Surveillance can be best defined as the close observation or scrutiny of an Individual or corporate body. It is most recognisably conducted by the Police or Intelligence Agencies, however; it is also frequently utilised by Corporate Intelligence firms to gather evidence to support a criminal prosecution or Civil Litigation.
What is police surveillance?
uncountable noun. Surveillance is the careful watching of someone, especially by an organization such as the police or the army.
What are the 2 types of surveillance?
Covert surveillance refers to techniques used which are hidden or disguised so that the subject does not know they are being monitored or watched. Overt surveillance refers to the use of devices which are visible and recognisable such as a signposted CCTV system.
What are the 5 types of surveillance?
Types of Surveillance in Criminal InvestigationsElectronic Monitoring. Electronic monitoring, or wiretapping, refers to the surveillance of email, fax, Internet and telephone communications. ... Fixed Surveillance. ... Stationary Technical Surveillance. ... Three-Person Surveillance. ... Undercover Operations.
Why is surveillance important in law enforcement?
Technologically-assisted physical surveillance can be an important law enforcement tool. It can facilitate the detection, investigation, prevention and deterrence of crime, the safety of citizens and officers, the apprehension and prosecution of criminals, and the protection of the innocent.
What is the main purpose of surveillance?
The key objective of surveillance is to provide information to guide interventions. The public health objectives and actions needed to make successful interventions determine the design and implementation of surveillance systems.
What types of surveillance do police use?
STREET-LEVEL SURVEILLANCEAutomated License Plate Readers (ALPRs)Body-worn Cameras.Cell-Site Simulators/IMSI Catchers.Drones/Unmanned Aerial vehicles.Surveillance Cameras.Face Recognition.Tattoo Recognition.Iris Recognition.More items...
What are examples of surveillance?
Generally, surveillance is electronic or fixed. Electronic surveillance includes wiretapping, bugging, videotaping, geolocation tracking, data mining, social media mapping, and the monitoring of data and traffic on the internet.
What are the four elements of surveillance?
Each of these sectors contributes to the four basic components of surveillance, which are (1) collection, (2) analysis, (3) dissemination, and (4) response.
What are 3 of the goals of surveillance?
Where the objectives of surveillance include estimating the distribution of cases within the population, and changes in that distribution, then the choice of target population, and of the mechanism for ascertaining cases, should be guided by considerations of the representativeness of the resulting information.
What are the three types of surveillance?
Different surveillance methodsElectronic surveillance – Electronic surveillance equipment is often the most used tool during an investigation. ... Interviews – Interviews are far less common, but they can serve a purpose in certain investigations. ... Observation – You can gather a lot of information just by observing someone.More items...•
What are the advantages of surveillance?
Benefits of SurveillanceReduce Loss, Theft and Vandalism. ... Experience Easier Installation and More Effective Implementation. ... Improve Storage and Accessibility. ... Enable Remote Monitoring. ... Reduce Costs & Scale More Easily. ... Save Time with Distributed Intelligence. ... Upgrade Your Management Software. ... Improve Productivity.
How does surveillance impact on crime?
Studies do show that having a surveillance camera system results in a 50% reduction in crime or more. With the extra benefit of experience, you will have valid evidence of criminal activity if it takes place.
What are the main types of surveillance?
Surveillance TypesPostal services. ... Computer surveillance. ... Surveillance cameras. ... Telephones. ... Social network analysis. ... Aerial surveillance. ... Biometric surveillance. ... Data mining & profiling.More items...•
What are the different types of surveillance methods?
MethodsComputer.Telephones.Cameras.Social network analysis.Biometric.Aerial.Corporate.Data mining and profiling.More items...
How many types of surveillance do we have?
Many security firms offer a variety of investigatory packages and services. However, when stripped down to the essentials, there are four distinct types of surveillance.
What are examples of surveillance?
Generally, surveillance is electronic or fixed. Electronic surveillance includes wiretapping, bugging, videotaping, geolocation tracking, data mining, social media mapping, and the monitoring of data and traffic on the internet.
How do police use surveillance?
Law enforcement agents use surveillance - conducting close observations of an individual or a group - to track a suspect and gather information about crimes they are investigating. There are several ways to complete surveillance; agents can physically follow suspects or they can use either preconstructive or reconstructive surveillance. Preconstructive surveillance is used to watch certain areas using closed circuit television cameras that record and transmit to local police agencies. Reconstructive surveillance uses evidence left behind at a crime scene to reconstruct events that have taken place. Agents also have the ability to use different types of systems when completing surveillance, such as satellites, video cameras, long range listening devices, and drones. All of the systems used in surveillance rely on technology and make surveillance easier because agents do not have to be physically present at all times.
What is the most common technique for surveillance?
Techniques for Conducting Surveillance. One of the most common and oldest techniques for surveillance is to actually follow and watch the individual. Agents are known to sit near the homes of suspects and document when they are home and when they leave.
How far can a drone be over a person?
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations state that the drone must remain within eyesight of the operator, and the drone must remain below 400 feet. Additionally, the FAA regulations say that drones cannot be flown over people or crowds. Other systems used in surveillance are infrared goggles.
How did the police identify Sarah?
Using fingerprint powder, law enforcement was able to identify Sarah by the fingerprints she left in the cars she broke into. She was not actually seen entering all the vehicles, but the fingerprints and possible DNA she left behind gave the law enforcement team the ability to use reconstructive surveillance.
Why do police use infrared goggles?
Infrared goggles help officers see during the darkness of night. Since Sarah committed the crimes at night, Officer James and his surveillance team used infrared goggles to watch Sarah while she broke into vehicles.
What does Officer James tell Sarah about the police department?
Officer James takes Sarah into the interrogation room and tells Sarah that the officers have been conducting surveillance in town. After reviewing the evidence from the surveillance, Officer James tells Sarah that the evidence shows she was the one illegally entering the cars in town and stealing items from the cars.
Why are satellites used?
Satellites are used to capture pictures of areas of interest. Law enforcement agencies use the pictures to compare images over a period of time.
Why do police officers use surveillance?
These men and women investigate criminals to protect the citizens of their jurisdiction and to acquire concrete evidence toward conviction. Surveillance methodology is a touchy subject, as some people believe it violates constitutional rights.
Why do police use informants?
When an officer goes undercover, they must gain the trust and respect of the person or organization under investigation. Most informants are involved with the suspect to begin with, giving them the ability to bypass many of the hurdles an undercover agent faces. Because most informants are criminals with known ties to the suspect, many people question the integrity of their information.
What is the purpose of photography in criminal investigations?
Photography is a common form of surveillance in criminal investigations. Police officers take photos of criminals from a hidden location or by following the suspect on foot. When watching an individual, the investigator must stay close enough to track the subject's movements but far enough to remain unnoticed.
What is the best way to track criminal activity?
Video is another useful method of tracking criminal behavior. Surveyors use small, hidden video cameras to record criminal actions. Video is often the best choice for surveillance. According to the book “Criminal Investigation” by Karen M. Hess and Christine Hess Orthmann, “A video cassette or DVD, played before a jury, can bring a crime scene to life and offers some distinct advantages over photographs such as showing distance and being cost effective.”
Is surveillance a violation of constitutional rights?
Surveillance methodology is a touchy subject, as some people believe it violates constitutional rights. Others feel it is a necessary means to a possibly dangerous end. Investigators use many different methods to survey criminal conduct. Each method has its own approach and uses.
What is surveillance in criminal investigation?
Surveillance is the covert observation of people, places and vehicles, which law enforcement agencies and private detectives use to investigate allegations of illegal behavior. These techniques range from physical observation to the electronic monitoring of conversations.
What is stationary surveillance?
In stationary technical surveillance, the investigator install s a hidden camera and recording equipment in a parked car. The vehicle sits in an area that draws little attention, such as a parking lot. This technique is sometimes called unmanned surveillance, according to the International Federation for Protection Officers. Investigators can record photo and video images at any time, reducing the need for humans to monitor a situation around the clock. Surveillance teams come and go as they wish, so the risk of discovery is smaller, too.
What is wiretapping in law enforcement?
Electronic monitoring, or wiretapping, refers to the surveillance of email, fax, Internet and telephone communications. This activity requires a court order to proceed, based on a U.S. government affidavit showing that a crime has been, is being or will be committed. However, if a person risks severe injury or death, the government can ask to start monitoring communications right away, the U.S. Department of Justice states. Similar exceptions are made for organized crime or national security cases. Once an order is granted, police agencies can identify criminal conspirators to deter or punish the offenders involved. Other examples of electronic monitoring include drones, license plate readers, computer forensics and subpoena of data stored in the cloud. New technologies can push the limits of privacy. For instance, stingray tracking devices allow law enforcement to determine the location of a suspect's cell phone, as well as the identity of random individuals close by.
How does an undercover investigator work?
Undercover operations amount to another form of surveillance, but in this method the officer plays an active role in revealing criminal activities. For example, an undercover gang investigator might begin infiltrating the group by adopting the same hobbies or jobs as the suspects. To gain acceptance within the gang and build trust, the officer must also create a plausible cover story that explains his presence in the neighborhood.
What is undercover operation?
Undercover operations amount to another form of surveillance, but in this method the officer plays an active role in revealing criminal activities. For example, an undercover gang investigator might begin infiltrating the group by adopting the same hobbies or jobs as the suspects.
What are some examples of electronic surveillance?
Other examples of electronic monitoring include drones, license plate readers, computer forensics and subpoena of data stored in the cloud. New technologies can push the limits of privacy.
Why do police use two person approach?
It allows officers to periodically switch positions, reducing a suspect's chances of spotting them.
What is surveillance deterrence?
The essence of surveillance deterrence is to actively project visual control over the area around the target, along with an attempt to detect and acknowledge any person spending any time in the area , or even just passing through it (regardless of whether or not they seem suspicious). It’s important that special attention be paid to the vantage points around the target. These vantage points can be located and plotted out by a surveillance detection professional, performing a service called Surveillance Mapping.
What is surveillance in pre-attack planning?
Surveillance can be defined as the collection of information by means of covert observation. We’re not talking about electronic surveillance here (though this can be incorporated), but about a hostile person covertly observing something or someone you’re trying to protect, for the purpose of planning an attack. Surveillance, therefore, must contain the two ingredients of: observation and covertness. If you only have one of these, then it’s not real surveillance. If, for example, observation is done overtly – out in the open for all to see – then it’s not surveillance, it’s overt observation. Conversely, if one is operating so covertly that they can’t even observe the target and visually collect information on it, then all they’re doing is hiding, rather than conducting surveillance. It’s only in the overlap of observation and covertness – the narrow and murky estuary where the two merge together is where surveillance lives.
Why is SD less common than surveillance deterrence?
Another reason why SD is less common than surveillance deterrence is because SD is not in and of itself a solution to the problem of pre-attack hostile surveillance (like surveillance deterrence can be). SD is only a determination of whether or not the problem exists.
What is counter surveillance?
Counter surveillance is a follow-up measure that is taken only after hostile surveillance has been detected . CS basically turns the tables by conducting surveillance on the surveillance in order to collect more detailed information on it. It must therefore be conducted in at least as covert a manner as SD, if not more so, since CS will probably need to observe, and possibly follow, hostile surveillance for even longer periods of time.
Why do SD operations need to be conducted in a covert manner?
SD operations must be conducted in a covert manner – every bit as covert as hostile surveillance, if not more – because the person who is being detected might be trained in covert methodology. For this reason, no connection between the SD operative and the target, or the target’s security force, should be apparent.
What to do after surveillance mapping?
After Surveillance Mapping is complete, conventional security officers – not even necessarily well trained ones (as is very often the case) – can be instructed to pay close attention to these locations. These instructions should include random visits to these vantage points, performed as often as possible, along with casual acknowledgements and even polite verbal engagements of people who occupy them (regardless of whether or not they appear suspicious).
Can a surveillance deterrence agent detect hostile surveillance?
I think it’s relatively safe to say that lower levels of hostile surveillance do have a good chance of being detected, but when it comes to the higher levels, it’s more likely that deterrence will be achieved without the surveillance deterrence agent managing to detect who they’ve deterred.
What is law enforcement intelligence?
Law enforcement intelligence is “the product of an analytic process that provides an integrated perspective to disparate information about crime, crime trends, crime and security threats, and conditions associated with criminality.” 6 The intelligence developed from this process should give recipients the ability to take action and thwart or diminish dangers facing the public.
Why is intelligence-led policing important?
To this end, education on the concept of intelligence-led policing (ILP) at the local, state, federal, and international level is essential for dealing with current dangers. Today’s highly globalized and interconnected world has not only helped economies grow and facilitated the ease of global commerce but also allowed threats to morph ...
How does an ILP program work?
To implement an ILP program, managers must understand the basics of intelligence and how it is created. Information becomes intelligence via the intelligence cycle. At its fundamental level, the cycle is a structured process in which professionals identify intelligence requirements and gaps, develop a plan for collection and production, carry out collection to fill the gaps, refine and organize the collected information, conduct analysis and synthesis to make judgements, and disseminate the results to decision makers for action.
What is ILP in law enforcement?
A Different Approach. ILP is a proactive way of thinking in law enforcement. It acts as a business process in which agencies implement policies and practices. They focus on developing priorities built on multiple factors, including intelligence analysis. With these priorities in mind, personnel develop intelligence requirements;
What is the intelligence cycle?
In its most basic form, intelligence is information that has gone through a systematic process of collection, evaluation, exploitation, analysis, and synthesis, with the goal of reducing uncertainty and providing decision advantage. Law enforcement intelligence is “the product of an analytic process that provides an integrated ...
What is the analytical phase of intelligence?
Once organized, the data enters the analytical phase, in which intelligence professionals review it and use structured analytic techniques to develop and refute multiple hypotheses based on the collected information. They evaluate sources for reliability, credibility, and relevance and formulate judgments to answer the original questions.
What is the collection phase of a police plan?
After making a plan, the organization begins the collection phase. At this point, leaders must communicate the identified gaps and inquiries to patrol officers, detectives, and intelligence officers. This is crucial to ensure they are aware of these questions and actively collecting information to answer them.
What is surveillance used for?
However, there is also another purpose that is not often discussed. Surveillance can also be used as a method of systemic observation for professional research. This can be accomplished in many fields, not just criminal justice. Businesses often conduct “focus groups” to determine consumer opinions; many of these are accompanied with covert or overt observations recorded to determine consumer reactions. This can lead to more accurate observations when combined with verbalized opinions. Quantitative analysis (using math to prove something is occurring more often than by coincidence) is currently most popular among social science researchers. This provides proof that observations are more than just anecdotal evidence. However, many observations are too specific or too rare to be measured with numbers. These types of observations are called qualitative observations and are sometimes required for research. Surveillance is often a part of these observations, especially covert surveillance that would not change a subject’s behavior. Because quantitative analysis is the “golden standard” today, many investigators are, unfortunately, being discouraged from using qualitative methods for research. However, using surveillance for qualitative analysis and, occasionally, as a source for data used in quantitative methods is often required and useful. Therefore, understanding the concepts of surveillance is helpful not only to full-time investigators, but also to professionals seeking to research any number of topics in nearly any field.
Which technique affords the surveillance investigator with the greatest amount of intelligence with the least effort?
One technique that affords the surveillance investigator with the greatest amount of intelligence with the least effort is the use of stationary technical surveillance . Another term for this may be “unmanned” surveillance. This type of surveillance must be limited to activities that would normally be visible from a public venue such as the street or sidewalk and do not do anything extraordinary that would cause a particular surveillance method to stand out in court.
What is a detailed narrative report?
The report should be written with the understanding that most people will not see the video or pictures unless they are included with the report. Many judges will review video footage privately but will not permit the showing in court in the interest of time. This is most common in worker’s compensation cases. Most criminal jury trials, however, will set up a device to display the video footage. Plea bargains often are the result of video footage alone.
What does a supervisor do in a surveillance case?
If the investigator is working in a jurisdiction where he or she has police contacts or if there is a connection with the case to a criminal matters, then contact with the police is preferred. A police supervisor can often establish the proper protocol to handle any citizen complaints about “suspicious” activity. The police will rarely ever ask for details; simply explaining to the police who the investigator is and the surveillance matter will be sufficient. The investigator should provide the police with a vehicle description and cell phone number. Most officers will be thankful for the courtesy and for saving them time in the future.
What is covert surveillance?
Surveillance is defined as covert observations of places and persons for the purpose of obtaining information (Dempsey, 2003). The term covert infers that the operative conducting the surveillance is discreet and secretive. Surveillance that maintains a concealed, hidden, undetected nature clearly has the greatest chance of success because the subject of the surveillance will act or perform naturally. Remaining undetected during covert surveillance work often involves physical fatigue, mental stress, and very challenging situations. Physical discomfort is an unfortunate reality for investigators, which varies from stinging perspiration in summer to hard shivers during the winter.
What is private security?
The observation and reporting mission of private security applies to surveillance. Most surveillance operatives are private investigators, security officers (including retail security and patrol officers), and corporate investigators. While the surveillance role of a police investigator is one of many duties, the specialty of surveillance is more prevalent in private security. As noted in the Protection Officer Training Manual (2003), security officers outnumber law enforcement officers three to one. Operational budgets mirror this statistic, which is relevant to the importance of security officers and particularly the proactive side of asset protection.
Can surveillance report false activity?
There have been isolated instances of surveillance operatives filing false reports, claiming no activity when the inactivity report is actually just a cover for the operative’s failure to pay attention or failure to be on location. In response to this, some clients will request that an investigator obtain footage of the subject’s residence upon arrival at the start of surveillance to prove their presence, which some suggest should be an industry standard practice. At the present time, there is no industry standard in the U.S., but such documentation must be considered on a case-by-case basis.
