Professional Surveillance and Field Operations
On-Demand CourseCourse Overview
Introduction to Surveillance: Professional Investigative Techniques This comprehensive, on-demand training program equips private investigators with fundamental surveillance skills and report writing expertise. Through detailed instruction, learn methodical observation techniques, vehicle documentation, subject residence assessment, and professional report structuring. Master the essential elements of creating defensible investigative documentation that meets client needs and legal standards. This certified course delivers actionable skills for conducting effective surveillance operations while maintaining professional objectivity in all written reports. Perfect for new investigators and experienced professionals seeking to enhance their documentation practices for insurance, domestic, and corporate investigations. **Approved for 6 hours of Continuing Education Units (CEU) and certified by the NCPPSB
What's Included
- • 6 hours of comprehensive training
- • Professional certification upon completion
- • Access to course materials
Learning Objectives
- • Implement professional surveillance protocols that maintain legal compliance while documenting subject activities, demonstrating proper field techniques for stationary and mobile surveillance operations.
- • Create comprehensive surveillance reports that accurately document observations with proper formatting, objective language, and attention to detail required for legal and client scrutiny.
- • Properly document and describe subject residences, vehicles, and environments using standardized formats and professional terminology essential for consistent investigative documentation.
Course Content
Fundamentals of Surveillance
- • Legal and Ethical Considerations
- • Types of Surveillance Investigations
- • Equipment and Tools
- • Pre-Surveillance Planning
Field Operations
- • Surveillance Position Selection
- • Vehicle and Foot Surveillance Techniques
- • Subject Identification Protocols
- • Maintaining Cover and Avoiding Detection
Documentation Essentials
- • Residence Documentation Standards
- • Vehicle Identification and Documentation
- • Subject Activities Observation
- • Evidence Collection Protocols
Report Writing
- • Report Structure and Organization
- • Objective Language and Terminology
- • Chronological Documentation
- • Quality Control and Final Review
Your Instructor
Catherine D. Flowers
Catherine Flowers brings 30+ years of investigative expertise as a licensed PI and FAA-certified drone pilot. A passionate NCAPI speaker and NC Education Committee member, she specializes in complex litigation, drawing from extensive experience that includes criminal investigations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this course suitable for complete beginners with no prior investigative experience?
Yes, this course is specifically designed as an introduction to surveillance techniques with no prerequisites required. We cover all fundamentals needed to understand basic surveillance operations.
Certification & Credit Hours:
This course provides 6 hours of NCPPSB-approved on-demand training for license renewal in North Carolina. Upon completion, participants receive documentation of their fulfilled continuing education requirement, satisfying the mandatory training hours needed for North Carolina Private Investigator license renewal. The on-demand format allows flexibility while meeting all NCPPSB standards for quality instruction in surveillance fundamentals.
What specific skills will participants learn?
Participants will develop: Surveillance positioning techniques Documentation protocols Vehicle identification skills Report writing fundamentals Covert observation methods
What is your cancellation policy for on-demand instruction?
Students may request a full refund within 24 hours of purchase if they have not accessed more than 10% of the course content. After 24 hours or if more than 10% of content has been accessed, no refunds will be issued. Course access remains available for 90 days from purchase date. This policy reflects the immediate delivery of digital educational content and the administrative costs associated with each enrollment.
How long will I have access to the on-demand course materials after purchase?
Upon enrollment, you'll have access to all course materials for 30 days from the purchase date. This provides sufficient time to complete the 6 hours of required content at your own pace while allowing for review of key concepts as needed during your learning journey.
Do I need any special equipment or software to complete this surveillance training course?
The course requires only a computer or tablet with internet access and the ability to play video content with audio. No specialized surveillance equipment is needed for the training itself, though we do discuss various tools professionals may use in the field. You'll also need the ability to complete and submit the final assessment electronically to receive your certificate of completion and CEU credits.
Is there a time limit for completing each module, or can I pause and resume the training as needed?
There is no time limit for individual modules. You can pause and resume the training at any point during your 30-day access period. The course platform automatically saves your progress, allowing you to complete the 6 hours of required training at your own pace. While the total content equals 6 CEU hours, many students appreciate the flexibility to review complex concepts multiple times or split the training across several sessions.
How soon will I get my certificate after completing the course?
You will receive your certificate of instruction immediately after successfully completing the course, whether it's live or on-demand. For live courses, certificates are provided on the same day upon course completion.
What if there is a delay in receiving my certificate?
If you experience any delay, please contact us immediately, and we will ensure your certificate is sent to you promptly. Our email address is cat@pileadershipacademy.com
Certificate Information for This Course
If you are taking this course, your certificate will indicate On-Demand Instruction as accepted by North Carolina licensing guidelines. In North Carolina, learners must complete 12 hours of continuing education which can include both on-demand and live instruction formats to meet requirements for license renewal. This course satisfies 6 hours of the On-Demand instruction portion of your continuing education requirements for the NCPPSB. The certificate you receive upon completion will document these hours for your license renewal documentation. If you need assistance finding additional training to complete your full continuing education requirements, we also offer the required 6 hours of live instruction courses. Please check our website calendar for upcoming live training sessions that can help you meet the full 12-hour requirement. Please contact us if you have any questions about your CE documentation needs!
What Our Students Say
"Catherine Flowers delivered exceptional active shooter response training for our organization that went far beyond basic protocols. Her real-world experience and emphasis on practical application made the training immediately valuable for our staff. She understands the unique challenges faced by victim service organizations and tailored the content to address our specific needs. The combination of situational awareness training and hands-on scenarios gave our team the confidence to implement critical safety protocols. Her professional approach and extensive knowledge made this one of the most valuable training investments for our staff's safety preparedness."
Rhonda Raney
Executive Director of InterAct in Raleigh