Video Surveillance Techniques

Course Overview

Use Video as a Force Multiplier for Surveillance

This 3-day course teaches the techniques and skills needed to shoot Surveillance Video with camcorders and other video equipment. Students will be exposed to state-of-the-art covert video surveillance systems and will be offered the opportunity to use them in realistic hands-on scenarios. The course will focus on both long-range camcorder surveillance and covert systems. It will include how to plan a successful video surveillance and the situational awareness necessary for safe operations. This class begins with camcorder basics and is appropriate for those with little or no experience as well as participants with years of video experience. This course combines classroom instruction with numerous hands-on practical, realistic exercises. The instructor reviews each participant’s video after each exercise.

A night session will teach participants how to use night scopes in conjunction with video cameras to observe drug dealing at night under low light and no light conditions. Covert audio transmitters are an important part of drug work. Participants will learn how to link the audio from those transmitters to their camcorders. Participants will practice using professional microphones with camcorders to record confessions, eyewitness accounts, and victim statements.

Students are encouraged to bring department-issued camcorders, DSLR cameras, and/or covert audio and video recording devices. Instructor-provided loaner equipment is available for all students.

Who Should Attend

This course is ideal for Law Enforcement and Public Safety Professionals, Military Investigators, Fish Game and Wildlife Enforcement, Jail and Correctional Facility Employees, School and Campus Security Professionals, Independent Investigators

Course Topics

• The power of video as a source of evidence
• Introduction to camcorders, tape/digital media
• The elements of video continuity
• Automatic and manual focus
• Optical and digital zoom
• Safely shooting surveillance video and other forms of uncontrolled action
• Daylight exterior practical exercises
• Low-light exterior practical exercises with night vision and IR illumination devices
• Recording quality audio from covert body receivers and other audio sources
• Safely using and recording with covert video systems
• Using video evidence during pre-operational briefings

Course Schedule

• Day 1: 0830-1700
• Day 2: 1300-2200 (for Night Surveillance)
• Day 3: 0830-1430

Host This Course

If you are interested in hosting this class (or another Law Enforcement Video course) at your agency, CLICK HERE to complete our Host Request Form.