Surveillance

Surveillance

Surveillance

In the course of conducting criminal investigations officer often encounter cases where there is little evidence to pursue a conviction. In such instances, they resort to surveillance. Surveillance is a costly alternative with many legal restrictions and the extensive observations aren’t definite to produce the information needed to be beneficial to the investigation.
Surveillance is the observation of individuals or locations that are deemed suspicious and are linked to criminal intent or actions. The purpose is to obtain information investigators need to identify suspects and or obtain the necessary data to make a case. Generally the task of monitoring actions is lengthy and costly; therefore officers resort to such as action as a last resort. Officers must be cognizant of privacy issues in order to avoid their efforts being thrown out of court for violation. (pg. 243)
Investigators usually need to obtain a warrant to conduct surveillance. However, aerial surveillance at 1000 feet and higher has been deemed as allowable. Photographs from 1000 feet do not violate privacy regulations. Video surveillance without a warrant can be managed by public monitoring systems like security cameras. Audio and electronic surveillance requires that a warrant most of the information discovered is admissible. (pg. 250)
There are several options used in conjunction with surveillance is undercover assignments and generally fall in two categories; one is to deceive the individuals as to the investigators identity, the other is to deceive the individuals of the purpose of investigation. Raids are often used once information has been obtained from surveillance. However, good information should be obtained before pursing such actions. Many efforts teeter on the line of violating privacy factors. (pg 251-253)
The best way for law enforcement to prevent legal pitfalls when conducting surveillance or violating the rights of individuals to be safe and secure in their...