| When planning a stationary vehicle surveillance | | | | PI. Wear clothing that fits into the neighborhood |
| (also known as a "fixed" surveillance) for an | | | | and adjust your behavior to fit in, too. A baseball |
| investigation, a smart private investigator (PI) will | | | | cap, T-shirt, and shorts would stand out in a ritzy |
| scope out the location ahead of time and pick a | | | | downtown neighborhood, but fit right in a sports |
| few primo spots from which to surveil. Here's a | | | | stadium parking lot. |
| few tips for selecting a spot as well as conducting | | | | In a residential surveillance, neighbors typically |
| the surveillance: | | | | notice any new vehicles parked on their streets, |
| Although it's important to position oneself in a | | | | so besides picking a spot, also plan your cover. |
| location close enough to the subject's location to | | | | Some PIs have magnetic signs, business cards, |
| monitor activities, keep as much distance | | | | even flyers as a pretext for why they're there. If |
| between you and the subject as possible. | | | | asked, they might say they're conducting a |
| Investing in a long-distance camera lens gives you | | | | survey, looking for a lost dog, creating a |
| more options for how far away you can sit. | | | | videotape for a realtor, etc.). |
| In a lengthy, days-long surveillance, it's wise to use | | | | Last tip: For a long stationary vehicle surveillance, |
| more than one vehicle as one vehicle can become | | | | bring supplies such as a watch, food (avoid |
| obvious. | | | | anything salty), water, a cup, change of clothes |
| Pick a spot where your vehicle will blend in. Your | | | | for any weather changes, and personal |
| car or van should look as though it belongs where | | | | medications. Also, remember to fill up the gas |
| it's going to be sitting for a length of time. Use a | | | | tank before the surveillance. |
| vehicle with nondescript characteristics and | | | | By applying the above tips, and planning the |
| without noticeable identifers such as dents, decals, | | | | location, props, covers, vehicle, and supplies, a PI |
| customized license plates, bumper stickers, etc. | | | | can conduct an intelligent, well-prepared fixed |
| Just as your vehicle should blend in, so should the | | | | surveillance. |