What is the basic entry level kit that a new surveillance operative requires?

Titan has delivered a surveillance training programme since 2017 from our Derby training facility. This has enabled hundreds of successful learners to enrol onto Titan’s GROW Student Aftercare Programme where they are further developed as they enter the Private Investigation industry as surveillance operatives.

When we receive enquiries from prospective learners who wish to attend our 5-day surveillance course they often ask about what kit they will need post course. Some have a preconceived misconception that this will be expensive. So, let’s discuss what the basic entry level kit requirement is. If you wish to purchase any of the items mentioned in this post then you will find them at the below link.

Visit the Titan Surveillnace Kit Shop – https://titansurveillancetraining.co.uk/kit-shop

Optical/Imagery equipment

There is no requirement for an expensive DSLR or stills camera. In the Police I was trained on and utilised a Nikon D3 camera with an assortment of lenses for every eventuality. The lens ranged from a 200 mm lens up to a 600 mm with X2 converters to get the maximum range from the lens. This bundle of kit cost thousands of pounds. The majority of instructions for an operational deployment are to gain video footage and not still images. This is because a short video clip shows so much more than a still image or a number of still images.

There is no need for this in the private sector. All that is required is a camcorder and a covert camera.

Camcorder

An entry level camcorder is the Sony CX 250 which is ample in low light footage and these can be picked up for as little as £100. The alternative at the other end of the price spectrum is the Sony AX53, which is much more modern and has features such as night shot mode. This camera ranges from £550-£750. My advice would be to go for the cheaper entry level camcorder, which is ample for what is required and allows you to upgrade as you earn money through surveillance deployments.

Covert Camera

A covert camera is purely manufactured to look like an everyday item, however its sole purpose is to gain covert video footage and audio in public spaces without being compromised. Examples of this could be a car key fob, mobile phone or a vape. These range from £180 to £360.

Camera Mounts

It is imperative to have the ability to be able to take video footage from a stable camera platform. This gives a professional feel to the footage rather than it being unsteady. If we perform surveillance as a profession, then we are professionals, and our product needs to reflect this. There are a range of suction mounts that can be purchased which can be mounted onto the inside of a tinted window for example or a head rest mount which fits onto the headrest of a car seat. These range from £42-£60.

Vehicle

A suitable vehicle will be required, whether that be a car or van. This ideally will be a vehicle which there are many of on the road, a non-garish colour and with tinted rear windows.

This is all that is required as a minimum; however, operatives will build their arsenal of kit as they become more experienced.

Additional surveillance kits which should be considered whilst an operative further develops are:

GPS Vehicle Tracker

GPS vehicle trackers are regularly used. The most versatile tracking device in our opinion is the 20000mA tracking device. These are typically £300.

Drop Down Cameras

Drop down cameras are useful to monitor rural addresses or addresses where it is not possible to covertly monitor them during a surveillance deployment. The Arlo Go camera can be deployed and monitored by the operatives to provide a trigger of any movement from the address. The camera will need various skins in varying colours which cover the camera to allow it to blend into its environment. These are typically £150.

Drones

Drones are a great intelligence asset or to gain evidence when it isn’t covert for an operative to close up. Most operatives choose the DJI Mini range as they are under 250 grammes which avoids the need to gain a Flyer ID from the CAA.

Props

Props enable an operative to be seen and not remembered. For example, a litter picker could be directly under a subject’s nose, but it is unlikely that they will be remembered as they are in role. The same for a courier. It could be that props are used to change the appearance of a vehicle with taxi signage and lights, for example. Props are inexpensive and great for limiting exposure or getting in close to gain evidential footage.

Who do I contact for further advice?

For further advice and information in regard to surveillance or surveillance training, then please feel free to speak to us for further advice and in complete confidence.

London Private Investigators – Call the Titan Investigations London Office 020 39046622
Birmingham Private Investigators – Call the Titan Investigations Birmingham Office 0121 7162442
Cambridge Private Investigators – Call the Titan Investigations Cambridge Office 01223 662022
Derby Private Investigators – Call the Titan Investigations Derby (Head Office) 01332 504256
Leeds Private Investigators – Call the Titan Investigations Leeds Office 0113 4574066
Leicester Private Investigators – Call the Titan Investigations Leicester Office 0116 2436520
Nottingham Private Investigators – Call the Titan Investigations Nottingham Office 0115 9646950
Manchester Private Investigators – Call the Titan Investigations Office 0161 3023008
Sheffield Private Investigators – Call the Titan Investigations Sheffield Office 0114 3499400

Alternatively, you can contact us directly using our fully confidential contact form at enquiries@titaninvestigations.co.uk or chat directly using our Live Chat facility and one of our private investigations team will get right back to you.