Checklist
  • While you may feel that you are following the correct target, the only time to be sure is be­ fore he enters his vehicle, not once he has taken you miles in the wrong direction.
  • To maintain safe surveillance, you need to think ahead of the target vehicle. If you cannot see this far, you must attempt to predict or prepare for any eventuality.
  • Your target may be suspicious of being followed. If t.his is the case, nothing will prove his suspicions are true more than your erratic positioning or unnatural use of speed. Try to  use only  smooth  and gentle  changes in  both to  avoid suspicion.
  • Your skills in positioning will be essential to both maintaining sight of the target and also controlling other road users. Do not let your escape routes become compromised or allow other drivers cause you to make poor judgement or lose your cool.
  • If you need to abandon your vehicle to begin surveillance on foot, ensure that your vehicle is not left in a vulnerable position and arrange for it's collection as soon as is  feasible.
  • Multiple targets cannot be followed by one vehicle , so plan in advance and either use multi­ple back-up vehicles or decide which target is to be followed in the event of a  choice.
  • Do not allow yourself to be fooled by the obvious ploy of a vehicle swap or use of a car park with multiple exits.
  • Do not be fooled by your target swapping clothes with a double at a suitable changeover point - such as a sports club or gym.
  • Your vehicle may well be inconspicuous when driving, but once parked you may find your­self becoming the target. Plan the best spot to park and try to reserve it if feasible while fol­lowing the target vehicle.
  • Finally, the surveillance business is riddled with stories which ridicule the incompetent mem­bers who allow their cover to be broken by a careless oversight in their appearance or by having their vehicle traceable back to their business or home address. If you consider the lengths you are taking to carry out surveillance on your target, you should always consider the same techniques and possibilities being used against you.