Subject: Surveillance Grade: Entry Level Law Enforcement
Topic-
A.Surveillance is the act of watching someone or something, often without them knowing. This can be done by watching them in person, or by using electronic listening and/or viewing devices, such as hidden tape recorders and video recorders.

B. Subject is the person being observed or it could be a place, property, vehicle, or object.

C. Surveillance of places generally involves a location where a crime is expected to occur, where a criminal may frequent or suspected criminal activities such as open drug markets, crack houses, and fencing operations.

 
Goals: Aims/Outcomes-
1.Performance Outcome 4.24 "� Conduct stationary and moving surveillance of individuals, vehicles, specific activities, etc.
2.B. Training Objective 4.24 "� Given a written exercise, identify factors to consider in conducting stationary and moving surveillance of individuals, vehicles, specific activities, etc.
 
Objectives-
1. 4.24.1 Identify reasons to conduct stationary surveillance
2. 4.24.2 Identify locations from which surveillance may be conducted
3. 4.24.3 Identify equipment that may assist in a surveillance
4. 4.24.4 Identify ways to stay alert during surveillance
4.24.5 Identify methods for initiating, conducting, and concluding a moving surveillance of individuals, vehicles, activities, etc.,

4.24.6 Identify reasons to conclude a surveillance

 
Procedures/Methods-

Introduction-

Three Types of Surveillance

A. Stationary or fixed "� Stakeout (Usually from building, vehicles.)

B. Moving

1. Usually involves people.

2. Vehicle

a. One car

b. Two cars

c. Multiple cars

d. Aerial

3. Foot

a. One officer.

b. Two officers.

c. Three officers or the ABC Method.

C. Electronic or Audio

1. Electronic eavesdropping or wiretapping are permitted only with probable cause and by court order.

a. eavesdropping
b. telephone tapping
c. directional microphones
d. covert listening devices or "bugs"
e. Minox subminiature cameras
f. closed-circuit television
g. Night vision
h. GPS tracking
i. Bait car
j. electronic tagging
k. Internet and computer surveillance

Reasons to conduct stationary surveillance

A. Locate a suspect

B. Identify and locate specific illegal activity

C. Protect persons or property

D. Others as may be identified

E. To obtain evidence of a crime.

F. To locate persons by watching locations and associates.

G. To prevent commission of a crime or apprehend a subject in the commission of a crime.

H. Locate stolen property or contraband.

I. Obtain probable cause to obtain search and arrest warrants.

J. Obtain legal (admissible) evidence to use in court.

K. Develop leads and information.

III. Methods for initiating, conducting, and concluding a moving surveillance of individuals, vehicles, activities, etc.,

A. Identify why the individual(s) are wanted

B. Identify numbers of people and/or vehicles needed to conduct the moving surveillance

C. Identify the communications coordination needed

D. Identify the approach to be used as a coordinated effort to effect arrest

E. Document the information related to the surveillance from start to


CONDUCTING SURVEILLANCE

Part Two "� Presentation

I. Three Types of Surveillance

A. Stationary or fixed "� Stakeout (Usually from building, vehicles.)

B. Moving

1. Usually involves people.

2. Vehicle

a. One car

b. Two cars

c. Multiple cars

d. Aerial

3. Foot

a. One officer.

b. Two officers.

c. Three officers or the ABC Method.

C. Electronic or Audio

1. Electronic eavesdropping or wiretapping are permitted only with probable cause and by court order.

a. eavesdropping
b. telephone tapping
c. directional microphones
d. covert listening devices or "bugs"
e. Minox subminiature cameras
f. closed-circuit television
g. Night vision
h. GPS tracking
i. Bait car
j. electronic tagging
k. Internet and computer surveillance










II. Reasons to conduct stationary surveillance

A. Locate a suspect

B. Identify and locate specific illegal activity

C. Protect persons or property

D. Others as may be identified

E. To obtain evidence of a crime.

F. To locate persons by watching locations and associates.

G. To prevent commission of a crime or apprehend a subject in the commission of a crime.

H. Locate stolen property or contraband.

I. Obtain probable cause to obtain search and arrest warrants.

J. Obtain legal (admissible) evidence to use in court.

K. Develop leads and information.

L. Obtain information for later use in interrogations and interviews.

M. Determine an informant's reliability.

III. Methods for initiating, conducting, and concluding a moving surveillance of individuals, vehicles, activities, etc.,

A. Identify why the individual(s) are wanted

B. Identify numbers of people and/or vehicles needed to conduct the moving surveillance

C. Identify the communications coordination needed

D. Identify the approach to be used as a coordinated effort to effect arrest

E. Document the information related to the surveillance from start to end

IV. Locations from which surveillance may be conducted

A. Using a car

B. Using another building near the one where person or activity may be located.

C. Using natural surroundings (trees, bushes, etc.)

V. Techniques for surveillance from a camouflaged location.

A. Preparation

1. Study related case files and criminal history

2. Identify subjects and vehicles

3. Know type of neighborhood

4. Reconnaissance

B. Move as little as possible when in area

C. Make sure you blend into the surroundings

1. Disguises and diversions

a. Window washing

b. Maintenance person

c. Telephone, Virginia Power, electrician, surveyor

D. Equipment

1. weapons, extra ammo

2. communications, police radios with secured channels, mobile telephones

3. binoculars

4. cameras, tape recorders, film,

5. pencils, paper, surveillance logs

6. money, change for pay phones

7. extra clothes, food and water, flashlight


E. Props

1. civilian uniforms, caps, jackets

2. flyers, petitions

3. fishing pole, dog leash, broom

4. Specially constructed surveillance truck or van.

5. taxicabs, rental cars, delivery trucks,

6. private airplanes, boats, cars

VI. Ways to stay alert during surveillance

A. Review photo in order to identify a person being sought from a distance

B. Frequently check for person or for a specific activity (such as a drug buy or graffiti starting)

C. Change positions with moves that are appropriate for the surveillance setting

VII. Common errors made when attempting to maintain a surveillance.

A. Smoking in closed building or at night

B. Changing shifts or using same route.

C. Obvious concealed weapon or looking like a law enforcement officer.

D. Talking too loud.

E. Leaving police property in view.

F. Using police car for transportation to surveillance site.

G. Do not allow other police personnel to come to your location unless he/she is trained in surveillance work.

H. In restaurants or bars blend in with the customers.




VIII. Counter Surveillance Techniques used by Subject.

A. If subject is believed to be aware of being under surveillance, the surveillance should be called off and continued later.

B. Methods that might be used

1. Subject may drive down an alleyway to see if he/she is being followed or it could be a set up for a robbery.

2. Subject may drive wrong way on one way street, make a illegal U turn to see if he/she being followed.

3. Make several right or left hand turns in succession.

4. Driving through gasoline stations or parking lots.

5. View reflections in storefront windows.

6. Enter business to see if someone is following, then leave abruptly.

7. Subject may drop piece of paper to see if officer picks it up.

8. May approach the officer and directly accuse him her of following or of being an officer.

9. May use a police monitor to intercept radio call

10. Radar detectors in pocket

11. False 911 calls

IX. Qualities of a Good Surveillance Officer.

A. Ordinary Appearance

B. Good power of observation and recall

C. Act natural and be alert

D. Resourceful/Adaptable

E. Use initiative and imagination

F. Anticipate and always have a reason for being where you are

G. Patience and endurance

H. Self confidence

I. Subject or positive identification of all persons

J. Be articulate

K. Good knowledge of laws/and probable cause

X. Advantages of having cultivated people who live and work in the surveillance area.

A. They will be your eyes and ears

B. May use their home or business for surveillance

C. Use people you know to introduce you to other people who may help you

D. They may supply you with descriptions of people, vehicles, license numbers and suspicious activity

XI. Surveillance Report or Log

A. Chronological log of all activities associated with the surveillance must be maintained.

B. Report or log to contain dates, times, locations, weather conditions, name of subject (s), contacts, phone calls, observations, name (s) of officers and case number.

XII. Reasons to conclude a surveillance

A. Recognize the person or activity that is in violation of the law

B. Move to make the arrest or direct an arrest team as part of a coordinated effort

C. Determine that the person or activity is not in violation of the law and end the surveillance

XIII. Summary

A. Surveillance is very time consuming and an expensive operation that can raise questions of privacy. All alternatives should have been exhausted before undertaking long and expensive surveillance detail.
B. Some investigations may have reached a point where no further progress in the solution of the case can be made without surveillance.

C. Surveillance is more than merely following or staking out a location. It is an important phase of investigations and requires meticulous planning, reconnaissance, and preparation. A proper surveillance should have at least two well-trained officers on a team reporting periodically to a supervisor.

D. Surveillance notes should not be made in public and a complete surveillance log must be maintained by the officers

Part Three "� Summary

I. Restatement of Performance Outcome and Training Objectives

A. Performance Outcome 4.24 "� Conduct stationary and moving surveillance of individuals, vehicles, specific activities, etc.

B. Training Objective 4.24 "� Given a written exercise, identify factors to consider in conducting stationary and moving surveillance of individuals, vehicles, specific activities, etc.

4.24.1 Identify reasons to conduct stationary surveillance

4.24.2 Identify locations from which surveillance may be conducted

4.24.3 Identify equipment that may assist in a surveillance

4.24.4 Identify ways to stay alert during surveillance

4.24.5 Identify methods for initiating, conducting, and concluding a moving surveillance of individuals, vehicles, activities, etc.,

4.24.6 Identify reasons to conclude a surveillance

II. Questions












§ 19.2-61. Definitions.

As used in this chapter:
"Wire communication" means any aural transfer made in whole or in part through the use of facilities for the transmission of communications by the aid of wire, cable, or other like connection, including the use of such connection in a switching station, furnished or operated by any person engaged in providing or operating such facilities for the transmission of communications and includes electronic storage of such communication;
"Oral communication" means any oral communication uttered by a person exhibiting an expectation that such communication is not subject to interception under circumstances justifying such expectations but does not include any electronic communication;
"Intercept" means any aural or other means of acquisition of the contents of any wire, electronic or oral communication through the use of any electronic, mechanical or other device;
"Electronic, mechanical or other device" means any device or apparatus which can be used to intercept a wire, electronic or oral communication other than:
(a) Any telephone or telegraph instrument, equipment or facility, or any component thereof, (i) furnished to the subscriber or user by a provider of wire or electronic communication service in the ordinary course of its business and being used by the subscriber or user in the ordinary course of its business or furnished by the subscriber or user for connection to the facilities of such service and used in the ordinary course of the subscriber's or user's business; or (ii) being used by a communications common carrier in the ordinary course of its business, or by an investigative or law-enforcement officer in the ordinary course of his duties;
(b) A hearing aid or similar device being used to correct subnormal hearing to not better than normal;
"Person" means any employee or agent of the Commonwealth or a political subdivision thereof, and any individual, partnership, association, joint stock company, trust or corporation;
"Investigative or law-enforcement officer" means any officer of the United States or of a state or political subdivision thereof, who is empowered by law to conduct investigations of or to make arrests for offenses enumerated in this chapter, and any attorney authorized by law to prosecute or participate in the prosecution of such offenses;
"Contents" when used with respect to any wire, electronic or oral communication, includes any information concerning the substance, purport or meaning of that communication;
"Judge of competent jurisdiction" means a judge of any circuit court of the Commonwealth with general criminal jurisdiction;
"Communications common carrier" means any person engaged as a common carrier for hire in communication by wire or radio or in radio transmission of energy;
"Aggrieved person" means a person who was a party to any intercepted wire, electronic or oral communication or a person against whom the interception was directed;
"Electronic communication" means any transfer of signs, signals, writing, images, sounds, data, or intelligence of any nature transmitted in whole or in part by a wire, radio, electromagnetic, photoelectronic or photooptical system. The term does not include:
1. Any wire communication or oral communication as defined herein;
2. Any communication made through a tone-only paging device; or
3. Any communication from an electronic or mechanical device which permits the tracking of the movement of a person or object;
"User" means any person or entity who uses an electronic communication service and is duly authorized by the provider of such service to engage in such use;
"Electronic communication system" means any wire, radio, electromagnetic, photooptical or photoelectronic facilities for the transmission of electronic communications, and any computer facilities or related electronic equipment for the electronic storage of such communications;
"Electronic communication service" means any service which provides to users thereof the ability to send or receive wire or electronic communications;
"Readily accessible to the general public" means, with respect to a radio communication, that such communication is not (i) scrambled or encrypted, (ii) transmitted using modulation techniques whose essential parameters have been withheld from the public with the intention of preserving the privacy of such communication; (iii) carried on a subcarrier or other signal subsidiary to a radio transmission, (iv) transmitted over a communication system provided by a communications common carrier, unless the communication is a tone-only paging system communication; or (v) transmitted on frequencies allocated under Part 25, subpart D, E, or F of Part 74, or Part 94 of the Rules of the Federal Communications Commission, unless, in the case of a communication transmitted on a frequency allocated under Part 74 that is not exclusively allocated to broadcast auxiliary services, the communication is a two-way voice communication by radio;
"Electronic storage" means any temporary, intermediate storage of a wire or electronic communication incidental to the electronic transmission thereof and any storage of such communication by an electronic communication service for purposes of backup protection of such communication;
"Aural transfer" means a transfer containing the human voice at any point between and including the point of origin and the point of reception;
"Pen register" means a device which records or decodes electronic or other impulses which identify the numbers dialed or otherwise transmitted on the telephone line to which such device is attached. The term does not include any device used by a provider or customer of a wire or electronic communication service for billing, or recording as an incident to billing, for communications services provided by such provider or any device used by a provider or customer of a wire communication service for cost accounting or other like purposes in the ordinary course of the provider's or customer's business;
"Trap and trace device" means a device which captures the incoming electronic or other impulses identifying the originating number of an instrument or device from which a wire or electronic communication was transmitted; and
"Remote computing service" means the provision to the public of computer storage or processing services by means of an electronic communications system.

L. Obtain information for later use in interrogations and interviews.

M. Determine an informant's reliability.

 

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