Private Investigation Techniques II

Carrying Out a Surveillance

Surveillance Vehicles

Of the 100s of surveillance cases IPIA has done there is not one that has not needed a vehicle at least for part of the time. Special consideration must be given to the vehicle you will use.

1. Choose a vehicle that will attract very little attention no matter where it is used;
2. The vehicle’s appearance should be nondescript;
3. It should be a commonly used production line vehicle;
4. It should be adequately powered for the situation;
5. More recent models are preferred;
6. Avoid loud and bright colours;
7. Avoid loud exhausts, squeaky brakes, rattles etc;
8. Do not alter the appearance (e.g. Spoilers, racks, lights etc);
9. Do not add distinguishing features (eg. transfers, parcels on rear shelf, hangings from mirrors, flags, articles on dashboard, wide wheels, noticeable mag wheels, bull bars, etc);
10. Dents, scratches, repair work etc make a vehicle more noticeable;
11. There should be no advertising signs;
12. Ensure all lighting is working correctly
13. Ensure it is mechanically sound (for performance, economy, reliability, smoke emission etc)
14. Do not place books or objects on the front dashboard;
15. Alternate the sun visor positions
16. Ensure the vehicle is always full of petrol

In Indonesia a motorbike is often used for mobile surveillance. IPIA agents on motorbikes always take two different coloured helmets with them (not bright with stickers though) so they can change at different points during a surveillance.

Surveillance Preparation

Before a mobile surveillance starts IPIA carries out a preparatory due diligence.

This involves visiting the known locations – such as a house or workplace. Agents must become familiar with the locations and surroundings. They will be looking at various factors such as the best positions for standing by and also the main exit points.

Our agents produce a preparatory due diligence report for their own use and for the use of other agents if a case is handed over.

As part of the preparatory work agents will prepare a cover story. A cover story can be used for any approach made by either the target or any close neighbours or anyone else who may observe a continued presence in the area.

Whilst cover stories are prepared it is almost impossible to cover all possible scenarios. Agents must be skilled improvisers. Our sister agency Bali Eye Private Investigation Agency has produced an article on improvisation skills.

Mobile Vehicle Surveillance

These can be difficult guidelines to follow during surveillance of a vehicle that is moving. However general guidelines include.

1.  Ensure a minimum of one car cover (i.e one car between you and the target vehicle)
2. In heavy traffic, ensure a two car cover maximum;
3. On a multi-lane road or a highway, the best position is in the lane to the left or right of the subject.

It is also preferred to have two teams on a mobile surveillance. These teams will switch at regular intervals. So for example agent A follows the target, and agent B follows agent A. Then after several minutes agents A and B switch. This is also useful for foot surveillance.

Surveillance Kit

Indonesia Private Investigation Agents prepare a surveillance kit before a case starts. Surveillance kits include items such as:

Personal Belongings

1. Changes of clothing;
2. Money;
3. Mobile phone;
4. Food and water;
5. Toiletries;
6. Licences;
7. Valuables.

Equipment:

1. Binoculars;
2. Tape recorder;
3. Writing paper / pens etc;
4. Travel / carry bags;
5. Cameras;
6. Radio;
7. Torch;
8. Batteries;
9. Waterproof gear and an extra helmet for agents on a motorbike.

Surveillance in a Building

If the target you are following on foot enters a building there are various issues that need to be considered:

1. If possible try and take a different entry point than the target. Without losing the target if you can enter through another door take it;
2. Enter 30 seconds after if possible and walk in with a purpose;
3. Identify location of all exits;
4. Use people for cover;
5. The use of elevators. Let the target get in the elevator first and see which floor number they press. Press the number above or below it. If there are several persons in the lift stand at the front. When people leave, move with them so you can observe the target’s movements and then follow them;
6. Always keep distance and cover in your favour;
7. In shops high racks and shelving provide reasonable cover;
8. Speak with staff (this is where improvising skills are useful);
9. Use mezzanine floors and balconies as advantage points;
10. Focus on what the target can see when you cannot see the target;
11. Be aware of reflections in windows;
12. Restaurants – at night you can see them through the window but they can’t see you. In the day you cant see them through windows generally but they can see you.
13. If you are inside – and the subject orders a meal, order an entrée. It is quick to eat and cheap and allows you to leave quickly. It is also better to pay once the food is delivered (you can easily make an excuse if needed as to why you want to pay immediately);
14. Order light quick meals and no alcohol;
15. Order coke in a short glass – this appears to be an alcoholic drink;

For all types of surveillance it is very important to keep accurate notes: times, dates, locations, descriptions etc. Many people think they will remember but people always forget some details. Agents should also write investigative reports as soon as possible after finishing a surveillance session whilst fresh in the memory.

Indonesia Private Investigation Agency (IPIA) along with our sister agency  Bali Eye Private Investigation Agency (BEPIA) are fully registered Private Investigation Agencies offering private detective and private investigator services to the Private and Business sectors throughout Indonesia and South East Asia.

Private Investigation Techniques I

Surveillance is perhaps the most commonly used technique of any Private Investigator. This is certainly true of Indonesia Private Investigation Agency. Of the 400 or so cases IPIA has worked on about 85% have involved surveillance.

In many respects all the technology around today makes the life of a private investigator quicker and easier. However, IPIA has found that for many of our cases the old fashioned method of surveillance just can not be replaced. Sometimes the only way to find the truth is to pursue it at it’s source.

When is surveillance used?

In basic terms surveillance is used when the client needs to know more about certain activities than can be obtained by more direct means.

The most obvious application is with a suspected cheating partner. This is usually termed as “covert” surveillance as it is done in secret.

IPIA has used surveillance for a range of cases. Another instance where surveillance has been used is in uncovering corrupt practices. We once had a case where we had agents employed in large corporation where there were suspicions that some people were carry out shady deals with suppliers. Our agent’s task was to get close to the inner circle of those suspected and observe what was happening.

Also we have had a few abducted children cases where we have to watch guardian and children activities. In one custody battle IPIA had to verify a claim that the cuildren (aged between 10 and 16) had not been to school for a year. As you will appreciate we got different forms of evidence to support (or deny) this claim, but one of the main activities was active surveillance for a period of a month during school term time.

Surveillance can also be used when all other means of gaining information, intelligence, or evidence has been exhausted or has been to difficult to achieve.

Types of Surveillance

Private investigators usually subdivide surveillance into static and mobile, and overt and covert.

Static

Static surveillance is done from a fixed base, where the agent does not move away. Examples include a parked vehicle, or in a building such as a restaurant.

In the example above where IPIA had underover agents in a company this would be classed as static surveillance.

Mobile

Mobile surveillance is done by an agent when the target is on the move such as in a car or on foor.

Covert

Covert surveillance is the most commonly used form for private investigators. Basically the target should not know that they are under surveillance.

Overt

Overt surveillance can simply be in the form of a supervisor walking around checking each person’s work, either in the form of surveillance cameras, as set up in banks and places of high risk. The point in this example is to ensure procedures are being conducted correctly and as a deterrent to a prospective offender.

Indonesia Private Investigation Agency has been asked to conduct overt surveillance by placing hidden cameras in a hotel room. This is something we have not done. It is illegal to do this unless it is done by the authorities with the correct documentation,

Surveillance Difficulties

Carrying out a covert surveillance operation can be very difficult. The main difficulties include:

Surveillance Location

Every location has its own unique challenges.

Airports for example are pretty easy in some respects. It is relatively easy to go around and be inconspicuous. IPIA often uses a man and a woman in airports with one of them having hand luggage with a flight tag on it.

On the other hand following someone out of an airport requires careful planning and setting up. IPIA usually will have 4 to 6 agents in an airport. There is the man and woman on the ground at the arrival gate for example.

You will then need other agents ready to mobilise near all the exit points.

It is usually impossible to predict how targets will leave an airport. They could go by public transport, taxi or be picked up.

If they leave the airport by public transport then the agents at the gate will follow. If they get into a taxi or car then the agents at the gate must radio the agents at the exit points with the vehicle details. These agents will then pick up the target on the road.

Target Awareness

In a few cases a target may be such that they are naturally cautious that they could be a subject of surveillance.

In our case history ‘to catch a thief’ the target had allegedly stolen over 1 million dollars. A professional private investigation agency will bring this knowledge into the planning process. So for example it makes sense to have agents continually switching pole positions. This means more resources are needed, maybe a team of three or four agents.

Surveillance Agent

The agent must be skilled and experienced. IPIA will never send out a new agent on their own. Senior investigators will lead a surveillance with junior agents supporting.

Surveillance investigators should possess a number of skills.

1. Patient;
2. Self-discipline;
3. The ability to maintain concentration for long periods of time;
4. Adaptable;
5. Honest;
6. Trustworthy;
7. The ability to work without supervision;
8. Discreet;
9. The ability to appear as “Mr. or Mrs. Average”, so they do not arouse suspicion by their activity;
10. The ability to improvise.

Indonesia Private Investigation Agency (IPIA) along with our sister agency  Bali Eye Private Investigation Agency (BEPIA) are fully registered Private Investigation Agencies offering private detective and private investigator services to the Private and Business sectors throughout Indonesia and South East Asia.