance, the subject is not kept under constant observation. This method is used when the information sought can be obtained from a particular facet of the subject's activities, to spot check a subject, or as a long-term method of compiling information on a subject. A loose surveillance should be broken if the suspect indicates in any way that he or she suspects a surveillance is being conducted.

Close surveillance. The subject is maintained under constant observation in a close surveillance. Even in a situation where the surveillant loses the subject, a close surveillance should continue through an alternate plan.

Combination of loose and close surveillance methods. A situation may exist where an illicit activity will be under a close surveillance. As a result, a loose surveillance may be initiated at the same time against certain persons who frequent the activity. Surveillants may also find cause in some instances to move from a loose to a close surveillance as a result of an act or a contact by the subject. Prior planning provides for the best techniques to be used for such possibilities.

FOOT SURVEILLANCE

Even though a one-person surveillance technique may be called for by the nature of the investigation or the actions of the subject, a one-person surveillance should never be used. This is because of the inherent danger of the subject, a convoy, decoy, or criminal associates attempting to physically eliminate or neutralize the one-person surveillant. A second surveillant should be used with a primary mission to protect or provide assistance, as required, to the main surveillant.

If a one-person foot surveillance is required, the surveillant should use extreme caution when operating on the same side of the street as the subject. The surveillant should stay to the rear of the subject with varying proximity maintained with respect to his or her position and the position of the subject. This is determined by physical conditions, such as the problems created by crowds and the number of exits. If the subject turns a corner, the surveillant should cross the intersecting street, keeping the subject in view. The surveillant can then operate across the street from the subject and fall in behind the subject again as the situation permits.

When the surveillant is operating across the street from the subject, circumstances dictate whether to operate to the front, abreast, or behind the subject. The key to deciding on any positional vantage is observation-from what position observation is best. Normally, when the subject turns a corner in this situation, it is best to be abreast of him or her so that any contacts or entries into a building can be observed.

If the subject enters a telephone booth, the surveillant should enter an adjacent one to overhear any conversation, if possible. The subject maybe simulating making a telephone call to see if he or she is being followed.

When it is necessary for you to go into an adjacent telephone booth in an effort to overhear the subject's conversation, do not simulate making a call. Deposit the required coins, dial, and then simulate a conversation.

An effort should be made to recover items discarded by the subject or to recover second sheets from pads that the subject has used. However, the surveillant should avoid picking up an item discarded by the subject when this might lead to recognition of the surveillant.

VEHICLE SURVEILLANCE

The same basic principles apply to foot surveillance and vehicle surveillance. However, techniques in the basic principles of vehicular surveillances are more difficult, because of the complications created by traffic congestion, restrictions imposed by traffic congestion, restrictions imposed by traffic laws, and the greater possibility of the surveillant being discovered. As in the case of close foot surveillances where two or more surveillant are more effective, two or more vehicles enhance the prospects for success in a vehicle surveillance.

Whenever possible, each vehicle should be occupied by two surveillant. Pairing the surveillant in vehicles permits greater alertness, provides mutual coverage, and allows the flexibility necessary to react to the numerous contingencies that may arise.

For example, if the subject stops and parks a car rapidly, one surveillant can follow the subject on foot while the other looks for a parking place from which observation of the subject's vehicle may be made inconspicuously. In such a situation, one surveillant in a vehicle would in all probability lose sight of the subject.

Preparation of Surveillant Vehicle

A vehicle selected for surveillance duty must be mechanically sound and suitable for the area in which the surveillance is to take place. The vehicle should be equipped with a radio, especially if two or more surveillant vehicles are involved. This provides for coordination between surveillant teams and for obtaining assistance if required.

Surveillance vehicles should be devoid of all official markings and bear the license plate of the county or state in which the surveillance takes place. If possible, vehicles are changed periodically in a surveillance of long duration.

Other Techniques

There are techniques to minimize the risk of detection, such as disconnecting the dome light of the car so light will not show when a door is opened. Operating the microphone of the radio should be done inconspicuously. One of the headlights and the license plate light can be wired to permit them to be turned on or off independently. That permits a change in the traffic pattern as seen by the subject. If traffic conditions are heavy, the headlights should not be tampered with.

Violations of traffic laws should be cleared with the security department and their advice considered. The advice of the legal officer should also be sought in these situations.

It is much more difficult at night for surveillant to be sure they are following the right vehicle. The subject's car can be better kept in sight if the car is distinctive. If the opportunity presents itself, a piece of reflectorized tape may be attached to the rear of the car.

When one vehicle is used for surveillance, it should remain close enough behind the subject to permit the surveillant to observe all actions, but far enough behind to escape detection.

When the surveillant vehicle is parked, one surveillant should be out of the car for better observation. The surveillant remaining in the car should sit on the passenger side and appear to be waiting for the driver, thus lessening the chances of attracting the subject's attention. The surveillant may even change to the back seat or move the car to a different parking place periodically.

When the subject turns a corner, the surveillant have two possible moves. They may continue in the original direction, or cross the intersecting street, to make a U-turn (see figure 15-2). The subject will take little interest in a car from behind turning into the street from a direction that is opposite that to which he was traveling before turning the corner.

In all vehicle surveillances, the surveillant should become familiar with the area of operation by a map study and an on-the-ground reconnaissance. If time does not permit the reconnaissance, maps should be carried in the vehicle. If necessary, the surveillant in the passenger seat can navigate for the driver.