NDIT Surveillance Techniques 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which surveillance method involves an investigator following a subject on foot through a public area?
- Fixed surveillance
- Mobile foot surveillance (Correct answer)
- Electronic surveillance
- Aerial surveillance
Correct answer: Mobile foot surveillance
Mobile foot surveillance refers to physically following a subject on foot in public spaces to observe their movements and activities.
Question 2: In a 'one-car surveillance,' what is the primary disadvantage an investigator faces?
- Higher equipment costs
- Limited radio communication
- Greater risk of detection by the subject (Correct answer)
- Inability to document findings
Correct answer: Greater risk of detection by the subject
A single vehicle is easier for a subject to notice and identify, significantly increasing the risk of the surveillance being compromised.
Question 3: What is a 'fixed surveillance' also commonly called in investigative practice?
- Stakeout (Correct answer)
- Rolling tail
- Cold canvas
- Pretext call
Correct answer: Stakeout
A fixed surveillance, or stakeout, involves an investigator remaining stationary at a specific location to observe a subject's activities over time.
Question 4: When conducting vehicle surveillance, what is the recommended following distance in urban traffic to reduce detection risk?
- One car length
- Two to three car lengths
- One to two blocks (Correct answer)
- Five car lengths or more
Correct answer: One to two blocks
Maintaining a distance of one to two blocks in urban settings provides enough separation to avoid detection while still keeping the subject in view.
Question 5: Which of the following best describes the 'ABC method' used in mobile vehicle surveillance?
- A three-team rotation for resting investigators
- A system where three vehicles alternate lead positions (Correct answer)
- An alphabetical logging system for subject movements
- A three-step process for approaching a subject
Correct answer: A system where three vehicles alternate lead positions
The ABC method uses three surveillance vehicles that rotate the lead position to reduce the chance of the subject recognizing a single following vehicle.
Question 6: What is 'pretext surveillance'?
- Surveillance conducted before a subject commits an act
- Using a cover story or false identity to observe a subject at close range (Correct answer)
- Court-authorized wiretapping of communications
- Monitoring a subject through their social media
Correct answer: Using a cover story or false identity to observe a subject at close range
Pretext surveillance involves an investigator adopting a cover identity or scenario to get close to a subject without revealing their true purpose.
Question 7: Which of the following is the most critical skill for an investigator to master when beginning a surveillance assignment?
- High-speed driving
- Blending into the environment (Correct answer)
- Confronting the subject
- Operating complex radio equipment
Correct answer: Blending into the environment
Blending into the environment—dressing appropriately, acting naturally, and avoiding behavior that draws attention—is fundamental to avoiding detection during surveillance.
NDIT Surveillance Techniques 1
Which surveillance method involves an investigator following a subject on foot through a public area?