How Many Agents Do You Need for Surveillance Investigations?
October 8, 2024 - Reading time: 6 minutes
Updated October 8, 2024
The Importance of Choosing the Right Number of Agents for Effective Surveillance
When it comes to private investigations, particularly those requiring personal surveillance, the number of agents deployed can significantly impact the success of the operation. In many cases, the police, when placing someone under surveillance, employ a team of half a dozen or more agents. This ensures continuous monitoring over extended periods—be it hours, days, or even months—allowing them to effectively track the subject's movements without arousing suspicion.
At Bangkok Private Investigators, we understand the importance of thorough surveillance. While we are capable of assembling large surveillance teams similar to those used by law enforcement, we recognise that such operations are often beyond the budget of many of our clients. Consequently, we are frequently instructed to conduct surveillance with one or two agents. However, it is crucial to appreciate the limitations of using fewer agents, especially during complex investigations.
The Role of a Single Agent in Surveillance
A single agent is best suited for static surveillance, where the focus is on monitoring a specific location, such as a residence or workplace. This type of surveillance involves the agent remaining stationary, observing the comings and goings at a particular property without the need to follow the subject from place to place. Static surveillance is an effective method for gathering evidence of activities at a fixed location, and a single agent can perform this role discreetly and efficiently.
However, when the investigation requires following a subject across multiple locations, the limitations of using only one agent become apparent. The primary challenge arises from the difficulty of maintaining a consistent tail without drawing attention to the agent’s presence. In scenarios where the subject moves through crowded areas, uses public transport, or changes vehicles, a single agent may struggle to keep up without being detected or losing the subject altogether.
For police investigators, the prospect of using one agent to follow a subject for many hours, and across multiple different locations, would be not only be a laughable prospect for most investigators but also dangerous for the operative and risk compromising the investigation.
The Advantages of Deploying Two Agents
For dynamic surveillance needs, such as tracking a subject across various locations, deploying two agents is significantly more effective. Having two agents on the ground allows for seamless transitions in the event that the subject becomes suspicious. If one agent believes they are being observed or if the subject begins taking evasive actions, the second agent can discreetly take over, ensuring continuous monitoring without arousing suspicion.
Furthermore, when following a vehicle, a two-agent team is far more adaptable. If the subject were to take a taxi, for example, it is likely that the taxi would stop in traffic, allowing the subject to exit and walk away. A single agent would need to park their vehicle before continuing on foot, often resulting in the loss of the subject. With two agents, one can follow the subject on foot while the other parks the vehicle, minimising the risk of losing sight of the target.
A Cautionary Tale: The False Economy of Using One Agent
To illustrate the risks of using only one agent, consider a recent case where a client, seeking to save money, instructed us to conduct an infidelity investigation with just one agent. Surveillance was performed for several hours before the subject eventually left their home to go out. During a critical moment in the surveillance, the subject unexpectedly changed vehicles and then proceeded on foot through a crowded marketplace. Despite the agent's best efforts, they were unable to park quickly enough to continue following on foot, and the subject was lost.
As a result, the investigation's effectiveness was compromised, and the client did not receive the conclusive evidence they were hoping for. In this case, the decision to use only one agent proved to be a false economy, as the desired outcome was not achieved. Had two agents been deployed, the chances of successfully tracking the subject would have been significantly higher.
Maximising Surveillance Success
At Bangkok Private Investigators, we always strive to provide our clients with the most effective and efficient surveillance services. While we understand the need to work within budgetary constraints, it is important to consider the potential limitations of using only one agent. Surveillance is a complex task with no guarantees of success; however, by deploying two agents, you significantly increase the likelihood of obtaining the results you need.
In summary, when planning surveillance, it is essential to weigh the benefits of using a larger team against the potential risks of limiting the number of agents. Investing in a more robust surveillance team may ultimately save time, money, and frustration by delivering more reliable outcomes.
For professional surveillance services tailored to your needs, contact Bangkok Private Investigators today.
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