Surveillance Vehicles

Surveillance Vehicles

It’s customary for investigators to use vans or SUVs for stationary and moving surveillance, but it’s not necessary. If you can afford it, having a stable of vehicles is best — not expensive vehicles that can draw too much attention, and not rattletraps that are sure to be remembered if they are spotted again, but something in the middle. Remove any stickers or conspicuous detailing that can be recognized. Color is also important; many white vans are on the roads and don’t often cause suspicion when driven through neighborhoods.

 

These can be set up as business vehicles, with magnetic signs for the sides. You can set up your surveillance vehicle as a business vehicle, with magnetic signs listing the company’s name and number for the vehicle’s sides. In larger companies, someone can be prepared to answer this number with a fictitious name, verifying that one of the company’s vans is in the area. If you work alone, buy a separate cell phone so you can verify yourself.

 

Any type of car or truck can be a surveillance vehicle. Choose colors that don’t stand out, and stay away from reds, jewel, or bright colors. The color that seems best is gray for daytime and black or very dark for evening surveillance. If you don’t have two cars, choose a light or medium gray, as it blends in with traffic as well as the pavement on most roads and highways.

 

Check the local laws and have the windows tinted as dark as is allowed. Remember that changing vehicles is a great tactic, especially when your surveillance goes on for several days or weeks. If you don’t have access to other vehicles, rent one. Renting also ensures that the tag won’t be traced back to you, except with the use of a subpoena.