Tennessee Private Investigator Licensing Practice Exam

Which of the following is a tactic not recommended for moving surveillance?

1. Planning your exit route

2. Playing follow the leader in a parking lot

3. Following someone into a large area

4. Following the subject closely at all times

The correct answer is: Playing follow the leader in a parking lot

Playing follow the leader in a parking lot is not a recommended tactic for moving surveillance due to the inherent risks of drawing attention to yourself and potentially compromising the operation. This method involves closely mimicking the movements of the subject without maintaining a discreet distance, leading to patterns that can easily be recognized by the subject or any general onlookers. Effective surveillance requires a level of stealth and unpredictability to avoid detection. When conducting surveillance, especially in environments like parking lots where subjects are often aware of their surroundings and may easily spot a follower, it's essential to adopt a more nuanced approach. Instead, utilizing techniques such as varying speed, distance, and angles of approach can help maintain a lower profile and ensure that the operative does not become too predictable or noticeable. Additionally, planning exit routes and maintaining an appropriate distance while following are critical components of successful surveillance, allowing for a swift retreat if necessary and reducing the likelihood of being seen by the subject. Following someone into a large area can sometimes facilitate a covert approach but requires careful execution to avoid losing track of the subject.