CFA Surveillance Techniques & Methods Flashcards
6 cards from real CFA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 CFA Surveillance Techniques & Methods flashcards as text
What is the primary purpose of maintaining a surveillance log during an operation?
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.
In vehicle surveillance through an urban environment, what following distance is generally recommended?
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.
What is a 'choke point' in surveillance operations?
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.
Which technique is used to confirm that a subject is surveillance-aware without revealing the surveillance team?
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.
What is the role of a 'float' in a mobile surveillance team?
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.
What does 'parallel surveillance' involve?
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.