Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy (OPOTA) Practice Exam

Which of the following is NOT a type of surveillance?

1. Fixed

2. Foot

3. Tailing

4. Vehicle

The correct answer is: Tailing

Surveillance is a technique used in various fields, particularly law enforcement and security, to monitor activities and behaviors in order to gather information or evidence. The different types of surveillance can vary based on the method used for observation. Fixed surveillance refers to stationary observation, where agents monitor subjects from a set location, often using cameras or other equipment. Foot surveillance involves personnel physically following a subject on foot, enabling close observation of their actions. Vehicle surveillance is similar, but it utilizes a car or other vehicle to maintain a safe distance while following the subject's movements. Tailing, on the other hand, is commonly recognized as a specific form of surveillance that involves following a subject discreetly, closely aligning with foot and vehicle methods but not categorized separately within standard terminology for surveillance types. Therefore, it is not seen as a distinct type compared to the other categories listed. Recognizing these distinctions is crucial for understanding how surveillance is utilized and classified, which will aid in properly assessing methods for intelligence gathering in various scenarios.