Basic Surveillance

M1. FUNDAMENTALS OF THE COVERT SURVEILLANCE OPERATIONS

This module covers the prerequisites for covert surveillance operators:

• Definition of covert surveillance: Stakeout vs military reconnaissance; legal regulations and restrictions
• Skills and appearance: practical skills (photographing, videotaping, driving, critical thinking)
• Classification of surveillance actions (documenting, action resulting in arrest, etc.)
• Dress code rules, depending on the action type (how to adapt clothing to the action environment)
• Type of objectives pursued in covert surveillance operations (persons, buildings, cars, areas of interest)

Upon completion of this module, trainees will have acquired a clear understanding of the fundamental requirements of covert surveillance operations. Trainees are now familiar with the essential skills and professional appearance expected of a surveillance operator, the classification of surveillance actions, the importance of adapting dress code to operational environments, and the types of objectives pursued during covert missions.

These core elements form the foundation of all surveillance activities. Mastery of these prerequisites ensures operational credibility, enhances covertness, and supports mission effectiveness. This module establishes the baseline competencies necessary for progressing toward practical field application and advanced surveillance techniques covered in subsequent modules.

M2. DISGUISE AND MAKE-UP SPECIFIC TO COVERT SURVEILLANCE

This module deals with all the aspects relating to covertness and avoiding exposure by the target.

• Types of disguises
• Quick-change disguise
• Pre-established disguise (based on a preset operational scenario)
• Rules for using disguises during the covert surveillance action

Upon completion of this module, trainees will understand the critical role of disguise and make-up in maintaining covertness and preventing exposure during covert surveillance operations. Trainees have learned to differentiate between various types of disguises, apply quick-change and pre-established disguises based on operational scenarios, and follow essential rules governing their use in the field.

Mastery of these techniques enhances operational security, supports surveillance continuity, and reduces the risk of exposure. This module strengthens the operative’s ability to adapt appearance in response to changing environments and mission requirements, forming a key component of effective covert surveillance practice.

M3. COMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT AND OTHER EQUIPMENT AND METHODS USED IN COVERT SURVEILLANCE

This module introduces the fundamental rules to follow in covert surveillance, along with the operational equipment used. Trainees will learn how to test the communication equipment before any operation and its determining role in surveillance.

M4. PREPARATION OF COVERT SURVEILLANCE OPERATIONS

This module covers the preliminary steps of any covert surveillance action.

• Initial meeting with the customer/beneficiary
• Classification of sources and uses thereof: open/official/personal/casual/qualified sources
• Preliminary steps for taking the target under surveillance: analysing the layout of the target’s whereabouts, determining the number of exits from the building/area, and analysing the street layout
• Conducting a field investigation further to the information acquired from all the sources to establish the strategy

Upon completion of this module, trainees will understand the essential preparatory stages of covert surveillance operations. They are now familiar with conducting initial meetings with beneficiaries, classifying and exploiting information sources, and performing preliminary field assessments, including analysing target locations, access points, and surrounding street layouts.

These preparatory activities are critical for establishing an effective surveillance strategy. Proper planning, accurate information gathering, and thorough field evaluation significantly increase operational success while reducing risks. This module provides the structural framework required to transition from intelligence collection to practical deployment in covert surveillance actions.

M5. PLACING THE TARGET UNDER SURVEILLANCE

Depending on the information gathered from the first meeting with the beneficiary and the information obtained from various sources, the trainees will learn how to initiate the action, how to place the target under surveillance and which method is more adequate.

Trainees will also be taught basic team layouts and action manner depending on the objective.

M6. DOCUMENTATION IN SURVEILLANCE

Upon completion of this module, trainees will learn all the types of videotaping and photographing, operative photos, and how to select them depending on the dynamics of the surveillance action in the field.

M7. PERFORMING THE ACTUAL SURVEILLANCE ACTION

Upon completion of this module, trainees will learn how to prepare the action plan and the actual target placement methods. Moreover, they will be taught what to avoid during a covert surveillance action and how to think proactively: for instance, when the target is lost, when the surveillance method must be changed to continue the surveillance.

Basic training in all types of surveillance will be delivered, which includes foot surveillance, car surveillance, night surveillance, surveillance on crowded and uncrowded streets, avenues, etc. Moreover, they will learn how to work alone, in teams of 2 or 3 operators and in a complex team.

A special chapter is dedicated to the surveillance mistakes and urgent remedies.