PHYSICAL SURVEILLANCE PROGRAM

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The Physical Surveillance Program consists of two days of intensive training.  The first day is dedicated to classroom activities over-viewing the fundamental principles and theories of physical surveillance.  During the remaining day, the participants will complete practice field exercises that involve conducting surveillance on a hostile target.

CLASSROOM SUBJECTS

Physical Surveillance Operations Overview

A broad overview of the surveillance process will be discussed including: terminology unique to a surveillance operation, types of surveillance, how to blend in with the environment, preparing a surveillance operation and the surveillance after-action debrief.

Surveillance Equipment Overview

Proficiency with technical surveillance equipment is integral in performing surveillance. Participants will learn the types of equipment that can be utilized to enhance the effectiveness of a surveillance operation.

The Surveillance Stakeout

A surveillance stakeout is utilized to attain initial command of a target. Specific surveillance operator positioning and choreography are discussed to best begin a mobile surveillance operation.

Physical Vehicular Surveillance

All aspects of a mobile vehicular surveillance operation are discussed including: initiating the follow, changing command, reacting to the target’s actions and the lost command drill.

Physical Foot Surveillance

Foot surveillance is a vital aspect of any surveillance operation. Topics for discussion include: preparation, tactics, choreography and the lost command drill.  

Surveillance Transitions

Whenever a target of surveillance moves from vehicle to foot or vice versa, he has a distinct advantage over the surveillance team. He often knows the area and transitions smoothly. The surveillance team must deal with unfamiliarity while keeping the target in sight. Special consideration is given to public transportation surveillance.

High Security Surveillance

Progressive surveillance is the most secure method of surveillance because the surveillance team’s exposure is limited. Progressive surveillance is also used when the surveillance team has limited resources. Participants will learn the techniques of progressive surveillance.

PRACTICAL EXERCISES

Surveillance Stakeouts

A surveillance box is the strategic positioning of surveillance vehicles or operators in order to control routes of travel out of a specified area.  Participants will practice operating in each surveillance box position in several different situations.

Vehicular Surveillance

The primary concept of vehicular surveillance is that only one surveillance vehicle is required to maintain visual command of the target vehicle at any given time. Participants will learn how to maintain visual command of the target while blending with surrounding traffic. Students will learn the floating box technique, commonly referred to as “running parallels”. 

Surveillance Transitions

Participants will practice transitioning from vehicular surveillance to foot surveillance and vice versa. Special consideration is given to operator communication.

Foot Surveillance

Participants will practice foot surveillance in public areas. Special emphasis is put on foot operator positioning, cover for action, and corner clearing.

Live Action Drill

Participants will be given a physical surveillance assignment that will utilize everything that they have learned in the program.