Foot Surveillance

Foot Surveillance

Usually you won’t engage in this type of surveillance unless someone you’re following exits his vehicle and enters a public area or building. You’ll want to jump out and follow him inside. The following are some rules for foot surveillance:

 

• Leave your vehicle quickly but unobtrusively
• Stay far enough behind that the target doesn’t notice
• Stay close enough that you don’t lose them
• Avoid making eye contact with the target, but don’t hide or make sudden movements
• Don’t change hats or clothing unless the change totally alters your appearance
• Don’t be afraid to shoot video using a very small camera or body cam
• Don’t be afraid of being burned or made
• Use store windows when available to observe target
• If in the woods or among trees, the use of a ghillie suit is helpful

 

A ghillie suit is a full body suit that looks as if it’s made of leaves and sticks. Made of different leaf varieties and colors, it is used by PIs, hunters, the military, and some police units for concealment when on surveillance. Matching the season and the type of foliage or terrain, the investigator blends in to his surroundings. It’s much more effective than camouflage.

 

Many people new to the profession are terrified of being made or burned — being caught following the subject. You can be confident that this doesn’t happen often. People react in different ways, but there are basically four types of people you’ll follow:

 

• Those who never notice. These people rarely look in the rear-view mirror; they just aren’t suspicious.
• Those who look around but don’t see the tail. They seem nervous and suspicious, but they really don’t see you.
• Those who think they are being followed and use evasive action. These are the most difficult to tail; they may not see you, but they may make so many evasive moves to lose a possible tail that they may lose you, too.
• Those who actually spot you. This is a very small group, but if someone sees that you’re following them, go away for a day, change vehicles or your appearance, and return later.

 

When you’re afraid of being burned, take a deep breath and relax. The only way most people will become suspicious of you is if you act suspicious. Even if someone looks your way, so what? Don’t you look at others in a crowd? Be calm and don’t make sudden moves. Don’t turn away quickly or hide your face. The odds are that the target won’t remember seeing you, but don’t give him the opportunity. Stay behind and act as if you have a reason to be where you are.

 

Foot surveillance is more efficient with at least two people. Techniques similar to those used in moving surveillance are also effective. When the subject turns, the lead walks straight ahead and the next PI becomes the lead as the first circles around to the rear. Different patterns, or plays, much like football plays, can be created so that each person knows which way to move depending on the actions of the target.