Why does surveillance require two surveillance operatives?

Why does a surveillance deployment require two surveillance operatives?

When prospective clients, whether that be private or corporate, contact Titan enquiring in regard to surveillance, we talk them through the process and tactics.

Surveillance requires two surveillance operatives who will covertly monitor and record the movements of an individual known as the subject. This can be done on foot, public transport or from a vehicle depending on the subject’s mode of transport. The operatives will gain video footage of the subject at pertinent times throughout the deployment to evidence their location, associations and body language.

If a subject was to enter a public area such as a hotel lobby, bar or restaurant, the operatives have the ability to take video footage covertly using covert cameras which will also gain audio to potentially capture conversations and actions. This is limited to how close the operatives are able to get to the subject and ambient noise levels though.

We then usually get asked, “Why do we require two surveillance operatives?”

Surveillance is not possible with one surveillance operative unless it is a static observation deployment. This is when a property or other location is being monitored and all people who enter and exit are captured on imagery. There is no following away from the location involved.

If that operative was to then follow a subject away, it would be the same vehicle or person behind him or her. Whether a subject is surveillance aware or not, they will soon become aware of the same vehicle or operative being behind them for the entirety of their journey. There is also a higher chance of losing sight of your subject and having a loss.

When there are two surveillance operatives, they share their exposure by swapping over from one to the other throughout the journey to remain covert and to avoid detection. This reduces the exposure of the operatives as they may only take one turn with you before handing over to the other operative.

If an investigation agency offers surveillance with only one operative, then they should warn the client that a compromise or a loss is highly likely and try to persuade the client to extend the budget to two operatives. This enables a professional and proper surveillance which reduces the chances of a compromise or loss.

Surveillance advice and help?

If you would like further genuine and professional advice in regard to a matrimonial investigation from Titan, who have been conducting investigations since 1997 and have nine offices from London to Manchester giving us a National reach, then please contact your nearest office.

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

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 private investigations team will get right back to you.