Surveillance for Drug Enforcement

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Length: 4 Days (32 Hours)

Designed for: Law enforcement officers, investigators, military or supervisors who use, or supervises those who use audio, RF and video surveillance equipment in support of undercover drug investigations/operations

Prerequisites: None

Description: This course will cover the use of digital imagery equipment during static and mobile physical surveillance operations in both rural and urban environments. The course commences with a comprehensive review of physical surveillance on day one. The course introduces the use of digital imagery equipment on day two, introducing students to basic and advanced photography/ videography concepts allowing students to capture imagery during day/ night operations at distances up to 300 meters and beyond. During day three and four the course continues to build upon earlier concepts introducing stay behind systems, the use of off the shelf technology (drones, cell phones etc.) and developing methods for incorporating said technology into real world operations. The course extensively uses practical exercises to solidify an operational understanding of concepts that are taught.

Course Objectives:

• Gain basic understanding of various physical surveillance and counter surveillance techniques for both urban and rural operations
• Gain an in-depth understanding of how digital cameras (DSLR/ Mirrorless) work, allowing for manual photography under all meteorological conditions, during day and night operations.
• Develop ability to capture digital imagery from static and mobile platforms
• Develop ability to capture illegal acts through digital means
• Develop ability to capture operationally usable imagery at extended ranges (300 meters +)
• Use common video/ photography tools (phones, drones, home security cameras) to capture operational footage while blending in with the population
• Develop planning methodologies to successfully plan operations with significant “unknowns”
• Develop understanding of digital imagery limitations as they relate to identifying individuals/ acts under various conditions
• Each student is strongly encouraged to bring existing department-owned surveillance equipment/systems. This method will allow students an opportunity to identify shortcomings in their equipment and go back to their respective agencies with fresh justification to request better equipment.

​Taught by Green Otter Solutions, LLC.