When is a stakeout or surveillance considered appropriate practice?

• A. Only when a suspect is in custody.
• B. Whenever desk duty allows.
• C. When authorized, aligned with probable cause and policy, and conducted with safety in mind.
• D. When it is convenient.

Answer: (C)

A stakeout or surveillance is appropriate only when it is formally authorized, grounded in probable cause or reasonable justification that aligns with agency policy, and planned with safety in mind. This means investigators have a lawful basis to conduct the observation, follow approved procedures and limits set by policy, and take steps to protect themselves and the public from risk.

This isn’t about convenience or simply doing it because a desk job is slow, and it isn’t limited to situations where a suspect is already in custody. Authorization ensures legal and procedural limits are respected; probable cause or justified suspicion provides the investigative basis; policy provides the how, how long, and what information may be collected; and safety considerations keep people protected during the operation. If any of these elements are missing, the practice would not be considered appropriate.