From Bad to Worse: A Surveillance Tale

We've all had those days, Dear Reader, where nothing goes quite right and you would have been better off just not getting out of bed that morning.

This was another one of mine.

And the darkness shall no longer hide you

So, Dear Reader, in a fit of excess I went and purchased a few things I didn't really need but convinced myself that it was better that I have them than not.

You know the drill.

One of these toys tools is the ATN OTS-X 70mm thermal monocular. Sure, I can count the number of times I actually needed something like this on the fingers of one hand, but I'm sure I'll find any excuse for using it in the future, making this a totally worthwhile investment. 

I'm only thinking of the future.

Anyway, I'll put it through its paces and will get around to a review sometime in the coming weeks.

Cover for Status / Cover for Action

As you probably know, Dear Reader, one of my favourite areas in the investigations business is conducting surveillance. If I could specialise in just one area, this is most likely it - although I also do enjoy other facets of investigations as well so the choice would not be an easy one.

Today I'm going to to briefly discuss two terms that come straight out of the tradecraft lexicon, Cover for Status and Cover for Action, and how they specifically relate to a surveillance operation.

While these terms are specifically in reference to intelligence operations, they are also useful concepts for your average gumshoe to keep in mind. However, unlike intelligence agencies, law enforcement agencies, or even terrorist groups - we have to rely on fewer resources and, often, with no support.  

No Ordinary Day

If you follow me on Twitter (@anonymouspi), Dear Reader, you might have been aware of an upcoming job I was tasked with. Specifically, effecting an 'at risk' repossession warrant - and you know just how much I hate doing those, right?

But it wouldn't be a 'proper job' if there weren't some aggravating factors or complications, right?

Right. So the occupants of the address were gang members and, in particular, members of a major organised street gang involved in a variety of illegal enterprises and known for their use of violence.

Particularly unlikely to put on the jug and offer us tea and biscuits.

Sweet!

What could go wrong?