Managing Director @Infinite Risks | Executive Protection, Secure Transportation, Investigations & Consulting
Surveillance professionals. Are you a surveillance professional working in the private sector? I have worked with quite a few SV officers. Some impressed me, others did the exact opposite. So what makes a good private sector SV officer? Imagine a government trained SV officer, used to not having to shoot as many pictures and/or videos for the (military) police, because a statement/report while working for the government was usually enough evidence. Or imagine a private SV officer, commercially trained, but not used to working in a bigger team, or driving at a very high standard, while navigating, taking pictures and communicating at the same time. You see, just because you were great in a team. Doesn’t mean you know how to work alone (and vice versa). Do you have the right equipment for the job? Are you used to working alone (without a large team)? Can you keep your focus for longer periods of time when you work on your own? I know people that tick all boxes on paper, but when they work alone in the field, they can’t stay away from all the social media apps on their phone or they give in easily to feelings of discomfort (hunger, thirst, lust, pain, feeling hot/cold etc.). So what makes a great SV officer in the private sector? In my opinion: • Laser focus on the task without distractions. This is by far the most difficult yet most important aspect of surveillance. You can have all the skills and tools in the world, but if you’re not focused you’re useless. • Being able to think 5 steps ahead and looking for work continuously. • Mentally strong individuals that can take split decisions, even if your decision means that you have to call it a day. • Individuals that trust their skillset and keep their head cool, where others become nervous and, for example, start moving from their position because of restlessness. • Strong in their skills: driving, (counter) surveillance, behavioural analysis and photography. • Extremely capable with their phone and all apps on it to navigate, search things online and to film or take pictures fast and effectively. • Having all required equipment and their vehicle in order for every type of surveillance. • Getting continuous training and staying up to date on the latest TTPs and equipment in the industry. What am I forgetting? #surveillance #covertsurveillance #recherche #privateinvestigator #detectiveprive #privedetective #particulieronderzoeker #recherchebureau #privateeye #observatie #observant #surveillanceofficer
Jack Charman
5mo
Discipline… I was speaking to someone else about this the other week. In the private sector I think this is what let’s most surveillance operatives down the most and makes the biggest difference. We all know how to clean our windows, stop an plot correctly, give clear and precise commentary, when to be in the hide, have your times synced on all your cameras etc etc It’s basic stuff, we all should know. But I think as time goes on operatives become sloppy and lazy with the basics because they can get away with it and people are not there to pull them up on it. It’s big boys rules. But these basic drills add up and make a big noticeable difference. I can see a massive difference in operatives that have discipline and those that don’t. Most of us are well trained enough to know exactly what we’re doing but it’s having the discipline to execute and not be lazy. My ten pence 🫡
Integrity. That is the single most important quaility in our opinion. If you didn’t see which way the subject went, just say “I don’t know” don’t try and blag. You’re not fooling anyone. Just hold your hands up when you mess up because it will happen at some stage. Don’t fixate on the fact you messed up, learn and move on.
Brett Mansfield
5mo
Integrity: It takes a lifetime to build and only a moment to lose. Over the years I have worked with many operatives that are very happy to shout all over their socials about how great they are and how they are happy to carry out long term CROP deployments on hard routine etc but the truth of the matter is that we all know that they struggle to sit on plot for a basic 8-12 hours obs day in day out. These operatives always get found out in the end and usually like to work with like minded friends. Maybe if they have worked for a provider in the past they got let go for fraudulently knocking on their clocks etc. The problem is once you are found out everyone within your network thinks that you are a joke and you lose all integrity instantly. A word of warning to anyone out there instructing to one of these 'operatives' that NEVER have any movement with their Subject's past the half way point during observations: it could just be that you're paying for someone who is somewhere else entirely, usually a different postcode tbh.
Michael Baker
5mo
I won't get into specific details on the tools we use but we have drones (I will leave that alone). Also, vehicles, motorcycles, human assets, etc in which no one would suspect. Many instances human assets will engage the target via friendly communications and misdirection. Prior to all of that you must have high confidence in the target you are seeking. I have run into many instances when information was seriously flawed from a customer. That is why we never use information from an unconfirmed source.
Mark B.
5mo
A fantastic piece Jethro P.. Sadly, there are those coming from a CP Course where they have done a module on "Surveillance Awareness" and put Surveillance as a skill on their CV. Surveillance is not something that can be learnt in a day or a week or 2. Sure the "basics" can be discussed but time on the ground, out in the field is what it takes. I have progressed onto Motorcycle Surveillance now and that's a whole new ball game with so many people not understanding the role we play.
Douglas Theron
5mo
I think this is an excellent post, I would perhaps add: Being street smart and understanding that the best cover is often in the open.. Perseverance and patience to wait for the right time and not to give up when that moment doesn't come "soon" enough..
Raymond Otten
5mo
Your enumerated list is definitely important. But that also includes: Being creative and able to react quickly to unusual situations. I have a crate full of clothes and caps ready in my observation car as standard. For almost every situation, for when I suddenly have to run, I have something with me. Up to and including an outfit as a parcel deliverer. But also enough food and drink to last for a while. And not forgetting: always a full tank of petrol!
Private Investigator | Surveillance | Equipment Sales
5moSoft skills are a game changer for me; • Vehicle recognition • Short term memory, able to recall a vehicle reg after a glance • Computer literacy • Video editing skills • Map reading • Can work social media well, so much can be gained from it • Local knowledge - work in London a lot, learn the streets • Keep up with current affairs, why a subject does something could be a direct result of something in the news