Surveillance by Cruz Eddie

Author:Cruz, Eddie
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2017-04-02T00:00:00+00:00

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When conducting a mobile surveillance in which more than one investigator is necessary in a separate vehicle, communication is vital for the success of the operation. Point-to-point radios, better known as walkie-talkies, and cell phones allow for this communication to take place. You should use both devices in order to take full advantage of the technology.

When multiple investigators are assigned to a surveillance, good tactics indicate that one of the investigators has a direct line of sight to the action, while the other investigator awaits instruction from a more discreet location. The moment there is action or the subject emerges, the investigator closest to the action—known as the “point”—is responsible for immediately notifying the other investigator(s). I’ve found that in scenarios like this, the best way to make your initial communication is through a point-to-point radio. Cell phones are great and can be used in the absence of a radio, but there is a lag time with cell phones, and things tend to happen quickly. This is opposed to the radio, which has an instantaneous connection.

The cell phone has its greatest advantage when the mobile surveillance is in motion. Often when you have multiple investigators, someone is always likely to get stuck at a traffic light, and as a result, the range for your radio is significantly decreased during this separation. This would be the time to use your cell phone in order to maintain contact with your team member(s). But remember, safety is always a priority, and a hands-free system or Bluetooth device is strongly recommended in order to be in compliance with the law and to avoid accidents.

Using both devices has another advantage, and that is that they prolong each other’s battery lives. That’s especially important for the cell phone because of its many other functions during a surveillance operation. You should always have a car charger; you want to have an adequately charged cell phone in the event that your mobile surveillance suddenly becomes an extended foot surveillance. Portable cell phone chargers are also handy because you never know how long your foot surveillance will last.

You should also keep your surveillance vehicle well organized for two reasons. First, you want to be able to quickly locate items or equipment that are called for at any given moment. Second, you may have to suddenly exit your vehicle and continue your surveillance on foot. As a result, you want to be able to quickly gather the necessary equipment without delay and hide the remaining equipment that you will not be able to bring with you. You don’t want to leave any equipment that will be visible to thieves or that will be evidence that reveals the reason you’re in the area. Mobile surveillance offers a lot of creature comforts such as a place to sit, climate control, privacy, and good concealment for recording. But you also have some very real concerns like where to park your vehicle if you have to engage in a foot surveillance while in a high-crime neighborhood.

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