Which of the following are the two types of surveillance commonly used in law enforcement?

In law enforcement, surveillance is a critical aspect of gathering evidence and monitoring activities related to criminal investigations. The two commonly recognized types of surveillance are fixed surveillance and mobile surveillance.

Fixed surveillance refers to a stationary observation of a person, location, or vehicle, typically conducted from a concealed position. This method allows law enforcement to gather continuous information over a period, making it highly effective in tracking the behavior of suspects without being detected. For instance, a team might observe a certain location where criminal activity is suspected, such as a drug house, allowing them to document the movements of individuals entering and exiting over time.

On the other hand, mobile surveillance involves movement, where law enforcement officers follow a suspect or a vehicle as they travel from one location to another. This type of surveillance can be done using various means, including plain vehicles or even foot patrols, and is useful when suspects are on the move, potentially leading to spontaneous criminal activity or evasion of law enforcement.

Understanding these two types of surveillance is essential for law enforcement officers as they employ different strategies based on the circumstances of their investigations, the behaviors of suspects, and the goals of their operations.