Tactical Awareness: Professional Surveillance and Field Operations
On-Demand CourseCourse Overview
Tactical Awareness: Professional Surveillance and Field Operations This course equips professionals with the critical skills and mindset needed for effective surveillance and field operations. Participants learn how to identify, assess, and respond to real-world threats using tactical awareness, behavioral analysis, and situational control techniques. Through immersive case studies and scenario-based exercises, learners develop proficiency in surveillance planning, counter-surveillance, and operational decision-making. Ideal for private investigators, security personnel, and law enforcement professionals, this training builds confidence and precision in dynamic environments while emphasizing ethical conduct and safety in the field.
What's Included
- • 6 hours of comprehensive training
- • Professional certification upon completion
- • Access to course materials
Learning Objectives
- • What you’ll learn Core principles of tactical awareness and situational assessment. Surveillance planning and deployment: route selection, observation positions, and documentation. Behavioral cue recognition and pattern analysis to detect suspicious activity. Counter-surveillance techniques and how to reduce detection risk. Operational communication, team coordination, and evidence preservation. Decision-making under pressure, maintaining standoff distance, and de-escalation. Legal, ethical, and privacy considerations for professional surveillance.
Course Content
Module 1: Introduction to Tactical Awareness
- • Understanding the importance of situational awareness The role of observation in surveillance and protection work Identifying environmental and behavioral cues Ethical standards and legal considerations
- • Module 2: Surveillance Fundamentals
- • Core principles of covert observation Surveillance objectives and planning basics Choosing observation positions and establishing standoff distances Documenting observations and maintaining operational integrity
- • Field Operations & Environment Adaptation
- • Urban vs. rural operational differences Conducting mobile and foot surveillance Vehicle patrol and navigation awareness Observation in public venues (crowds, events, and buildings)
- • Module 3: Field Operations & Environment Adaptation
- • Urban vs. rural operational differences Conducting mobile and foot surveillance Vehicle patrol and navigation awareness Observation in public venues (crowds, events, and buildings)
- • Module 4: Counter-Surveillance Techniques
- • Recognizing hostile surveillance patterns Countermeasures and deception tactics Planning and executing evasion routes Maintaining cover and managing exposure risks
- • Module 5: Decision-Making and Threat Response
- • Rapid assessment and tactical decision-making Recognizing pre-attack behaviors and threat indicators Managing compromised situations safely Communication under stress and operational reporting
- • Module 6: Technology, Tools, and Human Factors
- • Surveillance equipment and technology limitations Balancing technology with human intuition Recording and evidence management protocols Ethical use of digital and optical surveillance tools
- • Module 7: Professional Conduct and Reporting
- • Legal boundaries and privacy expectations Transparency and integrity in reporting findings Building client trust and communicating results Certification and continuing professional development
Your Instructor
Catherine Flowers
Catherine “Cat” D. Flowers is a seasoned investigations leader and educator with over 25 years of field and classroom experience. A retired Raleigh Police Officer and former U.S. Army Military Police Corps member, she is a licensed private investigator and certified unarmed guard trainer in North Carolina, Tennessee, and Georgia. As the founder of the P.I. Leadership Academy and the Security Compliance Academy, Cat specializes in professional training for private investigators, security personnel, and compliance professionals. Her programs focus on surveillance, field operations, ethics, and regulatory standards. Cat also serves on the Education Committee of the North Carolina Association of Private Investigators (NCAPI) and is committed to elevating industry professionalism through practical, ethical, and accessible training.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is this course designed for?
This course is ideal for private investigators, security professionals, law enforcement officers, and anyone involved in protective or investigative field operations. It’s also suitable for individuals seeking to strengthen their situational awareness and surveillance skills in professional or personal safety contexts
What topics are covered in the training?
Learners explore tactical awareness, surveillance fundamentals, counter-surveillance strategies, threat detection, operational communication, ethical standards, and decision-making under pressure. The course blends real-world examples.
Do I need previous experience in surveillance?
No prior experience is required. The course is structured for both beginners and experienced professionals. Foundational concepts are clearly explained before advancing to complex field techniques.
How is the course delivered?
The course is delivered online through an interactive eLearning platform. It includes scenario-based modules, case studies, knowledge checks, and practical simulations that mirror real-world field situations.
Will I receive a certificate after completing the course?
Yes. Upon successful completion of the final assessment, learners receive a Certificate of Completion verifying their training in professional surveillance and field operations.
What makes this course different from other surveillance trainings?
Unlike generic surveillance courses, this program integrates tactical awareness, behavioral analysis, and ethical decision-making, providing a holistic skill set that prioritizes safety, legality, and professional conduct in every operation.
Can I access the course on mobile devices?
Absolutely. The course is fully responsive and accessible on desktops, tablets, and smartphones, allowing you to learn anywhere, anytime.
Can I leave the course and return later?
Yes. Your progress is automatically saved through your Learning Management System (LMS). You can close the course at any time and return later — you’ll pick up exactly where you left off. This means you can complete the training at your own pace, across multiple sessions, without losing any progress.
What Our Students Say
"Mrs. Cat was an amazing instructor! She made the security guard licensing course a very enjoyable and enthusiastic experience. Just in the little bit of time I got to have with her I could tell that she has the leadership that I have always wanted to work for and the compassion to take her time on a personal level to help anyone out. She was also kind enough to give me a recommendation to my new employer, who is now my new employer, and got me back up and running after being laid off for the past 6 months. I cannot express how grateful I am to have crossed paths with her, nor how much I would push anyone who needs to take the course to go through her program! Thank you so very much, Cat, for all you have done and everything you do, you change lives every day!!!"
H. Russell
Security Professional
"I thoroughly enjoyed the Security Compliance Academy with Catherine Flowers, also known as "Cat". She made the class enjoyable, relatable, and most importantly, relevant. I believe I am better equipped to be an effective guard and a valuable asset to my company. I pray that she continues to be successful and that her company thrives"
S.A. Salaam
Security Professional
"This was one of the best classes I have taken, and I met amazing people in this class. the most important thing i wanted to say is that i enjoyed listening to the Mrs. Cat talk about her time when she was a security officer and the things that we might see as we go into becoming a security officer. Thank you so much, Mrs Cat, for everything you have done for us."
Jaquise Vaughn
Security Professional
"This class was a great experience overall. I first took an Unarmed Guard class 12 years ago, but this time it felt much more engaging and welcoming. The instructor shared personal experiences alongside the required material, which made the lessons clearer and more memorable. "
David Lucero
Security Professional