Chapter VI

SURVEILLANCE
SURVEILLANCE is defined as the
discreet observation of persons,
places and vehicles for the purpose
of obtaining information
concerning the identities or
activities of criminals
SURVEILLANT- is the person who conducts the
surveillance or performs the observations.

SUBJECT- refers to a person or a group of

persons, place that is being observed by a
surveillant.
Objectives of Surveillance:
1. To detect criminal activities.
2. To discover the identity of persons who
frequent the establishment and
determine their relationship.
3. To discern the habits of a person who
lives in or frequents the place.
4. To obtain evidence of a crime or to
prevent the commission of a crime.
Practical consideration for the conduct of
surveillance;
1. Tactics- this refers to the strategic consideration
govern the use of surveillance in particular cases, and
it determine the tactical execution.
2. Planning- should be concise and it should be in
relation to operation activities.
3. Preparation- it is important to develop a plan of
action for handling difficulties in the conduct of
operation. Thus, include the following;
a. Familiarization-it is crucial that the surveillant
be certain of the identity of the subject.
b. Equipment all equipment needed should be in
serviceable.
4. Discontinuing the surveillance this is only
done when the subject directly or indirectly
suspected that he is under surveillance.

Note- The investigator must maintain a note or

log containing a chronological record of the
activities of both the investigator and the
subject. The log can be used either in the
interrogation of the suspect or for purposes of
cross-examination during trial.
Types of surveillance based on the knowledge
of the subject

1. COVERT SURVEILLANCE is the type of

surveillance, which is conducted to subject,
who are unaware that they are under
surveillance.

2. OVERT SURVEILLANCE is a surveillance

conducted to subject who is aware that he is
under observation.
Kinds of Surveillance based on the location of
the subject
1. Fixed surveillance- is performed usually when
surveillance is directed to a particular building
or premise. The surveillant is immovable in
place while observing the subject.
2. Stakeout - Also called fixed surveillance. is a
form of closed surveillance of a particular
place where criminal expected to appear.
3. Moving Surveillance- is performed by
surveillant by foot or with the use of
transportation vehicles in observing the
subject.
Procedures in fixed surveillance
1. Using a room in a nearby house or building =
Using cameras with telephoto lens and powerful
binoculars in order to get pictures of subject,
visitors and activities.
2. The use of devices to record the illegal activities
of the subjects.
3. Other surveillants may remain outdoor, posing
as carpenters, plumbers, or other means of
communication will coordinate their activities
with those surveillants inside their observation
room.
SHADOWING AND TAILING
"SHADOWING" OR "TAILING" refers to
the act of the surveillant of following his subject
to detect criminal activities, to establish the
association of subject, to find a wanted person
and many other purposes.

Shadow means to follow secretly, while

Tailgaiting is a form of open surveillance in
which the subject's vehicle is closely followed.
"ROPING" is a kind of
undercover work wherein
surveillant assumes different roles
and identity in order to obtain
information
Objectives of Shadowing & Tailing;
• To detect evidence of criminal activities.
• To establish the association of a suspect.
• To find a wanted person.
• To protect a witness
There are three (3) types of shadowing employed,
depending upon the objective of the surveillance:
1. "Loose Tail" is employed when a general
impression of the subject's habits and associates is
required.
2. "Rough Shadowing" without special
precautions may be used when the criminal must
be shadowed and he is aware of this fact; or
where the subject is a material witness and must
be protected from harm or other undesirable
influences.
3. "Close Tail" surveillance is one in which
extreme precautions are taken against losing the
subject
Tactics- The subject should be kept
unaware that he is being shadowed.
The investigator should be
inconspicuous. He should not be
detected looking directly behind the
subject. Both sides of the street should
be used. If the tail, he should request
immediate removal from assignment.
 Types of Surveillance;
1. Stationary/Fixed Surveillance - this
refers to a fixed position in observing a place or
person
2. Mobile Surveillance- this refers to actually
follow the subjects on foot or vehicles. This may be
done close or loose
• close surveillance - the subject is
kept under observation at all times.
• Loose surveillance - the subject is
watch part of the time or his activities are spot
checked.
[Link] or shadowing- it is the act
of following a person or persons.
Methods of Tailing;
a. One man Method- refers to a difficult to do
because subject can be lost.
b. Leapfrog Method- only one member of
the team maintain contact with the subject. It is
close tail with the other member of the squad
keeping contact with those immediately ahead of
them.
c. Group method- this methods refers to
several men assigned as Group Tail.
4. Undercover investigation or
sometimes called ropinG- it is police
operations wherein the investigator assumes
a fictitious identity in order to infiltrate the
ranks of the criminals
**Roping refers to the surveillance of other
things such as events, or activities.
[Link] Activities- this
refers to the concealment of intelligence
activities under false identity.

[Link] Assignment- an
investigative technique in which the
investigator conceal its true nature or
activity.
Types of undercover assignment
a. Dwelling is one which the undercover agent establishes
residence in or near the dwelling which houses the subject.
b. Work assignment places the undercover agent in a type of
employment where he can observe the activities of the
subjects.
c. Social assignment - requires the under cover agent frequent
places of entertainment and amusement known to be
habitually visited by the target.
d. Multiple Assignment - the under cover agent assigned in two
or more as stated above assignment.
e. Personal contact assignment also term as rope job. Agent is
required to develop friendship and trust with the target.
 THE METHODS OF FOOT
SURVEILLANCE
1. ONE MAN SHADOW- It is conducted by
one man alone in shadowing a subject. The
surveillant should establish the contacts of the
subject, place visited, girlfriends and confidants.
In case the subject will use the telephone booth,
the shadower must feign a call at the available
booth.
2. TWO-MAN SHADOW- This is easier for
the surveillants to fully cover the subject. The
method allows the exchange of the positions of
the shadowers inorder to avoid discovery. One
shadower will follow behind the subject and the
other may either be abreast or on the opposite
side of the street. Or following the first
shadower.
3. THREE-MAN SHADOWER OR ABC
TECHNIQUE OF SHADOWING
The three shadowers are represented as A, B and
C. A is close to the subject and follows him at a distance
depending on the pedestrian traffic. B follows A at the
same distance of A to the subject. If vehicular traffic is
moderate, it may be opposite him on the other side of
the street. B and C turn in occupying the position of A to
prevent A from becoming familiar and noticeable figure
to the subject. Pre arranged signals are encouraged.
 QUALITIES OF A GOOD
UNDERCOVER AGENT
• TEMPERAMENT- a calm, enduring and affable
personality. Self-control and self-confidence are
a few of his qualities

• PHOTOGRAPHIC MEMORY- he must have a

photographic memory because most often, he
could not use written notes about his activities
and observations. He must also possess keen
power of observation and sound judgment.
 SPECIFIC TYPES OF
UNDERCOVER ASSIGNMENT
1. WORK ASSIGNMENT - If the agent is to be employed as
janitor, he must know his work and as such he should
appear as such, focusing his mentality and habit to work
assignment. He must avoid language of refinement in
order that his educational background will appear to that
of a janitor.
2. SOCIAL ASSIGNMENT - These are places of amusements,
such as bars, nightclubs and other places of entertainment
where the subject frequents. Criminals throw a major part
of their loot to these places and he must know the
hostesses who are girlfriends of the criminals. He must
know how to drink socially without getting drunk.
3. SUBVERSIVE ORGANIZATIONS - He must know the
ideologies of the organizations in order that he could
suit his philosophies and actions while inside the said
organization.

4. RESIDENTIAL ASSIGNMENT- This concerns the

neighborhood of the suspect where he will fit himself as
a new resident without generating suspicion. His
purpose is to be a friend to those who could give
information and possibly getting closer to the subject.

5. THE FICTITIOUS PERSONALITY- preparation should

include the fictitious background of the undercover
agent. He must discard all papers and affects such as
identification cards, etc. and a new set be issued to him.
The agent should memorize all the details of his
fictitious background.
Convoy- this refers to a countermeasure to
detect whether or not a subject is under
surveillance.

Casing or Reconnaissance- it is the visual

inspection of the area, installation or
building to determine its suitability for
operational activity.
Information desired in casing;

1. Area condition and habit - this refers to the description

of the locality as whether the place is a residential,
commercial, highly urbanized or rural. It includes also
living condition, population and weather condition.
2. Active Opposition- the task is to prevent intelligence
activity that includes not only the enemy but also the
effort of neutral or allied countries to discover and
observe our intelligence activities.
3. Disposal plan- this refers to the disposal of information
to attain goals and objectives.
4. Escape and evasion- this refers to the exit planning in
case of compromise or emergencies.
Cover story- the logical fabrication use by
individual to hide his identity, background and
activities.
Cover identity/personality - the process or by
which an activities. procedure individual
conceals his true identity and
 TYPES OF COVER;
1. Natural Cover using true or actual personal
background to fit the purpose.
2. Artificial Cover - a cover using biographical data
adopted for a fictitious purpose.
3. Cover within the Cover- use of secondary cover
in case of compromise which necessitate the
admission of a lesser crime.
4. Multiple cover - this refers to any tactic to cover
himself.
 IMPORTANCE OF COVER;
1. Secrecy of operation against enemy
intelligence
2. Secrecy of operation against
unfriendly/enemy
3. For the successful accomplishment of
the mission
"Roping" or Undercover Work- It is a
form of investigation in which the
investigator assumes a different and
unofficial identity (a cover story) in
order to obtain information. The
general objective of an undercover
investigation is to obtain more
information.
Arrest of Undercover Agent- If an
investigator is arrested by police, he must act in
accordance with his orders. If he has not
received orders regarding the disclosure of his
identity in case of arrest by other law
enforcement officers, he must act according to
his judgment. In such a case, if retaining his
assumed character does not serve a useful
purpose, the investigator should refuse to make
a statement except to a member of his own
organization.
 THE INFORMANT
Informant refers to a person who
give information voluntary without any
consideration or reward. It is also
defined who relays confidential
information one someone, especially
to the police.
Types of Informant;
1. Criminal Informant - who gives information to
the police pertaining to the organized crime or
underworld crime.
2. Confidential Informant- similar to the criminal
informant but give information against the law
informing crimes and criminals
3. Voluntary Informant- who gives information
freely and willfully as a witness to a certain act.
They are considered as the best witness.
Types of Informant;
4. Special Informant - who gives information on
specialized cases, ex; teacher, clerk or those
who are in a profession.
5. Anonymous Informant - they give
information through telephone or cell phone
for them not to identify.
6. Incidental Informant - a person who imparts
information without intention of providing it.
7. Recruited Informant - refers to a person
selected or cultivated into a continuous
 MOTIVES OF INFORMANTS
a. Vanity - The motive is for self-aggrandizement by
gaining favorable attention and importance by
police.
b. Civic Mindedness - Those imbued with the sense
of duty and obligation to assist the police in their
task.
c. Fear - It is the engendered illusion of oppression
from enemies or from impending. Repentance
Those lesser criminals such as accomplices or
accessories who will have a change in heart to
unburden their conscience.
 THE INFORMER
Refers to a person who gives information
in consideration of reward.
Policies in the use of Informants and
Informer:
1. Provide protection, do not let him down.
2. Keep record, keep a safe file on each.
3. Remuneration, give what is due to him.
4. Maintain regular contact.
 CRITICAL AREAS IN THE
DEPLOYMENT OF INFORMERS
a) Within the ranks of criminals and
criminal syndicates
b) Associates and friends of criminals
c) Places of hang-outs of criminals such
as night clubs, bars, hotels, billiard
halls and other places
 CRITICAL AREAS IN THE
DEPLOYMENT OF INFORMERS
d) Slums and residential places where criminals have
their contacts.
e) Detention Centers such as local jails and the
National Bureau of Prisons. In many instances,
crimes were solved by planting moles among
detention prisoners in the holding centers of
investigative units and in the local jails and also in
the National Bureau of Prisons, thru the
agreement with prison authorities.
f) Places where criminals dispose their illegal
products
General rules to follow in handling
informer;
1. Treat fairly regardless of character, occupation or
education.
2. Run the show - do not allow informant/informer
to take over the investigation.
3. Be scrupulously exact this is by the given
promise of exact rewards.
4. Keep your promise not only for finance but also
for protection or any promise that might give.
General rules to follow in handling
informer;
5. Do not adopt informant standard - be your self,
always changing decision will result to the lost of
trust and confident of your informant/informer
6. Avoid using informant in court the success of
investigation lies to the investigator himself.
7. Use of derogatory words - this should be avoided.
8. Conceal informant identity - this is a must.
9. Accept all information all information should be
considered.
10. Maintain fairness