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Last week we published an article on our surveillance services and focused on Domestic Surveillance.
If you didn’t read it, take a look here.
This week we want to focus on Investigative Surveillance. Although more complex, the principles followed are the same.
What Is Investigative Surveillance?
Surveillance carried out by an individual experienced team member or one of our dedicated teams to gather specific evidence in order to prove a specific crime. For this type of surveillance, we often have to use larger teams so as not to be compromised.
Learn more about our Investigative Surveillance services.
Is Surveillance Legal?
It is particularly important for this type of surveillance conducted in a public place to be in accordance with RIPA (Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000).
Although as a private company this is not actually necessary, it is best practice.
It may be necessary to follow the subject for a long period of time, whilst in a public place, on foot, in a vehicle, on public transport, entering shopping malls, pubs and restaurants. It is very important to identify people they meet and, if possible, record the conversations. But sometimes they meet with people who have nothing to do with the assignment — care must be taken not to identify them, the same with children. The camera never lies!
What Is the Purpose of This Surveillance?
A full briefing from the client is essential to establish what they are trying to prove and to ensure this is legal and in accordance with privacy laws and data protection — the Human Rights Act 1998, Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 and The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
Specialist Equipment
Our teams use the most up-to-date equipment that can be covertly installed in a vehicle or body-worn, so as not to identify them. On occasions, we have used drone technology on premises that are not easily viewed, with aerial images observing exactly what they are doing.
Investigative Surveillance Operations
Some assignments can literally go on for weeks, following the same people around for hours on end, from the moment they leave home in the morning until they return in the evening. It is therefore essential there is no compromise. This is why we would need to use sufficient operatives to cover any eventuality.
If a crime is suspected, it is possible to use a tracking device, but great care must be taken to ensure it is legal and only used as an aid to actual surveillance.
Market Surveillance
With our brand protection work, Surelock has worked with the authorities and supplied the very best evidence for them to act, obtaining search warrants and conducting raids.
Our teams visit markets, shopping centres, high street stores, warehouses and storage facilities in order to evidence counterfeit merchandise being stored or sold. This is all covertly video recorded and has resulted in some of the largest counterfeit seizures ever in the UK.
Learn more about our Brand Protection services.
Test Purchases
We conduct covert test purchases for numerous clients, either for evidence, to establish whether the staff are adhering to company policy, whether any crimes are committed or if there are counterfeits.
These visits are always video recorded so the evidence obtained can be used in any criminal prosecutions, discipline hearings or just for training purposes.
Find out more about our Mystery Shopping and Test Purchasing services.
Company Infiltration
We are often asked to assist a company or organisation to establish if there is any wrongdoing in the workplace by their staff.
This can be identified by the installation of covert cameras, although if the problems are serious, we would recommend deploying an experienced undercover operative to actually join the company and work alongside existing employees to establish intelligence, then use covert equipment to record this for evidence.
It is essential these operatives are debriefed daily and the client kept informed of their findings.
Read more about our Company Infiltration services.
Penetration Tests
These assignments carried out by specialist operatives are used to test the security of a client’s premises, to ensure the systems in place and employees are adequately working.
An operative will study the premises at busy times and then try to infiltrate the building, bypassing security personnel or control to reach a particular area in the building without challenge. These operations are covertly video recorded for training purposes and to highlight where security needs to be increased.
Explore our Penetration Testing services.
What Intelligence or Evidence Do We Supply?
With all our surveillance operations, we supply a detailed log of events that show the movements, people they meet, times and places, captured by camera. We can also supply an unedited copy of this recording.
Our evidence can be used in any legal proceedings, and the operatives attend court on your behalf. We often keep clients up to date by sending images via WhatsApp.
What Are the Costs?
We work strictly to an hourly rate. Our costs are £60 per hour per operative, plus travel, mileage and necessary expenses.
What Should I Do Next?
If you have any fears do not hesitate to contact us. We will discuss all the options so you know the costs and exactly what is involved.
Surveillance is not easy — it has to be intelligence-led. We will always strive to offer the best possible service.
With over 28 years’ experience, you will be in safe hands.
If you have a need for this professional service, contact us today or give us a call on 0333 6000 300.
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