Reading Assignment for Section 6.4

Read the following subsection from our online textbook: Section 6.4: Surveillance.

What You Will Learn

In this section, you’ll explore the critical role of surveillance in criminal investigations and how it aids law enforcement in gathering intelligence when other methods fall short. You’ll learn about the key traits of effective surveillants, such as patience, adaptability, and alertness, and how these contribute to successful surveillance operations. Additionally, you’ll compare stationary and moving surveillance strategies, like observation posts and vehicle surveillance, evaluating their effectiveness in various scenarios. Finally, you’ll discuss the challenges of maintaining concealment, the importance of strategic planning, and the ethical considerations of surveillance, particularly regarding privacy and civil liberties.

Student Learning Outcomes for Section 6.4

• SLO 1: Describe the role of surveillance in criminal investigations and explain how it supports law enforcement in gathering intelligence when other investigative methods have been exhausted.
• SLO 2: Identify the key traits of effective surveillants, such as patience, adaptability, and alertness, and discuss how these traits contribute to the success of surveillance operations.
• SLO 3: Compare and contrast stationary and moving surveillance strategies, including the use of observation posts and vehicle surveillance, and evaluate their effectiveness in different investigative scenarios.
• SLO 4: Discuss the challenges of maintaining concealment and the importance of strategic planning in surveillance operations, particularly in selecting observation posts and utilizing technical equipment.
• SLO 5: Analyze the ethical considerations involved in surveillance, particularly regarding privacy and civil liberties, and explain how law enforcement agencies balance these concerns with the need to prevent and solve crimes.