The Art of Surveillance
Topics we will cover:
- Transitioning from Stationary to Mobile Surveillance
- Handling “Burn Zones”
- Determining Following Distance and Subject Vigilance
- Modifying Your Driving Techniques
- Positioning and Using Cover Cars
- Recognizing Possible Counter-Surveillance
- Disguising Your Vehicle
- Bird’s-Eye View Maps
- Surveillance on Foot
- Final Thoughts
Techniques Every Investigator Should Know: Part 2
06 Jan 2025
This guide is intended as professional development for licensed private investigators. Following people without a legal reason and the proper licensing can result in criminal charges.
For surveillance preparation techniques and tips for concluding surveillance and preparing reports, please refer to
Art of Surveillance: Part One. The methods discussed here focus on mobile surveillance methodology carried out by a single investigator, as is often the case in routine assignments. While the techniques described derive from common industry practices, investigators must remain mindful of local laws, maintain personal safety above all, and adapt their methods to what is discreet in the environment where they operate.
It is also critical to recognize that single-investigator surveillances come with certain natural limitations beyond the control of the private investigator. If a subject’s movements or traffic conditions create high risk for detection or a safety hazard, it is better to lose the subject and resume surveillance another day, rather than making a maneuver so obvious or dangerous that it compromises your cover. By exercising prudent judgment and remaining flexible, you safeguard both the integrity of your investigation and the safety of everyone involved.
Transitioning from Stationary to Mobile Surveillance
In Art of Surveillance: Part 1, we explored the processes of arriving on site, documenting initial observations, and remaining inconspicuous while the subject was stationary. The transition to mobile surveillance occurs as soon as they begin to move, and it requires a delicate balance between maintaining your vantage point and following them out of the area.
These first few moments set the tone for the entire mobile portion of the surveillance. Many subjects who suspect they are being investigated will use their own neighborhood as a “checkpoint,” fully expecting that if they are under surveillance, an unfamiliar car might make a sudden move. By exercising a brief delay and easing into the follow, you reduce the likelihood of arousing suspicion and stand a better chance of gathering continuous evidence throughout the day.
For solo investigators, the general rule of thumb is to wait until the subject has broken line of sight—by turning a corner or driving a sufficient distance ahead—before starting your engine or pulling away. Doing so can prevent an observant subject from recognizing that you are leaving only because they are.
If you are part of a team, one investigator can remain as the “eye” on the site to ensure the subject does not double back, while another vehicle continues the tail. This approach gives the subject the impression that no one is actively following them, reducing the risk of arousing suspicion within those first few, critical blocks of travel.
Handling “Burn Zones”
“Burn zones” refer to the places and times when subjects are most likely to detect a tail, typically right as they leave or return to a location. For many people under investigation, stepping out of their home or workplace is the moment when they are most on alert for suspicious cars nearby. This heightened awareness stems from knowing that if they are being followed, an investigator is most likely to be posted in or around that immediate vicinity. If you suspect that your subject is particularly vigilant, it is best to let them drive off without immediately pulling out behind them. Waiting just a short amount of time before you leave can prevent the subject from associating your movement with theirs.
When subjects return to a familiar address, the same heightened level of scrutiny applies. They may slow down, circle the block, or park unexpectedly to see if a particular vehicle follows. If you notice these behaviors, backing off temporarily or finding an alternate vantage point can preserve your cover. Though you risk losing brief visual contact, this strategy prevents the more serious setback of having to end the investigation prematurely because the subject has become too suspicious.
Determining Following Distance and Subject Vigilance
One of the first questions I often hear from newer investigators is, “How close should I follow the subject?” Although it seems straightforward, the answer depends largely on how vigilant the subject appears and the nature of the surrounding environment. If the individual keeps adjusting mirrors or appears to scan the road anxiously, it is wise to give them a wider berth. On the other hand, if they seem distracted or unconcerned, a slightly closer distance may be warranted, provided you keep safety in mind.
Urban areas with heavy traffic and frequent stoplights offer more natural cover, because other vehicles can blend you into the flow of traffic. However, staying too far back may cause you to miss turns or lose the subject at busy intersections. In rural environments, the lack of traffic means fewer sets of eyes on you, but there are also fewer vehicles to hide behind. This requires you to maintain greater distance without drawing suspicion, since any unusual driving patterns will stand out quickly on open roads.
It is also important to remember that the primary goal of mobile surveillance is to avoid detection, not to remain bumper-to-bumper with the subject. If the person you are following makes an unexpected turn or begins driving erratically, you should not risk dangerous maneuvers just to keep up. In many instances, it is wiser to briefly lose sight of them than to raise their suspicions by driving recklessly.
Modifying Your Driving Techniques
Maintaining a discreet driving style is crucial to avoid tipping off an alert subject. One common pitfall among new investigators is something called “mirror driving,” which occurs when you change lanes exactly when the subject does, brake at the same time, and in effect mirror every move they make. Such synchronized maneuvers are highly suspicious. Instead, let a few moments pass before you follow their lane change or adjust your speed more gradually to match theirs.
In a similar vein, some investigators use the subject’s blind spots to avoid being seen in rear view or side mirrors. This can be an effective tactic, but only if done carefully and within reason, as a distracted driver might abruptly switch lanes without signalling. Investigators should also consider whether the subject is more or less likely to drive aggressively or cautiously. Some people consistently speed, while others hover below the limit because they are texting or searching for directions on their phone. Adapting your own driving style to reflect local norms—and to keep a comfortable distance from the subject—will improve your ability to remain unnoticed.
Mobile Surveillance Tip: Switch It Up!
For extended surveillances in low-light or nighttime conditions, become familiar with all the headlight settings on your vehicle. If you are behind a natural cover car for an extended period, occasionally adjust your lights from daytime running lights to low beam, fog lights or vice versa, to prevent a consistent glare that the subject might notice.
Simple alterations like these can break up an otherwise continuous visual pattern, reducing the chance that the subject realizes a single car has been behind them for an extended distance.
Positioning and Using Cover Cars
“Cover cars” are typically ordinary vehicles—such as delivery vans, utility trucks, or other neutral automobiles—that can sit between you and the subject, helping to obscure your presence. The best cover vehicles tend to drive at moderate speeds and do not stop abruptly without reason. In busy traffic, positioning yourself a few cars behind your subject can help you fade into the normal ebb and flow of the roadway. However, relying on the wrong cover vehicle, such as one driven by an overly cautious driver, can slow you down, causing you to miss key turns or get stuck at traffic lights. Recognizing when a cover car hinders, rather than helps, is vital. It may be necessary to switch lanes or wait for a different “natural” cover vehicle to position itself between you and your subject.
Recognizing Possible Counter-Surveillance
A subject who suspects they are being followed may engage in counter-surveillance maneuvers. These can range from abrupt stops or U-turns to frequent mirror adjustments and lane changes designed to “shake off” a potential tail. An individual might even park suddenly to see if another car does the same. In cases involving drug crimes or individuals experiencing paranoia (for example, methamphetamine users), apparent counter-surveillance maneuvers might simply reflect erratic behaviour rather than a genuine effort to expose you.
Either way, maintaining a calm, flexible approach is key. If the subject slows down or stops unexpectedly, and you do the same, you risk revealing yourself. Often, it is preferable to continue driving past them, then circle back later. While you may lose visual contact briefly, you also reduce the chance that your vehicle is spotted as the same one trailing them block after block. Recognizing the difference between truly sophisticated counter-surveillance attempts and normal, distracted driving comes with practice, so new investigators should err on the side of caution when deciding whether to back off or maintain distance.
Disguising Your Vehicle (On-the-Go Camouflage)
In Art of Surveillance: Part One, we explored the value of subtle presentation while parked, such as using rideshare decals or nondescript accessories. The same principle applies during mobile operations. A surveillance vehicle becomes an extension of your investigative persona, which means small changes—such as turning headlights on or off, adjusting sun visors, or rearranging items on the dashboard—can minimize the chance that the subject notices a pattern.
For extended assignments, some investigators switch rental cars to avoid becoming a familiar sight to the subject. Others attach removable decals indicating various contractor services. Always verify that you are in compliance with local regulations and never modify vehicle lighting or license plates in a way that violates the law. The goal is to remain innocuous, adapting your “look” just enough to prevent pattern recognition.
Use a Map for a Bird’s-Eye View
Many investigators use navigation apps or dedicated maps set to a bird’s-eye view so they can visualize surrounding streets and potential escape routes. If the subject turns into a residential area, you may choose to delay your own turn rather than following them directly onto every road. For instance, you might continue straight, then make a U-turn further up the road to reacquire them from a less suspicious angle.
This tactic proves especially beneficial if the subject enters a cul-de-sac or a crescent street where there is no through passage. By pausing a moment and consulting your map, you can avoid a confrontation where you both end up turning around in the same limited space. Of course, operational requirements sometimes demand a more immediate follow, particularly if you need to document a subject’s exact destination or interactions. Always weigh the urgency of obtaining footage against the risk of detection.
Surveillance On Foot
At times, you will need to follow a subject on foot into a restaurant, retail establishment, or other public place to document activities that cannot be captured from your vehicle and primary surveillance camera. In these instances, a covert camera or recording device becomes critical. Ideally, you want a camera with no bright LEDs or flashing lights, and you should practice operating it instinctively—so well that you could power it on, press record, and confirm settings without having to look down for more than a moment.
The same discretion applies here as in vehicle-based work. If you appear too interested or hover uncomfortably close, the subject may notice you. Maintain a natural demeanour, dress for the environment, and remember that detailed notes or photographs should be taken either discreetly on the spot or recorded verbally for later transcription once you have returned to your vehicle. By blending in with the crowd and refraining from sudden or dramatic actions, you preserve the covert nature of your operation.
Final Thoughts
Mobile surveillance is inherently complex. It demands the investigator’s constant attention, flexible decision-making, and a commitment to legal and ethical constraints. The strategies outlined here—from adapting your driving distance to using natural cover vehicles and maps—are most effective when approached with prudence and an emphasis on remaining unobtrusive.
Above all, remember that the best investigators know when to let the subject go momentarily rather than risking a dangerous maneuver or an obvious giveaway. Your duty is to capture the subject’s genuine behaviour. Forcing their actions by giving yourself away can end an investigation prematurely and alter the very patterns you are there to observe. By maintaining professionalism, following local regulations, and keeping safety foremost, you can preserve the integrity of your surveillance, and continue refining your craft as a skilled private investigator.
About the Author
As the founder and principal investigator at Private Solutions, I bring over a decade of investigative expertise and a relentless passion for uncovering the facts.
My background in public service with the Hamilton Police Service as an Auxiliary Police Constable, along with volunteering for the Victim Services Unit, has shaped my approach to investigations—emphasizing empathy, thoroughness, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Through continuous education and training in the latest techniques and tools, I ensure that clients receive comprehensive, high-quality services tailored to their unique needs.
My portfolio spans covert surveillance, child custody and court compliance investigations, insurance and corporate investigations, executive protection, high-risk terminations, TSCM (technical surveillance counter-measures), penetration testing, and international investigations. Regardless of the case type, my focus remains on discretion, confidentiality, and attention to detail. By providing clients with accurate, reliable information, I empower them to make well-informed decisions during even the most complex situations. At Private Solutions, my mission is to uphold professionalism, integrity, and compassion in every case—so you can trust that your investigation will be handled with utmost care. If you’re ready to take the first step toward getting the facts you need, our team is available 24/7 to discuss your case.
-Gleb Naboka, Principal Investigator at Private Solutions