Recruiter's Glossary

Examples: Litigation Support • Insurance Investigation • Surveillance

Surveillance

Term from Private Investigation industry explained for recruiters

Surveillance is the careful watching of people, places, or activities, usually to gather information or ensure safety. In private investigation work, it involves observing and documenting someone's activities without them knowing, always following legal guidelines. This could be done in person (physical surveillance) or through legal technology tools (technical surveillance). It's similar to security monitoring or observation work, but with specific focus on gathering evidence that could be used in legal situations like insurance claims, custody cases, or fraud investigations.

Examples in Resumes

Conducted over 200 hours of Surveillance operations for insurance fraud cases

Led Surveillance and Covert Observation teams during corporate investigations

Performed mobile Surveillance assignments using industry-standard equipment and techniques

Typical job title: "Surveillance Investigators"

Also try searching for:

Private Investigator Field Investigator Surveillance Operative Insurance Investigator Covert Observer Surveillance Specialist Field Surveillance Agent

Where to Find Surveillance Investigators

Professional Associations

Job Boards

Online Communities

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you handle a complex surveillance operation involving multiple targets and locations?

Expected Answer: Should discuss team coordination, resource allocation, risk assessment, and maintaining legal compliance while ensuring effective coverage of all targets.

Q: Tell me about a challenging surveillance case you managed and how you overcame the obstacles.

Expected Answer: Should demonstrate problem-solving abilities, adaptability, and leadership in managing difficult situations while maintaining professional standards and legal requirements.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What methods do you use to avoid detection during surveillance?

Expected Answer: Should explain basic counter-surveillance techniques, vehicle positioning, personal appearance considerations, and how to blend into different environments naturally.

Q: How do you document surveillance activities for legal purposes?

Expected Answer: Should discuss proper note-taking, photography/video guidelines, chain of custody, and report writing that would stand up in court.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What are the basic rules of surveillance?

Expected Answer: Should mention legal boundaries, privacy laws, maintaining distance, proper documentation, and knowing when to abort if compromised.

Q: How do you prepare for a basic surveillance assignment?

Expected Answer: Should discuss checking equipment, location scouting, reviewing case details, and understanding the objective of the surveillance operation.