Motorcycle Surveillance: Are you up for the challenge?
Welcome to Titan PI TV, where we delve into the fascinating world of live operational investigations. At Titan Private Investigation Limited, based in Derby, we pride ourselves on offering unparalleled insight into the surveillance industry. I’m Simon Henson, Managing Director of Titan, and today, I’m thrilled to share details about one of our most unique and sought-after training programmes: the 5-Day Specialist Surveillance Motorcyclist Course.
If you’re a podcast enthusiast, don’t forget you can also catch Titan PI TV in audio format wherever you download your podcasts. Now, let’s dive into what makes this course so exceptional.
A Dying Breed: The Specialist Surveillance Motorcyclist
Surveillance motorcyclists are a rare and highly specialised group within the industry. With fewer and fewer qualified professionals available, this skill set is becoming a dying breed. Titan is proud to be the only training provider in the UK offering a comprehensive five-day specialist motorcyclist course.
This role is not only unique but also incredibly challenging, requiring a combination of advanced surveillance expertise and exceptional motorcycling skills. It’s a true specialism, and we’re looking for two dedicated learners to join us on this journey.
Course Dates and Prerequisites
We’re running two courses this year, scheduled for:
- 19th–23rd May 2025
- 15th–19th September 2025
To ensure the highest standards, we have strict prerequisites for applicants:
- Surveillance Experience: Applicants must have a minimum of two years’ experience as a competent surveillance operative. This ensures you are already familiar with the fundamentals of surveillance, allowing you to focus on adapting these skills to a motorcycling role.
- Motorcycling Experience: A minimum of four years’ experience as a motorcyclist is required. Your riding skills must be second nature, as there is no room for hesitation when combining motorcycling with surveillance.
- Your Own Motorcycle: While we provide all training materials, including communication equipment and radios, you will need to bring your own motorcycle.
These prerequisites are not about exclusivity but about safety and ensuring you are ready to take on the most dangerous role in the surveillance industry.
Why Is This Role So Challenging?
The role of a surveillance motorcyclist is by far the most hazardous in the industry. Interestingly, the greatest risks often come from within your own team rather than the public. Navigating unpredictable situations, such as losses or sudden changes in convoy dynamics, requires split-second decision-making and flawless coordination.
This is why we emphasise the importance of experience. You must be able to focus entirely on the task at hand—whether it’s maintaining cover, following a subject, or responding to team commands—without being distracted by basic riding or surveillance skills.
What Does the Course Cover?
The five-day course is designed to be as realistic and immersive as possible, preparing you for the demands of live operational deployments. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:
- Day 1: Check Ride
The course begins with a check ride to assess your motorcycling competence. This is a relaxed yet informative day, where we provide coaching on areas for improvement. Think of it as a warm-up ride with some valuable feedback along the way. - Day 2: Core Skills
On the second day, we focus on essential surveillance techniques, including the use of cover, maintaining appropriate distances, and understanding key commands such as “make ground”, “come through”, and “cancel”. You’ll also learn about parallel routes and how to manoeuvre within a convoy based on the lead operative’s commentary. - Days 3 and 4: Realistic Scenarios
These two days are spent working with a four-car surveillance team, simulating real-world scenarios. You’ll navigate A-roads, B-roads, motorways, and more, practising procedures such as stop-and-plot, loss recovery, and car park operations. - Day 5: Final Exercise
The final day is the ultimate test—a live simulation that mirrors an operational deployment. You’ll follow a subject you’ve never encountered before, and if a loss occurs, it is a genuine loss. This exercise pushes you to apply everything you have learned in a high-pressure, realistic environment.
Why Choose Titan?
At Titan, we pride ourselves on the expertise of our instructors. Our team of four trainers are all former police officers with a combined 107 years of surveillance experience. This wealth of knowledge is distilled into practical, relevant training tailored to the civilian surveillance industry.
While some aspects of police surveillance do not translate directly to civilian operations, our instructors ensure you receive the most applicable and valuable insights.
Course Cost and Application
The cost of the course is £1,500 plus VAT (£1,800 including VAT). We’re looking for two applicants per course who meet the prerequisites and demonstrate the potential to excel in this demanding role.
Please note that applying does not guarantee acceptance. We conduct a thorough vetting process to ensure we are passing on this specialised knowledge to the right candidates.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you’re ready to elevate your surveillance career and take on the challenge of becoming a specialist motorcyclist, we’d love to hear from you. This is a rare opportunity to gain a skill set that sets you apart in the industry.
What’s Next on Titan PI TV?
Join us next week as we explore another fascinating topic in the world of private investigation. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to give us a thumbs up and subscribe to Titan PI TV for more exclusive content. You can also listen to our podcast, available wherever you get your podcasts.
Stay tuned for more insights into the world of private investigations. Until next time, stay safe and keep learning!
Titan PI TV: Uncovering the Truth, One Investigation at a Time.
