Conducting surveillance is manpower intensive and therefore expensive. A rolling surveillance requires at least three and up to five persons to be effective. A rolling surveillance can be vehicular or pedestrian. Multiple persons lesson the likelihood that the following observer or tail will be “made” or identified by the target of the surveillance.

Multiple Tails in Surveillance

With multiple tails the persons can drop out to change their appearance to be reinserted later. Multiple plain vanilla vehicles and regular clothing to blend into the crowd are a must. White and silver grey cars attract the least attention. A red mustang is not a good surveillance car. And for a pedestrian tail, bright clothing, suit or anything that makes them stand out is a no-go.

Surveillance Equipment

Of course radio or phone communications are must, as well as some intelligence on the subject being followed. It would be nice to know if the subject has an intelligence, military or law enforcement background. Cash and coin are needed. In states with toll roads you need a lot of change to maintain the tail, and beverage and food to go is needed to maintain health and energy. Following a person into a food court will necessitate buying something to maintain cover. Small things like a backpack with hats, glasses and shirts will allow the team to alter their appearance.

Stationary Technical Surveillance

Stationary surveillance for security purposes will require the purchase and installation of video equipment and a means to record takes from numerous cameras. In reality, our modern society is perhaps the most surveilled population in history. Traffic cams, mall cams and building cameras are, well, everywhere.

Reasons for Surveillance

Big Brother is watching so why invest in an expensive, time consuming surveillance in the first place. Security in businesses and public places is quite apparent. But as an investigative tool it may represent the most likelihood of obtaining needed evidence. Surveillance and observation is restricted to public places. Investigating an unfaithful spouse; surveillance is the only means to develop evidence and further the investigation. Meeting with a paramour at a motel room or similar actions will be a primary indication of guilt. Watching a subject in the act of pick pocketing or “boosting” (shop lifting) makes a criminal prosecution possible.

Audio & Video Surveillance Evidence

Daily travels, stops and short trips may provide the need for intelligence to further the investigation. Knowing a target’s contacts, family, friends and business associates facilitate building a civil or criminal case. It is possible to mount hidden cameras to cover a known meeting spot. Contact with a known criminal entity can build a case or further an investigation. Photo and video cameras are very powerful evidence gathering tools and have high jury appeal. Modern cell phones even have auxiliary telephoto lenses to accommodate the utilization of the smart phone as a surveillance tool.

Surveillance, Private Investigations, Security & More in Greater Miami, Sunny Isles, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton & Miami Gardens Florida

So even with its restrictions governing privacy, the surveillance is an important investigative tool used by law enforcement and the private investigator. Many special investigation details and operations lease their vehicles for 90 to 180 days or so to turn over their surveillance fleets. Anonymity, blending in and not attracting undue attention are the rule in dress and vehicle standards for anyone conducting surveillance. Due in part to the numerous operators and resources needed to follow someone it would be difficult for the private individual to pursue a successful rolling surveillance. Engaging the services of a private investigator with staff to successfully following an individual is really the only viable option. Advanced Private Investigator & Security of Miami FL
is ready to handle all your private investigator and security needs.