We have gained many years of experience conducting surveillance services across the UK. This includes from planning, managing and conducting surveillance operations, with each case planned to a high level. From urban foot surveillance in London through to rural observation posts in Scotland, we have encountered every type of surveillance task since 2003.
Client Information Stage
Any surveillance task will be initiated by someone contacting us with a certain need. At this stage, that need will be an expectation and it is our role to listen, understand, and then recommend the best options to meet the needs of the client. This recommendation can sometimes be different to the initial expectation of the client, due to various reasons including (but not limited to) budget, legalities, capabilities, and actual needs.
The important thing is that we listen first, so fully understanding what led a client to us in the first place. It may be a case whereby surveillance is not the best solution, and that the same information can be gained from a simpler and less intrusive approach. Until we understand the client, then we cannot provide options, and our experience is what can provide these options.
Once we have agreed a solution based on our recommendations, then we can ensure that the reason and justification is present in order to conduct surveillance services. We then move on to the planning stage.
Surveillance Services Planning Stage
As with any service, planning is key. Planning for surveillance requires experience and an aptitude for identifying details that could be significant. It requires project management skills to ensure that resources are identified and used effectively. It also requires background research on the subject to be observed and the area where the surveillance is being conducted.
Once all information needed has been collected and noted and locations have been identified (known and potential locations), then these locations can be further explored. This part of the service is called the reconnaissance.
It will be necessary to investigate the relevant locations relating to the subject of the surveillance, including buildings, roads, places of interest, activity in the immediate and general area and so on.
Reconnaissance requires skill and an ability to observe a certain area or point of interest whilst also remaining natural to any third parties. It can be completed with the aid of desktop research, using online maps, images etc. But the real value comes from attending the location or area, in order to highlight any potential issues or concerns with the ground. Information required from a reconnaissance will need to be detailed and accurate. The aim will be to gain a general picture of the area highlighting the points above, photography can be used and if the situation dictates a sketch plan can be drawn.
The client is not involved in the reconnaissance or some parts of the planning stage, as this is where the work begins in terms of conducting surveillance.
The Surveillance Task
Once the surveillance has been planned and the surveillance team has been briefed, then it is time for the actual physical stages of surveillance (Trigger, Follow and Housing). We will not cover this aspect in this post, as we don’t want to give away too much! However, all surveillance cases are managed and conducted in a professional manner, and monitored by a case manager.
We will continue any surveillance until either of the below occurs:
- We meet all the objectives of the surveillance case
- We have a loss or compromise (always a possibility of both with surveillance)
- Budget has been exhausted
Client Reporting
With every surveillance case undertaken, we provide full reporting to the client. This includes interim and final reports. We understand clients prefer to kept abreast of all activity and this is why we agree to ensure passage of information is maintained throughout the surveillance.
Once the surveillance has finished, then we will compile an end of task report. This report will include:
- Summary of our findings from the surveillance
- Timeline of activity
- Witness statements from those involved in the surveillance
- Image/video library
- Recommendations and next steps
Our reporting is delivered securely online, although we can provide hardcopies where needed. Our report will highlight the objectives of the surveillance which were agreed at the start of the process, furthermore it will map which objectives have been met during the surveillance task.
Final Thoughts
Surveillance can sometimes be a misunderstood service so hopefully this post has clarified a few points. All services we provide are legal, conducted professionally, and proportionate to the information needed. We use skilled and experienced surveillance officers (male and female) and modern equipment.
We welcome any queries on any of our services and offer an open and transparent consultation.
