Why Female Surveillance Operatives Are “Like Gold Dust”
Women and their important role in the world of surveillance
In the latest episode of Titan PI TV, host Simon Henson turns the spotlight on a topic that has long been discussed within the private investigations industry but rarely explored in depth: the scarcity—and growing demand—for female surveillance operatives.
Titled “Why Are Female Surveillance Operatives Like Gold Dust?”, the episode blends industry insight with a practical call to action, as Titan Investigations continues its push to rebalance the gender divide in surveillance work. Drawing on his experience training and deploying operatives across the UK, Henson outlines not only why women are so valuable in the field, but also what is being done to encourage more to enter the profession.
A Persistent Gender Imbalance
Surveillance has traditionally been a male-dominated discipline. Whether due to misconceptions about the nature of the work, barriers to entry, or simply lack of visibility, women have historically been underrepresented across operational teams.
Henson does not shy away from this reality. Instead, he frames it as both a challenge and an opportunity.
Female operatives, he explains, bring a distinct operational advantage. In many surveillance environments, settings, retail spaces, hospitality venues, or residential areas – women can blend in more naturally and attract less suspicion. This can be critical in covert operations, where discretion is everything.
In short, their presence is not just beneficial – it is often strategically essential.
Yet despite this, the number of trained female operatives remains disproportionately low. Within the industry, those who are qualified and experienced are frequently in high demand, hence the phrase Henson uses: “like gold dust”.
Titan’s Training Pipeline
A central theme of the episode is Titan Investigations’ commitment to developing new talent – particularly female operatives – through its structured surveillance training programme.
Titan runs four courses per year, each accommodating between nine and twelve learners. This relatively small cohort size is intentional, allowing for hands-on instruction and close mentorship. According to Henson, three courses remain available this year, scheduled for:
- 18th–22nd May
- 14th–18th September
- 9th–13th November
Delivered over five intensive days at Titan’s Derby-based training facility, the course is designed to equip learners with the full spectrum of surveillance skills required for operational deployment.
The cost of the programme is £1,200 plus VAT (£1,440 total), positioning it competitively within the industry while reflecting the depth and practical nature of the training.
What the Course Covers
Henson is clear that this is not a theoretical introduction—it is a comprehensive, practical course designed to prepare candidates for real-world assignments.
Participants are trained in:
- Foot surveillance techniques
- Mobile surveillance operations
- Technical surveillance, including the use of trackers and specialist equipment
- Static observation posts (OPs)
- Motorway and service station procedures
- Multi-storey and public car park tactics
- Imagery capture for evidential purposes
- Report writing and evidential logging
- Legal frameworks governing surveillance activity
The emphasis throughout is on professionalism, legality, and evidential integrity. Operatives must not only gather intelligence but do so in a way that stands up to scrutiny.
Importantly, Henson stresses that this is not a “tick-box” course. While it is not framed as pass/fail in the traditional sense, candidates are required to meet a high operational standard before progressing.
A Targeted Incentive for Women
In a clear effort to address the gender imbalance, Titan is now offering a 10% discount to all female applicants enrolling on the course.
This initiative mirrors a similar discount already in place for military veterans, but the intent here is distinct: to actively increase female representation within the surveillance sector.
Henson is candid about the reasoning. The industry needs more women—not as a token gesture, but because their contribution materially enhances operational effectiveness.
By reducing the financial barrier to entry, Titan hopes to encourage more women to consider surveillance as a viable and rewarding career path.
Beyond Training: The GROW Programme
Where Titan distinguishes itself most clearly, however, is not just in training—but in what happens afterwards.
Henson introduces the GROW Student Aftercare Programme, a structured support system designed to guide newly trained operatives as they transition into live deployments.
GROW stands for:
- Group
- Recommend
- Ongoing Support
- With You
Each element plays a critical role in bridging the gap between training and professional work.
Titan Resorcing Group: Access to Real Work
Graduates are invited to join the Titan Operational Resourcing Group, a network of over 300 operatives, including sole traders and limited company owners.
This group functions as a live marketplace for surveillance work. Titan and other members regularly post operational opportunities, allowing new operatives to access real assignments almost immediately.
The flexibility is a key advantage. Individuals can take on as much or as little work as they wish. For those already in full-time employment, this provides a low-risk way to explore the industry before committing fully.
Recommend: A Culture of Support
One of the more striking insights from Henson is the collaborative nature of the surveillance community.
Contrary to stereotypes of secrecy and competition, he describes a culture where operatives actively support one another. Questions—no matter how basic—are welcomed, and advice flows freely.
Whether it is guidance on equipment, vehicle setup, or operational tactics, new entrants can tap into a wealth of collective experience.
This culture extends into the field. On a first deployment, it is not uncommon for more experienced operatives to share their setups, demonstrate techniques, and help build confidence.
Ongoing Support: Guidance When It Matters Most
The transition from training to live deployment can be daunting. Henson acknowledges this and emphasises the importance of continued access to the training team.
Graduates are encouraged to stay in contact, particularly during their first few assignments. These early deployments are critical, as they often shape an operative’s reputation within the industry.
By offering direct support—discussing operational plans, troubleshooting challenges, and providing feedback—Titan helps ensure that new operatives start strong.
With You: Building Local Connections
The final element of GROW focuses on mentorship and local support networks.
Where possible, Titan connects graduates with experienced operatives or companies in their area. This provides an invaluable “shoulder to lean on”—someone to meet for a coffee, ask questions, and learn from informally.
In an industry where practical knowledge is paramount, these relationships can accelerate development and build long-term confidence.
Why Female Operatives Matter More Than Ever
While the episode provides detailed information about training and support, its core message is clear: the industry needs more women, and the time to act is now.
Female operatives offer unique advantages in surveillance scenarios. They can operate in environments where male operatives might stand out, and they often bring different observational perspectives and communication styles.
As surveillance work becomes increasingly nuanced – requiring subtlety, adaptability, and emotional intelligence qualities are more valuable than ever.
Yet supply has not kept pace with demand.
For those considering a career change, or looking for flexible, engaging work with real-world impact, surveillance presents a compelling option. And for women in particular, the opportunities are significant.
A Growing Platform
The episode also reflects the broader growth of Titan PI TV itself. With new content released every Friday at 3pm, the channel has built a consistent audience over the past three and a half years.
Henson’s closing remarks—delivered from a rainy Jamaica—retain the informal, personable tone that has become a hallmark of the series. Viewers are encouraged to like, subscribe, and stay connected as Titan continues to share insights from the field.
Female Surveillance Operatives: Final Thoughts
“Why Are Female Surveillance Operatives Like Gold Dust?” is more than just a discussion—it is a recruitment drive, a training overview, and a cultural statement rolled into one.
By combining practical opportunities with a clear commitment to inclusivity, Titan Investigations is positioning itself at the forefront of change within the industry.
For women considering a path into surveillance, the message is direct: you are needed, you are valued, and there has never been a better time to get started.
And for the industry as a whole, the takeaway is equally clear—diversity is not just desirable, it is operationally essential.
What’s Next on Titan PI TV?
Titan PI TV continues to grow steadily, with over 3,440 subscribers and counting—a testament to the appetite for straight-talking guidance in a complex field. If you found Simon’s insights useful, subscribe to the channel to catch future episodes. New content drops every Friday at 3:00 pm, offering grounded advice for investigators, agency owners, and professionals who work with them.
Thank you for reading, watching, or listening to this week’s blog post on Titan PI TV. For more expert advice and behind-the-scenes insights, subscribe to Titan PI TV on YouTube or download the Titan PI TV podcast wherever you get your podcasts. If you found this information helpful, please give us a thumbs up and subscribe to our channel. Stay tuned for more insights into the world of private investigations. Until next time, stay safe and keep learning!
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