CFA CFA Surveillance Techniques & Methods 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary purpose of maintaining a surveillance log during an operation?
- To create a chronological, legally defensible record of all observed subject activities, movements, and contacts (Correct answer)
- To schedule rotations for surveillance team members
- To log radio communications frequencies used during the operation
- To document equipment issued to each team member
Correct answer: To create a chronological, legally defensible record of all observed subject activities, movements, and contacts
A surveillance log creates a precise, time-stamped, legally defensible record of subject activities that can be used in court, for intelligence analysis, or operational debriefs.
Question 2: In vehicle surveillance through an urban environment, what following distance is generally recommended?
- Two to three car lengths with at least one intervening vehicle when possible (Correct answer)
- Directly behind the subject vehicle at all times
- A minimum of five car lengths at all times
- One car length to maintain visual contact in heavy traffic
Correct answer: Two to three car lengths with at least one intervening vehicle when possible
In urban surveillance, maintaining two to three car lengths with an intervening vehicle when possible reduces detection risk while maintaining adequate visual contact.
Question 3: What is a 'choke point' in surveillance operations?
- A geographic location through which a subject must pass, allowing the surveillance team to reacquire or confirm coverage (Correct answer)
- A moment when surveillance resources are stretched too thin
- A radio dead zone that interrupts team communications
- A controlled intersection used to stop a surveillance subject
Correct answer: A geographic location through which a subject must pass, allowing the surveillance team to reacquire or confirm coverage
A choke point is a geographic bottleneck such as a bridge, tunnel, or single road that the subject must use, giving the surveillance team a reliable reacquisition point.
Question 4: Which technique is used to confirm that a subject is surveillance-aware without revealing the surveillance team?
- A surveillance detection route (SDR) run by the team to observe the subject's counter-surveillance behavior (Correct answer)
- Directly confronting the subject to gauge their reaction
- Withdrawing all team members and observing remotely via camera
- Increasing the number of operatives to overwhelming numbers
Correct answer: A surveillance detection route (SDR) run by the team to observe the subject's counter-surveillance behavior
Running a covert SDR allows the team to assess whether the subject takes counter-surveillance measures, confirming or denying their awareness, without exposing team members.
Question 5: What is the role of a 'float' in a mobile surveillance team?
- An unassigned operative who moves flexibly to cover gaps, assist burned team members, or pick up the subject from unexpected angles (Correct answer)
- The team leader who coordinates all radio communications
- The operative who maintains the closest visual contact with the subject
- A vehicle positioned ahead of the subject to monitor from the front
Correct answer: An unassigned operative who moves flexibly to cover gaps, assist burned team members, or pick up the subject from unexpected angles
The float is a flexible team member not assigned a fixed position, available to cover gaps, replace a burned operative, or reacquire a subject who has changed direction.
Question 6: What does 'parallel surveillance' involve?
- Moving alongside a subject on an adjacent street or path to maintain contact without being directly behind them (Correct answer)
- Running two separate surveillance teams on the same subject simultaneously
- Conducting simultaneous physical and technical surveillance
- Parallel debriefs of two informants reporting on the same subject
Correct answer: Moving alongside a subject on an adjacent street or path to maintain contact without being directly behind them
Parallel surveillance positions an operative on a parallel route alongside the subject, maintaining coverage without being in direct line of sight behind them.
CFA CFA Surveillance Techniques & Methods 2
What is the primary purpose of maintaining a surveillance log during an operation?