Conflict International Limited - Private Investigation Agency

The key to successful covert surveillance

26 February 2010, 11:51 am

At Conflict International we use our extensive experience and training to ensure effective and successful investigations. However any great military commander or successful sports coach will tell you, the key to victory is a well thought out and detailed plan.

On the 6^th of June 1945 General Dwight D. Eisenhower led the Allies into Hitler’s ‘fortress Europe’ and he was chosen for this task not because he was military tactical genius hardened in the trenches of the First World War, but because in the previous high commands he held, Eisenhower showed his great talents for organisation, leadership and diplomacy. Although he had never seen action himself, he won the respect of front-line commanders.

To carry out successful covert surveillance requires a variety of disciplines, but none is more important than research and planning, but especially so if you are planning to tail a target or conduct a stakeout. You need to know the layout, activity level, and suitable travelling routes or surveillance locations. It is very important to be familiar with your surroundings and highly familiar with your targets habits.

Taking different routes to get to your target location is advised. Humans are indeed creatures of habit but as a professional private detective this must be suppressed. By picking up habits such as using the same route all the time the operation is put in jeopardy.

If you’re using a car or van for a stake out, ensure you look as inconspicuous as possible – take seat in the passenger or rear seat, read a book, study a map, just do something that gives the impression you are waiting for someone.

Do not wear distinctive clothes or carry distinctive objects. Blending in to the environment is absolutely crucial. If using public transport, roaming tickets are ideal for any journey – you have flexibility over your route and will keep your options open.

Any experienced private investigator will say there must always be a ‘plan B’, and sometimes it’s worth having a ‘plan C’. Any eventuality must be thought of in advance and prepared for. Therefore the ability to identify different levels of risk and moments of opportunity are crucial.

Our in-house surveillance teams can deploy covert surveillance cars, vans, motorcycles, and licensed taxis dependant on a number of variables such as the nature of the task, the area the operation will take place, the method of travel etc.

Conflict International provides professional private detectives in London and around the UK.