Professional Surveillance and Field Operations
Virtual Live CourseCourse Overview
Introduction to Surveillance: Professional Investigative Techniques This comprehensive, live virtual 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 live virtual 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 live virtual format combines the convenience of remote attendance with real-time instructor interaction, 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 registration if they have not attended any portion of the live session. Once a session has begun or 24 hours have passed since registration, no refunds will be issued. Registration confirmation and course materials will be provided upon enrollment. This policy reflects the scheduling and administrative costs associated with each enrollment.
Do I need any special equipment or software to complete this surveillance training course?
The course requires a computer or tablet with internet access, the ability to play video content with audio, a working microphone, and a webcam. Please note that your webcam must remain on for the duration of the live session — this is required to document your attendance and participation for CEU certification purposes. No specialized surveillance equipment is needed for the training itself, though we do discuss various tools professionals may use in the field.
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 Live Virtual 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 live 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 6 hours of on-demand instruction courses. To ensure your continuing education hours are valid for renewal, please do not enroll in the on-demand version of this same course to fulfill your remaining hours — you must select a different on-demand course topic. Please check our website for available on-demand courses 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