Private Investigator Exam Surveillance Techniques 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary purpose of a fixed surveillance (stationary surveillance) operation?
- To observe a specific location over a period of time (Correct answer)
- To follow a subject on foot through crowds
- To intercept electronic communications
- To conduct covert interviews
Correct answer: To observe a specific location over a period of time
Fixed surveillance involves monitoring a specific location from a stationary position to observe and document activity.
Question 2: In mobile surveillance, what is the recommended following distance in urban traffic to avoid detection?
- Directly behind the subject
- One to three car lengths (Correct answer)
- More than ten car lengths
- Across the street
Correct answer: One to three car lengths
One to three car lengths is standard in urban mobile surveillance to maintain visual contact without appearing obvious.
Question 3: Which technique involves multiple investigators coordinating to follow a subject without a single vehicle being noticed?
- Leap-frogging (Correct answer)
- Pinch surveillance
- Static observation
- Covert entry
Correct answer: Leap-frogging
Leap-frogging involves team members taking turns as the lead vehicle so no single vehicle is consistently behind the subject.
Question 4: When photographing a subject during surveillance, what is the most important element to capture for evidentiary value?
- Only the subject's face
- Time-stamped images showing the subject, location, and activity (Correct answer)
- Background scenery
- The investigator's vehicle
Correct answer: Time-stamped images showing the subject, location, and activity
Time-stamped images that show the subject, their location, and the activity they are engaged in provide the strongest evidentiary value.
Question 5: What does the term 'burned' mean in surveillance operations?
- Equipment that has overheated
- The subject has become aware of the surveillance (Correct answer)
- A case file has been destroyed
- Undercover identity has been legally registered
Correct answer: The subject has become aware of the surveillance
'Burned' means the subject has identified or become suspicious of the surveillance, compromising the operation.
Question 6: Which of the following is a legal concern when conducting surveillance from a public street in the US?
- Observing activities visible to the public is generally lawful (Correct answer)
- Recording video in public always requires a warrant
- Subjects must be notified before surveillance begins
- Surveillance may only occur between 8 AM and 6 PM
Correct answer: Observing activities visible to the public is generally lawful
In the US, observing and recording activities that are visible from public spaces is generally considered lawful under the plain view doctrine.
Private Investigator Exam Surveillance Techniques 1
What is the primary purpose of a fixed surveillance (stationary surveillance) operation?