Surveillance and/or statement taking

[footprints]

HI,

Does anyone do both Surveillance and statement taking or are they basically mutually exclusive?  

I am not sure which area to go into they both appeal to me.

Thanks in anticipation.

[David]

They are not mutually exclusive. Well-rounded investigators may certainly perform both types of activities - covert surveillance and factual investigation - at different times.

That said, each specialisation does demand specific skills and that is why some people may be comfortable or natually inclined one way or another.

A person performing covert surviellance must be able to occupy themselves for long periods of time while still remaining alert and ready to act. They must be able to blend into the shadows. They must be able to think quickly on their feet.

A person performing factual investigation must be a clear and analytical thinker and have sound logical reasoning ability. Some may disagree with me here but I also believe the best factual investigators will also have impeccable spelling and grammar and be capable of typing a statement on the spot.

[BigGeorge]

Hi,

I certainly agree entirely with you David!

 

This is very sound advice.


BG

[footprints]

Thank you for your responses. I feel that I would be more naturally inclined toward factual statement taking and your response reinforces this.  But I would like to try surveillance.  So, I might do both and see how it goes.
Once again, thank you.

[Jockey]

I do surveillance but in some off the different cases I work on re criminal, then statement taking is sometimes needed..A lot of the cases I work on re gathering evidence of criminal activity in the majority, requires me to do a statement for the police too go with then video evidence I have gathered...