Titan Private Investigation Announces 2026 Surveillance Training Dates

Tritan’s Industry-Leading 5-Day Surveillance Training Course

Titan Private Investigation Ltd has released its 2026 dates for one of the UK’s most practical and highly regarded surveillance training programmes – a five-day intensive course designed to take complete beginners and turn them into confident, operationally capable surveillance practitioners.

Blending classroom instruction with realistic field exercises across foot, public transport and mobile surveillance, the course has built a strong reputation among those entering the private investigation sector, corporate security teams and individuals seeking a structured route into professional surveillance work.

2026 Course Dates and Location

The 5 Day Surveillance Training Course will run on the following dates in 2026:

• 9–13 February 2026
• 18–22 May 2026
• 14–18 September 2026
• 9–13 November 2026

All courses are delivered from Titan’s dedicated training facility on Pride Park in Derby, a well-connected commercial area with excellent transport links. Pride Park is within easy reach of Derby railway station and major road networks, making it a practical base for learners travelling from across the UK.

There is a wide choice of hotels, serviced apartments and Airbnbs within walking distance of the training facility. Delegates are free to make their own accommodation arrangements and self-fund nearby stays to suit their budget and preferences. Previous cohorts have included learners from across the UK, Europe and further afield, all of whom benefit from Derby’s central location and straightforward access.

Course Overview: From Novice to Operational Practitioner

The Titan 5 Day Surveillance Training Course is deliberately intensive and firmly rooted in reality. It is structured to equip beginners with the mindset, techniques and discipline used in live surveillance deployments, rather than simply presenting theoretical concepts.

Across the five days, learners are gradually exposed to:

• Foot surveillance in busy urban environments
• Public transport operations using trains, trams, buses and taxis
• Vehicle-based mobile surveillance on standard roads and motorways
• Core evidential skills, including footage capture and logging
• Counter-surveillance and anti-ambush awareness
• Use and deployment of GPS tracking devices (within legal and ethical parameters)

The training team comprises experienced operational investigators and surveillance operators who continue to work in the field. This ensures that what is taught in the classroom is directly aligned to current operational best practice, modern legal frameworks and real client expectations.

While the course is intensive, it is highly structured. Skills are introduced in logical steps, drilled repeatedly and then pulled together into realistic scenarios. By the end of the week, learners are not only familiar with surveillance concepts – they have physically applied them, under guidance, in live environments.

Cost, Payment Structure and Qualification Options

The investment for the core five-day surveillance training course is:

• £1,200 plus VAT
• Total: £1,440

To secure a space, learners are required to pay a 50% deposit (£720 including VAT). The remaining balance is typically due ahead of the course start date, in line with Titan’s joining instructions.

Each course is capped at a minimum of nine and a maximum of twelve learners. This low trainer-to-student ratio ensures individuals receive meaningful feedback, close supervision during field work, and sufficient opportunities to practise.

Optional RQF Level 4 Qualification

For those seeking an industry-recognised qualification that can support tenders, employment applications or progression in the investigations sector, Titan offers the opportunity to work towards an RQF Level 4 certification.

Key details:

• The RQF Level 4 is optional.
• There is an additional administration fee of £420, payable to the Institute of Professional Investigators (IPI).
• This fee is passed on to the awarding body, Skills for Justice (SFJ).

Choosing not to pursue the RQF Level 4 does not affect your ability to work post-course. The core training content and practical exposure remain the same for all learners. Every individual who reaches the required standard will receive a Titan course certificate detailing:

• Modules completed
• Core competencies achieved
• Practical elements covered

For many candidates, this Titan certificate is sufficient to demonstrate training and competency to prospective employers or clients. For others, particularly those pursuing structured careers within corporate security or larger investigations firms, the RQF Level 4 offers an additional, recognised credential.

What the Course Covers: Core Skills and Tactics

The curriculum is designed around the real-world demands of surveillance work, not just academic theory. Among the key topics covered are:

• Principles of surveillance and subject identification
  • Understanding the purpose and legal framework of surveillance
  • Building and maintaining a “picture” of the subject
  • Recognising behaviour patterns and triggers
• Radio and mobile communications
  • Effective use of push-to-talk (PTT) phrases and brevity codes
  • Maintaining clarity, calmness and discipline on comms
  • Using mobile devices appropriately while minimising operational risk
• Legends and cover stories
  • Constructing believable, sustainable legends
  • Using props, behaviour and environment to support your cover
  • Avoiding over-complication and maintaining consistency under pressure
• Static observation points and obtaining evidential footage
  • Selecting and managing observation points (OPs)
  • Setting up and using cameras and other recording equipment
  • Capturing clear, admissible footage for potential use in court or internal proceedings
• Hi and counter-surveillance
  • Recognising when a subject may be surveillance-aware
  • Spotting potential hostile reconnaissance or counter-surveillance teams
  • Adjusting tactics and posture to maintain safety and discretion
• Foot surveillance and public transport tactics
  • ABC formations and team working on foot
  • Using urban architecture, crowds and natural cover
  • Transitions between foot and transport (trains, trams, buses, taxis)
  • Ticketing strategies, positioning within carriages and platform management
• Mobile surveillance on normal roads and motorways
  • Coordinating vehicle teams at varying speeds
  • Maintaining safe distances and line-of-sight
  • Lane discipline, leapfrogging and dealing with junctions, roundabouts and congestion
• Stop and plot procedures, loss procedures and car park tactics
  • Mapping subject movements in real time
  • Understanding what to do when visual contact is lost
  • Working professionally and safely in car parks and service areas
• Motorcycle surveillance (overview)
  • How motorcycles are used within specialist surveillance teams
  • Their strengths, limitations and coordination with four-wheeled units
  • Details of Titan’s dedicated motorcycle surveillance course, available as a progression route
• Evidential logs and the use/deployment of GPS trackers
  • Writing clear, factual, chronological logs that hold up to professional scrutiny
  • Understanding the lawful and ethical framework governing GPS deployment
  • Practical considerations for placing and monitoring trackers

Throughout the week, these modules are not taught in isolation. Instead, they are layered and revisited, with learners regularly applying multiple skills simultaneously in realistic scenarios.

Day-by-Day Structure

Day 1 – Foot Surveillance Fundamentals

The course begins with a solid theoretical foundation. The morning of Day 1 is classroom-based and covers:

• Surveillance principles and legal considerations
• Team roles and responsibilities
• Basic comms procedures and terminology

In the afternoon, learners move into Derby city centre to undertake structured foot surveillance exercises. Under close supervision, they practise:

• Clearing corners safely and discreetly
• Operating in ABC formations
• Using radios effectively while remaining unobtrusive

By the end of Day 1, most learners – even those with no prior background – are already starting to move and think like surveillance operators, gaining early confidence in tracking subjects on foot.

Day 2 – Foot Surveillance on Public Transport

Day 2 escalates the challenge by introducing public transport operations. Delegates follow pre-briefed subjects across two counties, using:

• Trains
• Trams
• Buses
• Taxis

The focus is on:

• Transitions – moving smoothly between different modes of transport
• Blending in – appearing as just another commuter or traveller
• Sustainable tactics – avoiding behaviour that draws attention over time

Learners experience the complexities and unpredictability of modern transport networks, including unexpected route changes and time pressures. This day is particularly valuable for building situational awareness and the ability to adapt under real-world conditions.

Day 3 – Mobile Surveillance

Day 3 shifts the emphasis to vehicle-based mobile surveillance, where learners begin following subject vehicles at higher speeds on a mixture of roads.

Core elements include:

• Team coordination between multiple vehicles
• Managing acceleration, deceleration and distance in a realistic traffic environment
• Handling junctions, roundabouts, slip roads and motorways
• Balancing effective surveillance with strict road safety and legal compliance

This day can be challenging yet highly rewarding. Learners quickly discover that mobile surveillance is far more complex than simply “driving behind the subject”. They are taught structured tactics that enable them to maintain coverage without drawing attention or creating risk to themselves, the subject or the public.

Day 4 – Consolidation Across All Mediums

By Day 4, delegates have experienced foot, public transport and mobile surveillance in isolation. This day pulls everything together in integrated exercises that require switching seamlessly between methods.

Typical elements include:

• Moving from a static observation point to foot surveillance
• Transitioning from foot to vehicle, or public transport to vehicle
• Effective briefing and debriefing in between phases of an operation

The emphasis is on consolidation and muscle memory. Repetition under guidance builds confidence, and trainers refine each learner’s technique, addressing individual strengths and areas for improvement.

Day 5 – Final Operational Exercise

The course culminates in a realistic operational scenario designed to replicate the pressures and complexity of a live deployment.

The process:

1. Evening before – Learners receive an operational order, including subject details and objectives.
2. Planning and research – Delegates are expected to plan routes, contingencies and resourcing.
3. Execution – On Day 5, the operation is run with a nominated team leader drawn from the group, managing the deployment under instructor observation.

This final exercise brings together all the skills developed during the week:

• Planning and tasking
• Team communication and coordination
• Foot, transport and mobile surveillance
• Logging and evidence gathering

The debrief following this exercise is detailed, constructive and professional, giving each learner a clear understanding of their performance and readiness for real work.

Training Format and Equipment

The structure of each day is deliberate:

• Mornings – Typically two to three hours of classroom theory, planning and briefings.
• Afternoons – Practical application in real environments, putting theory into immediate practice.

The overarching aim is repetition until techniques become instinctive. Rather than one-off demonstrations, learners are given multiple opportunities to practise each tactic under progressively more complex conditions.

Titan provides:

• Course vehicles for mobile surveillance training
• Radios and other essential communications equipment
• Core surveillance kit required for exercises

Delegates who intend to purchase their own surveillance equipment after the course benefit from independent, practical advice from trainers who have tested a wide range of products in genuine operational settings. This helps learners avoid spending money on inappropriate or poor-quality kit.

Learners are welcome to bring their own equipment, such as cameras or radios, but are advised to confirm suitability with Titan beforehand to ensure safe and effective integration into the training environment.

Pre-Course Requirements and Joining Process

The joining process is structured to ensure learners arrive properly prepared and informed.

1. Deposit and enrolment
   • Secure your place with a 50% deposit (£720 including VAT).
   • Spaces are limited to maintain training quality, and courses tend to fill quickly.
2. Pre-course materials
   • Around one month before the course, you will receive:
     • Formal joining instructions
     • Required pre-course homework
     • Access to an online surveillance primer
   • Completing this material ensures you arrive with a foundation of knowledge, allowing the five days on site to be used as efficiently as possible.
3. Pre-course video call
   • A video call with the training team provides:
     • An overview of the course format and expectations
     • Guidance on what to bring and how to prepare
     • A chance to ask initial questions and clarify any concerns

This preparation not only maximises learning during the course itself but also helps nervous first-timers feel more comfortable before stepping into the training environment.

Post-Course Development and Work Opportunities

Unlike many training providers who issue a certificate and end the relationship, Titan offers a structured post-course development pathway through its growth student aftercare programme.

Completing the course to the required standard automatically enrols you in this initiative, which is focused squarely on helping you transition from trainee to working operator.

Key elements include:

• Membership of the Titan operational resourcing group
  • Access to a live work board used by Titan and trusted practitioners.
  • Visibility of real surveillance deployments and potential paid tasks as your experience grows.
• Access to a professional network
  • Connection to experienced operators, investigators and security professionals.
  • Opportunities to learn from others’ experience, avoid common pitfalls and build your reputation.
• Ongoing mentoring and advice
  • Guidance on equipment purchases, professional conduct and further training options.
  • Informal support as you navigate your first deployments, balancing operational demands with client expectations.

This aftercare support reflects Titan’s commitment to developing working practitioners, not just course attendees. Many former learners are now active within the industry, working on a mixture of corporate, legal, insurance and private client instructions.

Who Should Attend?

The Titan 5 Day Surveillance Training Course is open to adults from a wide range of backgrounds. There is no single “ideal” profile. Previous cohorts have included:

• Bankers and finance professionals seeking a career change
• Nurses and healthcare workers interested in investigative roles
• Armed forces veterans and ex-police officers
• Security officers and door supervisors expanding their skill set
• Individuals with no prior security experience but a strong interest in investigations

What matters most is:

• A willingness to learn and accept feedback
• Strong attention to detail
• The ability to think clearly under pressure
• A professional attitude and respect for confidentiality and legal frameworks

Whether you are looking to retrain, add specialist skills to your existing security or investigations role, or explore a new career direction, this course provides a structured, supportive route into a demanding but rewarding field.

Practical Outcomes: What You Will Be Able to Do

By the end of the five days, learners who engage fully with the training can expect to:

• Conduct foot surveillance confidently
  • Follow subjects discreetly on foot in busy environments
  • Use ABC formations and coordinate with team members
• Operate effectively on public transport
  • Manage complex transitions across multiple modes of transport
  • Blend into crowds while maintaining focus on the subject
• Gain experience in mobile and motorway surveillance
  • Understand the principles of vehicle-based surveillance at varying speeds
  • Appreciate the balance between maintaining coverage and ensuring safety
• Gather and manage evidence properly
  • Capture clear, relevant evidential footage
  • Maintain accurate, chronological logs suitable for professional scrutiny
• Use communications professionally
  • Operate radios and mobiles within an agreed communications structure
  • Pass concise, useful updates to the team while remaining calm and composed
• Identify a clear pathway into paid work
  • Understand how surveillance tasks are sourced, priced and delivered
  • Access real opportunities via the Titan operational resourcing group and wider network

In short, you will leave not just with theory, but with tangible, practised skills and a realistic understanding of what it means to operate as part of a professional surveillance team.

A Demanding but Enjoyable Learning Experience

The Titan 5 Day Surveillance Training Course is deliberately challenging. It is designed to reflect the steep learning curve that comes with entering operational surveillance work. Days are full, active and mentally engaging.

At the same time, the training environment is supportive, structured and enjoyable. Many learners comment on the sense of achievement experienced during the final exercise, as well as the camaraderie that develops within the group over the week.

Titan’s trainers are passionate about their craft. They enjoy teaching, and it shows. The consistent feedback from past delegates is that, while demanding, the course is one of the most engaging and rewarding professional development experiences they have undertaken.

How to Take the Next Step

If you are looking for a hands-on, career-shaping surveillance course with genuine post-course opportunities and practical mentoring, Titan’s five-day programme offers a direct route from classroom learning to operational deployment.

With limited spaces on each 2026 intake and strong demand from both UK and international candidates, early booking is strongly recommended.

For more information on availability, booking procedures and any specific questions about suitability, contact Titan Private Investigation Ltd and reference the 2026 5 Day Surveillance Training Course.

About Titan Private Investigation Ltd

Titan Private Investigation Ltd is a leading provider of corporate and private investigation services in the UK. Based in Derby, the company serves clients nationwide, offering a full range of investigative solutions including surveillance, fraud investigation, digital forensics, and more. We are a private investigation agency with a reputation for professionalism, discretion, and delivering results. Titan is the trusted partner of choice for businesses seeking to protect their interests and ensure compliance.

London Surveillance Operator Training – Call the Titan Investigations London Office 020 39046622
Birmingham Surveillance Operator Training – Call the Titan Investigations Birmingham Office 0121 7162442
Cambridge Surveillance Operator Training – Call the Titan Investigations Cambridge Office 01223 662022
Derby Surveillance Operator Training – Call the Titan Investigations Derby (Head Office) 01332 504256
Leeds Surveillance Operator Training – Call the Titan Investigations Leeds Office 0113 4574066
Leicester Surveillance Operator Training – Call the Titan Investigations Leicester Office 0116 2436520
Nottingham Surveillance Operator Training– Call the Titan Investigations Nottingham Office 0115 9646950
Manchester Surveillance Operator Training – Call the Titan Investigations Manchester Office 0161 3023008
Sheffield Surveillance Operator Training – Call the Titan Investigations Sheffield Office 0114 3499400
Truro Surveillance Operator Training – Call the Titan Investigations Truro Office 01872 888706

Alternatively, you can contact us directly using our fully confidential contact form at enquiries@titaninvestigations.co.uk or chat directly using our Live Chat facility, and one of our UK Private Investigators will get right back to you.