In order to conduct physical surveillance of a "moving target," selecting, purchasing, and configuring the right equipment is essential to conducting a successful private investigation. A decent video camera and nondescript vehicle are central to mobile surveillance, but GPS tracking devices, directional microphones and even regular binoculars may prove useful. Professional surveillance requires both high-tech and low-tech equipment as well as a proper understanding of use it.
Instructions
1. Acquire and configure your surveillance vehicle. Your vehicle is an essential piece of equipment for housing your mobile surveillance devices. A windowless van or truck is desirable since you can't be seen from the outside and it gives you plenty of elbow room if you need to do an all-nighter. If that is not possible, tint the windows of your vehicle and use a sunshade on the windshield so it appears empty.
2. Use binoculars to locate your target from a distance. Besides observing your target's behavior and travel habits, you also can use them to scan potential positions where you can set up your surveillance equipment later on. Night-vision binoculars with a minimum of 6x magnification are recommended, though more powerful units allow surveillance from up to six miles away.
3. Attach a GPS tracking device to your target's vehicle. Underneath the rear bumper is an excellent location for placement. Many services allow real-time tracking of your GPS device on the Internet so you can follow your target without even leaving your home.
4. Acquire a video camera for shooting your target. A handheld unit is discreet, but keep other factors in mind besides its size. For example, you may need to modify your camera with a more powerful zoom lens to shoot something from a distance. Further, select a camera that works well in low light. Also consider buying an infrared unit for nighttime surveillance.
5. Mount your video camera to a tripod. Make sure your tripod is resting against a seat and not a hard surface (e.g. the dashboard) in order to minimize camera shake if you need to leave your automobile running.
6. Set up a directional microphone. Some will enable you to pick up conversations from up to 300 feet away. A mini-shotgun microphone can easily be concealed in a sleeve, folded newspaper or attached to binoculars in order to help you verify the identity of a subject from a distance. And you also can line it in to your camcorder for recording.
Tags: your target, from distance, video camera, mobile surveillance, more powerful