What Are The Different Types Of Surveillance Systems?
If you think that surveillance is all about stationary cameras and sensors, you are mistaken. Although most businesses tend to protect their properties with these tools, the world of surveillance extends much further to include investigations and covert operations. This article provides information on the different types of surveillance systems starting from electronic surveillance equipment to complex methods and systems.
What Is Surveillance?
Surveillance offers something for every business. In fact, you don't have to be a large corporation to take advantage of surveillance. Security firms and private investigators could help people in all kinds of situations including insurance fraud, employee theft, child support, and infidelity. The main goal of this type of surveillance is to provide the client with extensive information so that they could make an unbiased decision. In fact, the information provided by these services can be used as evidence if the case should go to court. Industry experts from Close Consulting stress that investigation and surveillance could be performed professionally and discreetly so that the client can rely on accurate information to make clear decisions.
Different Types Of Surveillance Methods
There are different types of surveillance methods that help collect information and pass it to a client. The method and equipment may depend on the type of case being investigated as well as the level of discretion required by the client. Some examples include:
- Electronic Surveillance - This is the most used tool during an investigation. In fact, electronic equipment can range from wiretaps and cameras to GPS tracking and more. Security expert Mushirali says an employer may need to use GPS tracking on his company vehicles to ensure they are used properly and not misused in any way. Electronic surveillance equipment helps record an array of information necessary for investigation purposes.
- Interviews - Although interviews are less common today, they also can serve a purpose in certain investigations. For example, when a person is missing, the investigator needs to get a lot of information before he can locate the missing person. The investigator will interview the family, co-workers, and friends of the missing person to narrow down the search and trace the individual. Psychotherapist professional Natalie Wood says interviews can be an essential part of understanding people and getting a full sense of the situation.
- Observation - One can gather a lot of information just by observing an individual. This type of surveillance is mostly used when tracing the activities of a cheating partner. The investigator will physically spend time observing the individual in question and report back the information gathered in the process. Management expert Sandip says the process may take several days or weeks and take the investigator to different areas to collect the necessary information.
- Technical Surveillance - Technical surveillance uses visual and radio equipment to document the behaviour and conversations of the suspected person or party. This type of surveillance is ideal for proof of cohabitation cases. The investigator will use a combination of surveillance techniques to ensure the client gets an informative report so that the information can be used in courts if needed.
How Is Surveillance Carried Out?
Covert Vs Overt Surveillance
A private investigator may perform in different ways in handling different cases. The investigator should first decide whether to conduct an overt or covert operation. What is the difference? In fact, a covert operation is where the investigator remains undetected. On the other hand, an overt operation is when the operation happens in the public eye.
For example, a covert operation might be needed when a spouse wants to know if his/her partner is cheating. The investigator should remain discreet and unseen to gather the necessary information. On the other hand, installing a security system like CCTV on business premises is considered an overt operation.
Mechanical Vs Human Surveillance
The type of surveillance system could vary between human and mechanical. For instance, a business owner or manager can catch an employee who steals via a mechanical camera. But another employer may need to catch an employee stealing outside of the business premises and require human investigation for the process.
Stationary Vs Mobile Surveillance
The investigation can be stationary or mobile. The investigator may need to stay in one place for an extended period of time to gather information or he might need to follow the suspect and collect information on the go.
The type of surveillance performed may depend on the specific case and the type of result expected by the client. You should discuss it with the investigator before he begins the surveillance. Most investigators will use a combination of various surveillance systems to provide the client with as much proof as he or she needs.
What To Expect From Surveillance?
You need to give the private investigator or the security team as much information as you can if you need their assistance. It could include an interview process where you hand over everything you already know. Once you agree upon a specific surveillance package, the investigator will research the subject thoroughly including their relationships and background. Call now for free initial consulation on 1300 553 788 and or gm@qldcovertpi.com.au
