In surveillance practices such as stakeouts, which factor should guide operations?

• A. Conduct surveillance only at night.
• B. Conduct surveillance without authorization.
• C. Being authorized, aligned with probable cause and policy, and conducted with safety in mind.
• D. Prioritize speed over safety.

Answer: (C)

Surveillance work is governed by legality, justification, and safety. The guiding practice is to operate only with proper authorization, ensure actions are supported by probable cause and agency policy, and execute with safety as a priority. Authorization provides the legal footing to observe and collect information without infringing rights. Probable cause gives a reasonable basis for the surveillance, grounding the operation in legitimate investigative needs and helping its legitimacy withstand scrutiny. Following policy keeps procedures standardized, protects against abuse, and ensures accountability. Keeping safety at the forefront protects officers, subjects, and the public, reduces unnecessary risk, and preserves the integrity of the evidence and the investigation. Resting on night-only timing or acting without authorization, or rushing at the expense of safety, introduces legal and safety risks and can undermine the investigation.