Question 1

What do you teach?

Accepted Answer

The best surveillance training available to law enforcement and credentialed security professionals — the ideas, theories, and practical craft of modern surveillance: vehicle and foot follows, equipment, counter-surveillance, case law, and courtroom-ready documentation.

Question 2

How do you teach it?

Accepted Answer

A deliberate blend: classroom doctrine with the most current language, case law, and technique — then the majority of the course spent practicing it in the field, in vehicles, on real streets. Three full days of hands-on training — 30 hours, about 45% classroom and 55% practical.

Question 3

Why "Surveillance 101"?

Accepted Answer

Don't let the number fool you — this is a foundational course, not a basic one. It's where we encourage every student to begin their surveillance journey, whatever stage of your career you're in. We promise: you will not be bored in Surveillance 101.

Question 4

What are the class hours? Will I work at night?

Accepted Answer

Days 1 and 3 run 0800–1800. Day 2 starts later and runs into the night — on purpose. Surveillance doesn't keep business hours, and neither does Day 2. Plan your evenings accordingly.

Question 5

Is the course physically demanding?

Accepted Answer

Not especially — but it's realistic. Expect long stretches in vehicles, some foot work, and full training days. If you can work a normal shift, you can do this course. Need an accommodation? There's a notes field at registration, or email us — we'll make it work.

Question 6

What do I get at the end?

Accepted Answer

A certificate documenting your 30 hours of instruction, an open line to our instructors for future questions and current information, definitely some swag — and most importantly, a foundation in basic and advanced surveillance technique that makes you a more valuable asset to your team, more dynamic in the field, and more confident in the courtroom.

Question 7

Does this count toward my in-service or continuing education hours?

Accepted Answer

Your certificate documents 30 hours of instruction, and many agencies accept it toward in-service training requirements. Approval works differently in every state, so check with your training coordinator — and if they need a course outline or documentation to approve it, email us. We're happy to help make the case.

Question 8

Who is eligible to attend?

Accepted Answer

Certified law enforcement officers — local, county, state, federal, at any point in your career — and credentialed security professionals. Bring an open mind and a willingness to learn; that's the rest of the prerequisite list.

Question 9

How do you verify eligibility?

Accepted Answer

We confirm law enforcement or professional credentials before class. Register with your agency email where possible, and bring your credentials on Day 1. Course material is restricted for a reason — the people we teach to spot surveillance shouldn't be in the room learning how we do it.

Question 10

Can I record the class or share the materials?

Accepted Answer

No. Course content is for law enforcement and credentialed professionals only — no audio or video recording, and materials aren't for redistribution. Take all the notes you want. The techniques work because the wrong people don't know them.

Question 11

What does it cost?

Accepted Answer

$395 out the door — deliberately competitive, because our goal is reaching the broadest audience of law enforcement professionals, not pricing them out. Group rates and agency hosting discounts are available. Even if you're the young officer reading this at 3am on midnights wishing we'd bring this class to your agency: contact us. We'll work out a fantastic deal.

Question 12

Can my department pay by invoice or purchase order?

Accepted Answer

Yes — we built our registration for exactly that. Choose "Register now, pay by invoice" at checkout: your seats are reserved immediately, and we send an invoice your department can pay by card, ACH, or check. PO numbers welcome. Invoices are due within 30 days or before the first day of class, whichever comes first — and if your finance office needs different terms, email us before it becomes a problem. We know how budgets work.

Question 13

Can I register multiple students at once?

Accepted Answer

Yes. One registration can include your whole team — an admin or supervisor enters each student, and it all lands on a single invoice or card payment. Every student is individually tracked on the class roster and receives their own certificate.

Question 14

Do you offer group discounts?

Accepted Answer

We do. Larger groups and hosting agencies get real discounts — email admin@surveillancetraining.com with your headcount and city before you register, and we'll set you up with a code.

Question 15

What's your cancellation and refund policy?

Accepted Answer

Life happens — especially in this job. Cancel 14 or more days before class for a full refund or a free transfer to any other date. Inside 14 days, we can't refund, but you can transfer to a future class or send a substitute in your place. Substitutions are free anytime, right up to Day 1 — just email us the new student's info. If WE ever cancel a class, you get a full refund or priority seating at the date of your choice, your call.

Question 16

What if the class I want is sold out?

Accepted Answer

Join the waitlist on the class page. Seats open more often than you'd think — department budgets shift, assignments change — and waitlisted students get first crack, in order. If demand is heavy enough in your city, that's also how we decide to add a second date.

Question 17

How early should I register?

Accepted Answer

Early. Classes cap at 20 students because that's the number that works in the field, and department group registrations can take half a class in one order. When the card says FILLING FAST, believe it.

Question 18

What gear do I need?

Accepted Answer

Access to a vehicle — preferably an unmarked city, county, state, or federal unit. Your own personal vehicle works too; don't let an obstacle stop you. Do NOT drive a marked unit to training — we'll pair you with someone who has an unmarked. Binoculars, headphones, phone chargers, and snacks are optional niceties. Full joining instructions arrive after registration.

Question 19

What should I wear?

Accepted Answer

Plain clothes that blend in — you're training to be invisible, so leave the agency polos, tactical pants, and cop haircut energy at home as much as you can manage. Comfortable layers for long hours in vehicles, and something for the weather. Day 2 runs into the night; dress for it.

Question 20

Should I come armed?

Accepted Answer

Follow your agency's policy for off-duty and training carry. This is training, not enforcement — you won't need your firearm for any exercise, and it never comes out during training activities.

Question 21

Are meals or lodging included?

Accepted Answer

No — meals are on your own, with breaks built into each day. Traveling students should book lodging near the venue; the joining instructions include the venue address and area notes so you can plan. Book early in smaller cities.

Question 22

Can our agency host a class?

Accepted Answer

Yes — and it's a great deal. Host agencies provide the classroom space and a training area, and in exchange get deeply discounted or free seats for their people. If you can get us a room and a parking lot, we can bring Surveillance 101 to your city. Email admin@surveillancetraining.com and let's talk.

Question 23

We're not on your schedule this year. How do we get you to our city?

Accepted Answer

Two ways: host us (see above), or make noise. Our schedule follows demand — waitlist signups, class alerts, and emails from your city all count. If your region shows up in our numbers, your region shows up on our calendar.

Straight Answers.

The Course

Who Can Attend

Registration & Payment

Logistics

For Agencies

Know When We're In Your City.