FBI Surveillance & Intelligence 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When conducting a fixed surveillance on a target location, what is the primary advantage of using multiple observation posts?
- It allows agents to cover different angles and reduces the risk of detection (Correct answer)
- It increases radio traffic to confuse the target
- It requires fewer trained personnel per post
- It eliminates the need for electronic surveillance equipment
Correct answer: It allows agents to cover different angles and reduces the risk of detection
Multiple observation posts provide overlapping fields of view and reduce the chance that all positions are compromised simultaneously.
Question 2: In FBI surveillance operations, what does the term 'dry cleaning' refer to?
- Sanitizing surveillance equipment after use
- Techniques used by a subject to detect and lose surveillance (Correct answer)
- Removing identifying information from intelligence reports
- Conducting surveillance in inclement weather conditions
Correct answer: Techniques used by a subject to detect and lose surveillance
Dry cleaning refers to counter-surveillance maneuvers a subject uses to identify and shake off any surveillance teams following them.
Question 3: Which type of surveillance is best suited for monitoring a subject who frequently changes vehicles and routes?
- Static surveillance from a single fixed point
- Aerial surveillance combined with ground teams (Correct answer)
- Perimeter surveillance with a single agent
- Scheduled checkpoint surveillance
Correct answer: Aerial surveillance combined with ground teams
Aerial surveillance provides a persistent overhead view that can track vehicle changes and route variations that would easily lose ground-only teams.
Question 4: During a surveillance operation, an agent notices the target has made three U-turns in four blocks. This behavior most likely indicates:
- The target is lost and looking for an address
- The target is conducting counter-surveillance (Correct answer)
- Traffic congestion is forcing route changes
- The target's vehicle has a mechanical problem
Correct answer: The target is conducting counter-surveillance
Repeated U-turns in a short distance is a classic counter-surveillance technique used to identify and isolate anyone following.
Question 5: What is the FBI's primary legal authority for conducting electronic surveillance on U.S. persons for national security purposes?
- Title III of the Omnibus Crime Control Act
- The Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) (Correct answer)
- Executive Order 12333
- The Patriot Act Section 215
Correct answer: The Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA)
FISA establishes the framework and court oversight for electronic surveillance targeting U.S. persons for foreign intelligence collection.
Question 6: In mobile surveillance, the 'box technique' is used to:
- Contain a subject within a defined geographic area
- Surround a moving subject with vehicles on all sides to maintain coverage (Correct answer)
- Photograph a subject from multiple angles simultaneously
- Establish a command post for surveillance coordination
Correct answer: Surround a moving subject with vehicles on all sides to maintain coverage
The box technique positions surveillance vehicles ahead, behind, and on parallel streets to maintain contact regardless of turns the subject makes.
Question 7: When intelligence suggests a target may be planning an imminent attack, an FBI surveillance team should prioritize:
- Maintaining deep cover to gather more long-term intelligence
- Immediately terminating all surveillance to avoid tipping off the target
- Notifying supervisors and preparing for potential intervention while maintaining coverage (Correct answer)
- Switching entirely to electronic surveillance methods
Correct answer: Notifying supervisors and preparing for potential intervention while maintaining coverage
Imminent threat indicators require balancing continued intelligence collection with readiness for protective or arrest action, always with supervisory notification.
FBI Surveillance & Intelligence 2
When conducting a fixed surveillance on a target location, what is the primary advantage of using multiple observation posts?